Blog
Is a second home in Florida a good idea?
People have lots of reasons for purchasing a second home in Florida. You might want to spend a portion of the year in a more favorable climate, or you may want to be able to accommodate friends and family on vacation. You may look at a second home as an investment...
Detailing estate tax avoidance strategies
When a person in Clearwater sits down to prepare a will, they typically do so already resigned to the fact that at least some of their assets will have to go towards paying liabilities. Even when one does all that they can to eliminate their debts before their deaths,...
Negotiating for the commercial lease you want
Commercial leases are one of the most difficult contracts to negotiate for an organization. Unlike residential laws, the protections in place favor landlords over tenants. Landlords also often use industry jargon and other confusing terms to make it more difficult for...
What does it mean for your property to escheat?
If you die without a will, the court appoints an administrator to handle your estate. Part of the administrator's responsibility is to distribute your property to your family members according to the laws of intestate succession. However, as Florida Statutes explain,...
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce
Most states in the country, including Florida, are equitable distribution states, meaning that assets acquired during marriage are considered marital property and divided equitably, or fairly, in a divorce. What many people do not realize is that marital assets...
What should I look for in a reliable and capable trustee?
The choice of a trustee is typically based on the degree of confidence you have that the individual will always prioritize your family's well-being. Your heirs may rely upon the income generated from the assets held in your family trust for many decades into the...
Remarried couples and updated estate plans
If you and your romantic partner are considering saying "I do" to each other after one or both of you have been married before, there are many different conversations you should have when discussing how to blend your lives and families. Among the topics to include in...
Why Do You Need a Will?
A will allows you to clearly and precisely communicate your wishes as to the distribution of your assets after death. If you die without a will, this is known as dying intestate, and the state will decide how to distribute your assets to beneficiaries according to...
Discussing the probate process with family members
Estate planning affects families in many ways and it is important for people to keep their loved ones in mind while creating or modifying their estate plan. Sometimes, people avoid the probate process by setting up a trust. However, many estates in the U.S. have...
What is the documentary stamp tax?
As explained by the Florida Department of Revenue, the state assesses a documentary stamp tax on documents signed or recorded to transfer real estate interests or to evidence or secure financings. While all non-exempt parties to a document are liable for this tax,...