Although it is probably too late to make changes that will affect the coming tax season, it is not too late for Floridians to take stock of personal finance and estate planning basics. The amount at which the estate and gift tax kicks in did not rise as anticipated...
Year: 2013
Email accounts can cause difficulties for heirs
Today's Florida residents who are thinking about estate planning may overlook one important thing: the Internet. Anyone who has an online presence -- email accounts, web pages or social networking accounts -- should think about what heirs will be dealing with if they...
Estate planning an important next step after divorce
When a divorce is finalized, the last thing many individuals want to do is deal with more financial and legal issues. However, Florida residents going through a divorce shouldn't close their files as soon as the process is complete. There can be estate planning...
How an estate plan can provide for a troubled family member
Florida residents with a troubled family member may be unsure of how to work out the details of their estate plan. For instance, if a child or grandchild has a drug addiction, it may not be in their best interest to leave them with a large inheritance. Likewise,...
How to pursue an inheritance from an estranged relative
Florida residents who are estranged from their family may be interested if a deceased relative left them an inheritance. While an estrangement from a family member like a parent or sibling can happen for any number of reasons, the estrangement doesn't necessarily mean...
Estate planning isn’t just about writing wills
Some Florida residents may think that estate planning is only about drafting a will or creating a trust to help dispose of any assets left when a person dies. However, there is a lot more to estate planning. A recent tragic incident helps illustrate why it is...
Estate planning: providing for future generations
Many people want to provide for their loved ones after they die. Financial planners suggest devising estate planning strategies that will allow people to control how their assets will be distributed after they pass away, and Florida residents may wish to take notice...
Who to include in estate planning discussions
People in Florida and elsewhere who are beginning to consider how their assets should be passed along after they die often wonder who to share their thoughts with. Some people may embrace in-laws and others may only wish include children and grandchildren in their...
Estate plans to protect loved ones
Florida residents who do not want to rely on the rules of intestacy may decide to complete a comprehensive estate plan. Wills help individuals determine to whom to leave their material possessions. Without them, the decedent's assets will be distributed in accordance...
Downside of windfalls
If someone in Orlando hears they are coming into an unexpected windfall in the form of a substantial inheritance, it may present a significant shock to that individual. An unexpected surprise of this nature may negatively affect someone. However, by planning...