Showing 11–20 of 84 articles in Estate Planning
Reset filtersEstate Planning•Aug 8, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
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 and why does it matter? Probate is the court-supervised process used…
Estate Planning•May 30, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
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 representative do? A personal representative carries out multiple tasks, including: Filing the…
Estate Planning•May 20, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
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…
Estate Planning•May 9, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
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 spending habits. How a spendthrift clause works A…
Estate Planning•Mar 12, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
In estate planning, trusts and wills play a crucial role in ensuring the proper distribution of your assets. They provide a structured approach to managing and protecting your estate, offering peace of mind that your loved ones will receive their rightful inheritance. Both tools help minimize disputes and streamline the transfer of assets, making them…
Estate Planning•Jan 15, 2025•By Cynthia I. Waisman
When families discuss inheritance, the terms “heir” and “beneficiary” often come up in conversations. Many people use these words interchangeably, but they mean different things in Florida estate law. Getting these terms right makes a big difference when planning what happens to your property after you pass away. Who are your heirs? Your heirs include…
Estate Planning•Nov 14, 2024•By Cynthia I. Waisman
A trust works similarly to a safety deposit box – it can protect your assets, but you must put something inside it first. If you forget to put or transfer your valuables inside, the box is just an empty container. Funding a trust simply means transferring assets into the trust. Essentially, you give the trust…
Estate Planning•Oct 25, 2024•By Cynthia I. Waisman
When planning your estate in Florida, you have some important decisions to make. One of these is deciding who will take care of your affairs after you are gone. While most people name a single personal representative, you might consider appointing multiple individuals. This could be beneficial if you have a complex estate that needs…
Estate Planning•Sep 17, 2024•By Cynthia I. Waisman
As you plan for the future and consider how to pass on your legacy, you’re likely weighing your options for transferring property to loved ones. One tool that may have crossed your radar is a lady bird deed. In Florida, this deed can be a powerful way to ensure that your property ends up in…
Anatomical Gift Donation•Jul 25, 2024•By Cynthia I. Waisman
Many people wonder what happens to their bodies after they die. Traditional burials and cremations are more well-known, but anatomical donation offers a special way to make a lasting impact. Leaving a legacy through medical education Anatomical donation allows you to donate all or parts of your body to medical schools and research institutions. These…