New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner, Tom Benson, is currently involved in a family dispute and a series of judicial proceedings emerging from changes in his estate planning documents. After becoming displeased with the way his daughter—Renee Benson—and her two kids, Rita and Ryan, began acting upon his…
A will is supposed to represent your loved one’s final decree for the distribution of his or her estate, but what can you do if you believe that there is a possibility that the will does not accurately represent the decedent’s last wishes? Especially with high-net-worth decedents, there are sometimes…
“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…
Interest rates are currently at an all-time low, making it an imperative time to consider all the potential estate planning options that you may have. Low interest rates provide an advantageous opportunity to utilize grantor-retained annuity trusts, also known as GRATs. GRATs are an instrument used to transfer appreciating assets,…
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…
“For better or for worse.” These are the traditional words that our society associates with wedding vows, indicating that the two individuals marrying each other are making a commitment to each other in good times and in bad times. This commitment is meant to extend to all aspects of the…
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…