September 21, 2011

Am I Responsible For The Debts Of A Deceased Family Member?

After the loss of a loved one, many people want to know if they are responsible for the debts incurred by a deceased family member.  For […]
September 20, 2011

Understanding “Inside” And “Outside” Asset Protection

Oftentimes, when proposing an asset protection strategy to a potential client, the concept of “inside” and “outside” liability protection comes up.  The purpose of this blog […]
September 19, 2011

New Florida Power Of Attorney Law Begins October 1

In an attempt to achieve greater consistency among the states by conforming Florida’s power of attorney law to the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, the Florida […]
September 8, 2011

Protection Of Annuities In Florida

Under Florida Statute § 222.14, the proceeds of an annuity contract issued to a Florida resident are not subject to attachment, garnishment or other legal process […]
August 12, 2011

Another Use For The Revocable Living Trust – Avoid “Living Probate”

Many of us are familiar with the high price of going through the probate process after the loss of a loved one.  Court costs, attorney’s fees, […]
July 23, 2011

I Just Need To Take A Closer Look…

What do you think of when you look at this picture?  Here we have a 40 year old man taking a close look at the blades […]
July 15, 2011

Florida Documentary Stamp Tax And Conveyances Of Real Property To A Revocable Living Trust

As estate planning attorneys, one of the recurring issues we encounter is a lack of knowledge regarding Florida documentary stamp tax and its effect on the conveyance […]
June 21, 2011

Florida Pet Trust

If you are like me, your pet is part of your family. We rescued an English bulldog a few years ago and she has become very […]
June 16, 2011

When Should A Trust Be The Beneficiary Of A Qualified Retirement Account?

The revocable living trust is an increasingly popular tool in the estate planning attorney’s portfolio.  These trusts are useful for avoiding the cost and hassle of probate, as well as […]
June 1, 2011

Florida Law Update: Governor Scott Approves Extension of Creditor Protection to Inherited IRAs

On May 31 2011, House Bill 469 was approved by Governor Rick Scott. House Bill 469 codifies the Florida Legislature’s efforts to statutorily protect inherited IRAs […]
May 26, 2011

6 Years Later – The Terri Schiavo Case Still Serves to Highlight the Need for a Living Will

In Florida, the memory of Terri Schiavo remains a poignant lesson about the need for a living will. On February 25, 1990, Terri collapsed in a hallway […]
May 19, 2011

Understanding and Planning For Involuntary Bankruptcy

Many of the creditor protections that Florida residents appreciate are significantly reduced or eliminated in the event of bankruptcy. This is because the powers of the bankruptcy trustee […]