03 June

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What are the Benefits of Owning a Life Estate?

When people think about estate planning, life insurance and wills are typically the first things that come to mind. However, there is another option that can be just as effective – a life estate. A life estate is a legal agreement in which a property owner transfers ownership of a property to another person for the duration of their lifetime. This can be a great option for those who want to avoid probate and ensure their heirs receive the property when they die. In addition, a life estate can also provide some tax benefits. What is a Life Estate? A life estate is...

27 May

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Inheritance Theft: Avoid Being a Victim

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

Inheritance theft is when someone takes money or property that they are not supposed to inherit. This can be done through fraud or deception, and it is considered to be civil theft or larceny; both serious crimes. Often, the person who commits inheritance theft will try to keep the inheritance from the rightful heir, or they will try to use the money or property for their own benefit. It can also happen when someone simply takes control of the inheritance before the rightful heir has a chance to claim it. Methods Used to Steal an Inheritance Methods used to steal an inheritance can...

20 May

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Did You Just Move to Florida? Come See Us for an Estate Plan Review

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

If you have recently relocated to the Sunshine State, or are about to do so, you may be interested in consulting an estate planning attorney. A change of residence does not immediately nullify any estate planning paperwork you have in place in another state, however, each state has some unique laws and regulations that could affect your existing estate plans if not taken into account. In the event that you have recently relocated to Florida, the estate planning experts at the SG Law Firm can examine your paperwork and advise you on the best course of action to maintain the original...

13 May

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Estate Planning for the Unmarried and Childless in Florida

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

Many individuals believe that an estate plan is necessary but only around 40% of them actually implement one. This may be for a number of reasons, including being unmarried, or having no kids. However, the concept that you don't need an estate plan because you are unmarried or don't have children should not be one of those grounds for not getting one. Why? We shall discuss that in this brief. Decide Who is in Charge of Making Decisions To ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your incapacity, it is important to create and include powers of attorney in...

06 May

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When Should You Revisit Your Estate Plan?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

Estate planning paperwork is often completed, stored in a safe or drawer, and then forgotten about. However, estate planning, like your home, vehicle, and other significant assets, requires regular upkeep. But when is the best time to review and revise your will or trust document? Estate planning agreements should be reviewed annually, but it is more realistic to do so every three to five years (independent of life events). It should be made earlier if your circumstances have changed significantly. A reexamination of your estate planning may be necessitated by the following events: 1. Changes in Family Status When there are changes in family...

29 April

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Preparing for Your Pet’s Future With a Florida Pet Trust

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

Elderly people and those with serious illnesses are often concerned about what will happen to their pets when they are no longer there to care for them. Leaving instructions and money for your pet's care might help you rest easy knowing that they will be taken care of just how you want them. If you live in Florida, you should know that it is also possible to set up a pet trust. How Can You Create a Pet Trust in Florida? The process of creating a pet trust in Florida begins with the selection of an individual to serve as the trustee. The...

22 April

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Contesting a Will: Why Does This Happen and How Can You Avoid This?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

When a will is created, the person writing it has the opportunity to designate who will inherit their property after they die. This can be a relatively straightforward process, but it is not unheard of for family members to challenge a will if they feel that they have been unfairly left out. The will creator often must have assumed that the document will be followed to the letter after their death. Maybe they indeed left some people out of their will. However, as we just mentioned, in some cases, these family members may challenge the will, claiming that it is invalid...

15 April

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Does Florida Have a Gift Tax?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

If you have an interest in making a significant gift to friends of loved ones, you may be wondering what the tax consequences of doing so may be. Giving should be easy, and it often is, it is just important to make sure that you understand the tax consequences, if any, so you can make an informed decision. When you understand how tax law works, and how financial gifts can be affected, it is even possible to develop a long-term giving strategy that maximizes the benefits and safeholds of state and federal tax laws and regulations.The good news is that...

08 April

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What is the Difference Between Estate Tax and Inheritance Tax?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning, taxation is absolutely something that needs to be considered, particularly if you have a high-asset estate. Taxation can be complicated for an estate, since there are both state and federal taxation requirements to consider, and the state taxes vary widely across the country. It can be hard to get clear on what exactly it is that you need to anticipate. For this reason, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced estate attorney. They will be familiar with the state and federal taxes and requirements and can ensure that you develop...

01 April

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What Happens After Someone Dies With a Will?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

If you have recently lost a loved one, you may be wondering what the next steps are. Estate administration is not always a straightforward process, and it is rarely quick, so it can be easy to feel like nothing is happening or like you do not know what is going on. The biggest determinant in how the estate administration process will unfold in the aftermath of a loved one’s death is whether they had a will and if it can be located. If your loved one has a will, the estate administration process can proceed in the ways specified below,...

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