Miami estate planning attorney

Does a Florida Land Trust Provide Asset Protection?

Published on: February 27, 2025 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

Does a Florida Land Trust Provide Asset Protection?

By Phil Rarick, Weston Trust Attorney, and Jasmine Benitez, Legal Assistant

Many real estate investors wrongly believe that a Florida Land Trust can offer asset protection. While this type of trust is known for providing privacy and simplifying estate planning, they do not provide comprehensive protection from creditors or legal claims. A better option is often a multi-member Florida limited liability company with a strong operating agreement that takes advantage of Florida’s anti-Olmstead law.

What is a Family Trust?

Published on: January 9, 2025 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

What is a Family Trust?

By Phil Rarick, Weston Trust Attorney

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The Importance of Your Adult Child Naming a Healthcare Surrogate and Power of Attorney

Published on: September 26, 2024 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

The Importance of Your Adult Child Naming a Healthcare Surrogate and Power of Attorney

By: Jacquel ine R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney

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Is a Handwritten Will Valid Under Florida Law?

Published on: September 19, 2024 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

Is a Handwritten Will Valid Under Florida Law?

By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Lakes Estate Planning Attorney

handwritten will
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 and required formalities is essential in Florida. One type is a “holographic will,” which is not recognized as valid under Florida law. Let’s explore what a holographic will is, why it’s not valid in Florida, and why a holographic will created in another state may still be problematic if you move to or have assets in Florida.

Keeping Peace in The Family: 5 Common Pitfalls

Published on: September 12, 2024 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

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 family was functioning quite well before the passing of their family member. Here are five common pitfalls to avoid:

Celebrities Who Died Without a Last Will

Published on: September 5, 2024 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

Celebrities Who Died Without a Last Will

The Importance of Estate Planning

By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Estate Planning Attorney

The Paycheck Protection Fund Is Dry – But Don’t Give Up!

Published on: April 20, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq.

Here is the good news/bad news I received from my bank today regarding my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application: The good news: your application has been approved; the bad: the SBA is out of money and you must wait for Congress to refund the program!

Although I have heard of a few small businesses that have received funding I am guessing that most persons reading this letter have encountered similar frustrations. Note: if you have received funding, please so reply.

Special 2020 Asset Protection Checklist

Published on: April 20, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

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 and business.

The hard new reality: What plan was best for you prior to 2020 may not be what is best for you today

5 Quick Tips On Maxing Out Loan Forgiveness

Published on: April 17, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: attorney Phillip B. Rarick

You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else. – Winston Churchill.

Millions of small business owners and self-employed have filed for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program because part or all of the loan can be forgiven if you retain your employees and maintain their salary levels.

Florida Treasure Hunt: Check It Now! Florida Unclaimed Property Law

Published on: December 21, 2019 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Asset Protection Attorney

If you have never checked Florida’s website for lost accounts and abandoned property you should do so – immediately. You may be pleasantly surprised!

You may think that it is not possible that you have any “unclaimed” property held by the State of Florida – and you could be wrong.