When you encounter a death within the family, handling their estate can cause much stress, especially if they own properties in different states. In this case, you would need to deal with two probate processes: regular and ancillary. Knowing the difference between...
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Year: 2024
2025 estate tax changes: How to plan ahead
As 2024 comes to an end, a significant change is on the horizon for estate planning. The Federal Estate Tax Exemption, provided under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is set to expire on December 31, 2025. This change will have significant implications for individuals...
5 estate planning strategies to reduce probate expenses in Florida
Are you worried about the costs of probate eating into your loved ones' inheritance? You are not alone. Many Floridians are seeking ways to minimize probate expenses. Here are five essential strategies to help you save money and streamline the process. Create a living...
Prepare yourself for creditor claims in probate
Dealing with the passing of someone you love can overwhelm you and stress you out, especially when you need to manage their estate as well. Amidst the grief, creditor claims against the estate may confront you. As an executor or personal representative, you need to...
How can executors manage charitable gifts in probate?
Grief from losing a loved one is overwhelming, and the added task of settling their estate can further complicate an already difficult period. In Stuart, where community spirit often translates into charitable giving, several executors handle philanthropic gifts...
How much will probate cost you in Florida?
Probate fees vary depending on the estate’s value or size. The type of assets included may also affect the overall costs. The Florida probate process can cost a few hundred dollars for modest estates or those worth under $75,000. If you are leaving behind a sizeable...
What the TCJA sunset means for high-net-worth families
As the clock ticks down on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), high-net-worth families in Florida face a looming deadline that could drastically impact their financial futures. For years, the TCJA has provided a sense of security and predictability for those with...
How joint ownership can help avoid probate in Florida
Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, but there are strategies that can help you avoid this. Joint ownership can be a simple and effective way to transfer specific assets outside of probate. But how does it work? Bypass probate with ease: Joint tenancy with...
Estate planning for blended families
On average, around 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. In Florida, divorce rates hover around 3.1 per 1,000 people. As a result, many families in the country, including Florida, have blended families. Blended families or stepfamilies are...
How Florida’s homestead exemption affects probate proceedings
If you own property in Florida, understanding how the homestead exemption influences probate proceedings is key. This law offers significant protections and benefits to homeowners, but it also impacts how your loved ones handle your property after you pass away....