As your parent gets older, you might wonder if your loved one may need to move to a smaller living arrangement. Even if your parent is still in good health, sometimes there are sound reasons for an older person to move to a smaller residence. To consider the long-term...
Protecting
Your Legacy
Florida Legal Blog
L. Bruce Swiren, P.A.
Examining the advantages of special needs trusts
If you want to set up a special needs trust for your disabled loved one, or create such a trust for yourself as someone with a disability, you should review the ins and outs of this type of estate plan closely. In addition to going over different requirements and...
Understanding probate in Florida
Probate is a court process administering the distribution of assets belonging to someone who recently passed away. Anything the decedent owned at the time of their death belongs to their estate until the probate process concludes. What property goes through probate?...
How can I prepare my estate for summary administration?
It is natural to worry about providing for your family after you die. Even if your estate does not contain a lot of wealth, it still can help your loved ones and give them some closure. The good news is that Florida allows for quicker ways to carry out probate, such...
Steps to take if your tenant refuses to pay rent
As a property owner in Florida, you might face the challenging situation of a tenant refusing to pay rent. The stress of this predicament can cause concern, but knowing the appropriate steps to take can provide a roadmap for resolution. Your actions can facilitate a...
What does elder abuse look like?
Deciding to move your family member to a nursing care facility is often preceded by time and thought. You wish to rely on the facility of your choosing to provide reliable, compassionate care. Concerns of elder abuse could create ongoing stress and leave you feeling...
Recognizing the right time to abandon a home purchase
Buying a home is a significant financial decision that requires careful thought and planning. However, there might be circumstances when walking away from a potential purchase is the best choice. Knowing when to abandon a home purchase can save you from long-term...
What does a funeral trust do?
Paying for a funeral can require some financial acrobatics. When you include the service, embalming, burial plot and other funeral-related expenses, your family might be on the hook for substantially more. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a casket alone can...
Tips for appointing the right trustees for your trust
Establishing a trust helps reduce the risk of probate issues with your estate and your asset distribution after your death. Assets placed in a trust are not subject to probate because they belong to the trust, not your estate. The key to a successful trust...
When should you update your will?
When you created your estate plan, you likely included a last will and testament in these plans. This document provided an opportunity for you to name an executor for your estate and to list a guardian for any minor children you have. According to the American Bar...