Articles Posted in Probate

By Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Broward Estate Planning Attorney When planning your estate in Florida, you may have heard about Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds) and Revocable Living Trusts as tools to transfer property while avoiding probate. But which is the better option for your situation? This guide will compare both, explaining their benefits, drawbacks, and key…

What is the Best Probate Option for Me in Florida? By Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Broward Probate Attorney – Navigating the probate process can be daunting, especially during an emotionally challenging time. Florida law provides several probate options tailored to the complexity of the estate, the size of the assets, and the circumstances of the…

Understanding Spousal Rights Under Florida Probate Law: What You Need to Know By Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Weston Probate Attorney Florida probate law provides specific protections for legally recognized spouses upon the death of their partner. However, it’s important to note that Florida does not recognize common law marriage, meaning individuals who have lived together…

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 the types of wills…

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 is painful is that the…

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 you after the funeral or memorial…

12 Point Wealth Protection Checklist For 2024 By: Phil Rarick & Jacqueline Bowden Gold, Estate & Business Law Attorneys Note: Rarick & Bowden Gold’s mission is helping all families protect their hard-earned wealth regardless of size – we provide basic estate planning for families with modest savings and advanced planning for those with substantial wealth.…

by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq. We have been helping small business owners survive and thrive – in good times and bad – for over 25 years. Here is how we may be able to help you in this current challenging business environment. 1. Contract Review and Force Majeure. A Force Majeure clause is a standard…

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 designed to protect your family…

Select link below to view PDF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM DON LEWIS TO CAROLE BASKIN dated November 21, 1996