In estate planning, there is a surprisingly common misstep that can have costly consequences for some families. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted this error: the failure to file an estate tax return upon the death of the first…
Though you are likely in good health now and can handle your own financial transactions and health care decisions, there is always a chance you could lose that ability. It could happen suddenly, as with a car accident, or gradually,…
Many Americans are worried they won’t have enough money saved to retire, and a cohort of the oldest workers is proving this concern to be legitimate. Nearly half a million Americans over the age of 80 are still working, while…
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps a person can take to provide for their loved ones and ensure their wishes are carried out. But drafting a will, trust, or related documents is not a “one-and-done”…
When Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023 after a 2022 diagnosis of aphasia, his family faced the need to reassess how to best care for him. This past August, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, revealed that…
Would you be more inclined to give to charity if you could turn your assets into steady income, avoid an immediate tax bill, and leave a legacy for a worthy cause? A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can do exactly that.…
The World Loses a Fitness Icon When Richard Simmons passed away in July 2024, the world lost an entertainer who made exercise fun for millions. His Sweatin’ to the Oldies workouts and larger-than-life personality brought joy to countless living rooms.…
The Passage of the OBBBA On July 4, flanked by cheering supporters and with military jets soaring overhead, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The signing ceremony, part of the Independence Day festivities…
A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important documents in a Florida estate plan. It gives someone—the agent or attorney-in-fact—the legal authority to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters if you cannot do so…
Many people put off estate planning because it feels uncomfortable or unnecessary. Unfortunately, in Florida, if you die without a valid will or trust, state law—not your family—decides who inherits your property. This process is called intestate succession, and it…