HOW THE NEW TAX BILL MAY AFFECT DIVORCES In one of our previous posts we informed about the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) and the major changes it brings, including the various adjustments in tax deductions. This article focuses on deductions applicable to alimony, as the new system…
Articles Posted in Estate Administration
A Will seems simple, but when executed, it can be a rocky road
How to comply with formal requirements of Will execution Florida law places great emphasis on compliance with its statutes regarding execution of wills. This is to assure the authenticity of such an important document profoundly affecting many lives, and prevent fraud and imposition in its execution. The statutory provisions, which…
Ademption, knowing what is not part of your estate
When devises are actually not part of the estate Many unexpected things can happen in the period between the execution of a will and the actual death. For example, a decedent may devise the family house in Key West to her granddaughter. Several years after executing the will, the decedent…
Legal Capacity
Legal Capacity and Estate Planning- How to Help Safeguard a Will from Future Litigation When a loved one grows older, their caretakers’ ever growing to-do list can be overwhelming. After dealing with the basic, everyday needs of an aging family member, it may sometimes be easy to overlook the fact…
Will Florida raise the Homestead Exemption in 2018, a reader’s guide before you vote.
Expanding Florida’s Homestead Exemption Florida voters will have an important decision to make for the 2018 election—whether to raise the Florida homestead exemption. At first glance, the legislation offers a substantial property tax break for homeowners; however, if approved, the homestead exemption bill may cost counties and cities enormous revenue.…
Incapacity and marriage, the role of guardianship court
Do incapacitated wards need prior court approval to marry? Subsequent ratification is enough Already in 1888, the United States Supreme Court first recognized the right to marry as one of the fundamental rights of all individuals. Describing marriage as “the most important relationship in life,” the Court went on upholding…
If you cannot make your own healthcare decisions and have no estate plan, see the list below, as Florida will direct you
Priority of Medical Decision-Makers when Incapacitated Throughout life, many unexpected things can happen. Have you ever wondered who will get to make difficult medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to? The Florida Legislature has, in § 765.401 Fla. Stat. (1992), made a list in order…
Recent Florida Supreme Court case law update – Hess v. Patrick
Great news for Creditors! Up to 20 years to enforce a domesticated foreign judgment Over 30 years ago, Florida enacted the Florida Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (FEFJA) providing a simplified procedure for domesticating foreign judgments. In other words, FEFJA allows a judgment from any other US state or the…
May 2017 District Court of Appeals decision impacts Alimony creditors – a blend of family law and estate planning law
4th DCA Recognizes Homestead Exception for Alimony Creditors The Florida Constitution provides powerful homestead protection against creditors. Generally, only three types of super-creditors can breach this protection – (1) government entities with a tax lien or assessment on the property; (2) banks or other lenders with a mortgage originating from…
Prince, George Michael and Carrie Fisher; Estate Planning 101, what are we learning?
MORE MONEY, MORE PROBLEMS? 6 DO’S AND DONT’S OF ESTATE PLANNING AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY At the end of last year it seemed as if every day there was a new report of a celebrity dying unexpectedly. As fans around the world mourned the death of some of Hollywood’s most iconic…