09 September

Sticky

Protect Your Wealth With a Spendthrift Trust in Florida

When it comes to protecting your wealth, a spendthrift trust may be the perfect solution. Spendthrift trusts are named after the principle that if an heir is bequeathed too much money, they may mishandle it and quickly lose it all. If you are worried about your loved ones wasting their inheritance, consider setting up a spendthrift trust. A spendthrift trust is a type of trust that allows you to control how your money is spent, even after you pass away. Spendthrift trusts can help protect your assets by setting up guidelines for how the trust's funds can be used. These guidelines may...

02 September

0 Comments

Sticky

How to Keep Your Loved Ones From Going Through Probate in Florida

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

Probate is the legal process by which a person's estate is distributed after they die. Many people are unaware of this legal process in Florida. Others that are aware may not know that probate can be extremely difficult on the family members of the deceased. The following are some tips to help keep your loved ones from going through probate. What You Can Do to Keep Your Loved Ones From Going Through Probate in Florida 1. Create a Living Trust When you create a living trust, you can protect your loved ones from going through probate. You can also choose to have the trust...

03 June

0 Comments

Sticky

What are the Benefits of Owning a Life Estate?

Posted by Sgfirmlaw

in Estate Planning

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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...

Estate Planning

Quick contact