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…
Articles Posted in elder law
Special 2020 Asset Protection Checklist
by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq. The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed the world as we know it and presented daunting challenges we have not encountered in our life time. It requires a total review of your estate plan and business entities to assure you are taking full advantage of Florida laws…
Stimulus Checks Update: How Much? When?
How Much? Here is an updated calculator from Turbotax: Stimulus Check Calculator When Will Checks Arrive? If you signed up for direct deposit on either your 2018 or 2019 tax return, the IRS reportedly will start issuing electronic deposits on April 9 and they should show up in your bank…
Successor Trustee Duties
12 Point Summary of Florida Successor Trustee Duties Note: Trust administration requires strict compliance with the trust terms and often analysis of complex tax requirements. A trustee is a fiduciary and is held to a high standard of care under Florida law. If you are a successor trustee, we can…
What is a Durable Power of Attorney- And Why Is It So Important?
By: Jacqueline R. Bowden and Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Estate Planning Attorneys A power of attorney is a legal instrument you may give to a trusted family member or friend (commonly called your attorney-in-fact or agent) to manage your financial affairs and act on your behalf. The person creating the…
What Is A Living Trust- And What Are the Benefits?
Within the past 10 years, the Living Trust has replaced the Will as the best way to care for you and your loved ones because it can avoid the fees, cost, and stress of court intervention in the event of mental incapacity or death. Properly funded, a living trust can…
11 Point Estate Planning Checklist for 2010
______ #1. Trust Funding. After we signed your trust, we reviewed the funding of your trust and I gave you detailed Funding Notes. Have you followed up on these instructions? Funding is simply the transfer of your assets into your trust. It is a good idea to annually review the…