In some cases, people who have drafted estate plans will split everything they own as equally as possible. But in other cases, they will decide that they want to use unequal bequests. A parent with two adult children may not necessarily leave them each 50% of their...
Estate Planning
Why might discussing your advance health care directive be wise?
An advance health care directive allows you to specify treatment you do or don’t want in the event of a medical emergency. It also allows you to appoint a medical power of attorney to make any decisions you have not covered. It can be reassuring to know you have this...
Funding a trust for the benefit of minor children
Parents who worry about leaving their children behind when they die can prepare in advance. They can create estate plans that name guardians to protect their children. They can also protect their children by naming them as beneficiaries in wills or trust documents....
The importance of an estate plan
It is crucial to understand why estate planning is important. Many people put off making a plan because they do not know how it will help them or their family, so digging into this can help demonstrate why it is something that people should look into and why they need...
How a Lady Bird deed protects your home from Medicaid recovery
If you're considering Medicaid and want to protect your home from recovery after you pass away, a Lady Bird deed may be a helpful tool. This legal document allows homeowners to transfer property to beneficiaries while still retaining full control during their...
Can a will avoid probate in Florida?
In Florida, a will alone cannot avoid probate. However, there are specific ways to reduce or bypass the probate process. While having a will ensures that your wishes are followed, it does not automatically prevent the estate from going through probate. What is probate...
Who should you choose as your personal representative?
When creating your will, one of the most important components will be naming a personal representative. This person will handle your affairs according to your final wishes. How do you determine who will be best for this important responsibility? What does a personal...
Can Tampa homeowners use a Lady Bird Deed to skip probate?
If you own property in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, you might be thinking about how to make things easier for your loved ones after you are gone. It is not an easy topic to face, but it is important to have a plan. One way to do that is by avoiding probate, which can...
What is a spendthrift clause?
A spendthrift clause can help protect the assets in a trust. If you're setting up a trust for someone who might not manage money well or has financial issues, this clause can make a big difference. It adds a layer of protection against debt collectors and poor...
What’s the difference between a living will and a last will?
Most people don’t enjoy thinking about wills day to day, but when it comes down to it, a will can help to provide peace and clarity for your family. However, planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to confusing legal documents. Two of...
