“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin may not have been referencing estate planning when he made that statement, but aptly applies to creating estate planning documents. There are many individuals who have incorrectly assumed that estate planning is only for elderly individuals with a lot…
A well thought out and thorough estate plan is one of the best things you can leave behind for your loved ones. Like all others, high net worth individuals should take the process seriously to ensure that their wishes are honored, and their assets are dealt with properly after their…
As was recently decided by the United States Supreme Court, same-sex couples can legally wed in every state in the country. Not only will same-sex couples be able to marry in any state of their choosing, but they are also now afforded the same rights and benefits that have traditionally…
Earlier this year, Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage, which was undoubtedly a monumental event for many South Florida residents. Up until then, gay and lesbian couples who wanted the benefit of marriage, but were legally unable to tie the knot, had very few options when considering…
In the United States, about 40 to 50 percent of marriages end up in divorce. It is, therefore, no secret that many people are entering second marriages. As a result, people need to be aware of the estate planning consequences associated with getting remarried. Not only will you have assets…
Florida law on the execution of wills makes it clear that not all wills are created equal. One of the most important things to know when drafting your will is the law governing the validity of that document. In Florida, if a will does not meet certain required formalities, then…
The number of blended families in America is increasing and with it, so is the need for competent estate planning. As the modern blended family replaces the “traditional” family, tension arises from traditional intestacy laws. Florida residents need to understand the implications these laws have on their family structure and…
You take the time to create an estate plan with the hopes that upon passing, your assets are distributed as you had indicated in your estate plan. Unfortunately, not all estate plans are created equal and consequently, a poorly created estate plan could become more contrary to your intended wishes…
We live in a social media age where almost anything we do can be posted online for others to view. We share personal information ranging from vacation photos to our thoughts and opinions on this year’s Oscar winners. Facebook pages have become the diaries of our lives. Facebook and personal…
Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives one person the authority to act on behalf of another as that person’s “agent.” The person who grants the Power of Attorney is known as the “Principal,” and can make this authority as broad or as narrow as he or she…