The 65-Day Rule: One of the Most Powerful Trust Tax Strategies
With tax day upon us, I thought it When it comes to trust administration, timing can determine who ultimately pays the tax. The “65-Day Rule” gives trustees a limited opportunity after year-end to make strategic decisions that can significantly reduce tax liability. What Is the 65-Day Rule? The 65-Day Rule allows a trust or estate […]
Getting Your Digital Ducks in a Row
Let’s be honest — estate planning isn’t exactly how most people want to spend a Sunday afternoon. But here’s the thing: getting organized now means making things so much easier later — for you and for the people you love. At its heart, estate planning is about taking care of yourself and your people. It’s […]
Suicide Prevention & Workplace Safety… What do they have in common?
For those of you who follow me on social media, you may have witnessed a rather emotional video I posted a few weeks ago. (If you haven’t seen it, click HERE) I had just finished a hearing where I represented a mother and father trying to get guardianship over their son on an emergency basis […]
Guardianship or Power of Attorney: Which One Do You Really Need?
When it comes to planning for incapacity or helping a loved one manage their affairs, people often confuse Power of Attorney (POA) with Guardianship. Both serve the purpose of allowing someone else to make decisions on behalf of another, but the differences are significant—and choosing the wrong path can lead to court intervention, family conflict, and costly litigation. […]
Business Owners… Are you making these mistakes?
I was recently interviewed by the South Florida Women’s Chamber of Commerce and we briefly touched upon planning for business owners. I’ve had many clients over the last 15 years of my practice that, among their personal assets, own 1 or more businesses. Many clients don’t realize that you ALSO have to plan for your […]
I Signed My Trust… Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve taken a huge step in securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones by getting your trust done. But before you pat yourself on the back and tuck that binder away for safekeeping (I know… I’m sorry), there are a few more things you have to check off your list before I can […]
Understanding Elective Share in Florida: What You Need to Know
As a probate attorney, I frequently meet spouses who are surprised to learn that the provisions left for them in their deceased spouse’s will are not as ironclad as they might seem (or as he or she “promised” during their lifetime…eek). In Florida, if a surviving spouse feels that the amount left to them in […]
The Public Nature of Probate: Why Most of Your Estate’s Information is Public Record
As a probate attorney, one of the most frequent questions I receive is: “How much of my personal business will be made public in probate?” It’s a valid concern, and many people are surprised to learn that probate cases are, by default, part of the public record. This means that the details of your estate […]
Florida Powers of Attorney – Superpowers
Granting an agent authority with a durable power of attorney can be a useful tool for the elderly or for anyone who suffers from incapacitation. The agent is permitted to act on behalf of the person when they are unable to do so themselves. Common grants of authority include paying bills and signing documents. But […]
Does being named as Personal Representative in a Will avoid Probate?
Many people come to us and say “But I was designated as Personal Representative in the Will so we don’t need to open a probate case, right?” Unfortunately, the answer is “No.” Being named as a Personal Representative (also known as an executor or administrator) in a will does not avoid probate. A Will […]