3 CREATIVE WAYS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS CAN USE TRUSTS By: Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Trust Attorney, and Maria C. Gonzalez, B.C.C., Family Law Attorney The following note is a brief review of three popular trusts that can help ensure compliance with future financial obligations set forth in a Pre-Nuptial…
The Importance of Your Adult Child Naming a Healthcare Surrogate and Power of Attorney By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney – When a child turns 18, they reach the legal age of majority. While they may still be living at home and supported by you, your child is…
Is a Handwritten Will Valid Under Florida Law? By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Lakes Estate Planning Attorney When planning for the future, a crucial step is ensuring that your wishes are respected after your death. This often involves creating a will. However, not all wills are created equal, and understanding…
Keeping Peace in The Family: 5 Common Pitfalls By Attorney Phil Rarick, Weston Estate Planning Attorney As an estate planning attorney, I sometimes witness stressful family fights that break out upon the death of a father or mother or husband and wife. On some occasions, it’s outright family warfare! What…
Celebrities Who Died Without a Last Will The Importance of Estate Planning By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney When we think of celebrities, we often envision lives of glamour, wealth, and success. However, many high-profile individuals have passed away without taking a crucial step that could have spared…
Incorporating Cryptocurrency into Your Estate Plan By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold As cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity, it has become an increasingly important asset class for investors. However, many people overlook the complexities involved in incorporating digital assets into their estate plans. Unlike traditional assets, cryptocurrency presents unique challenges…
By Phil Rarick, Miami Trust Attorney Naming a minor child as a beneficiary of a will, life insurance policy, IRA, 401K, bank account or any other source of fund is almost always a substantial mistake for four reasons: If the funds are over $15,000 a guardian ad litem may need to…
A Crucial Tool for Estate Planning By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney Step-up in basis is a tax provision in the United States that can significantly benefit those who inherit assets. By resetting the value of an inherited asset to its fair market value at the time…
By Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney Many people are concerned about their family avoiding probate upon their passing, but how can you avoid guardianship proceedings? As people age, the risk of cognitive decline and physical disabilities can sometimes necessitate guardianship, where a court appoints someone to make…
Florida Successor Trustee Checklist By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Trust Attorney You are named the successor trustee and the trustmaker has just died. No doubt these are difficult times, but thankfully there are many resources to help. The following is a checklist of initial important tasks to help guide…