Probate vs. Trust Administration: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

When a loved one passes, their estate can go through probate or trust administration. These distinct processes depend on how the decedent structures their assets. Probate is a legal process that administers and distributes an estate according to the decedent’s will or, if the person died without a will, according to Florida’s intestacy laws.

Trust administration […]

Why Every Adult Needs a Will: A Guide to Protecting Your Wishes

A favorite relative has always told you you would receive a coveted item when she passed. The item has a lot of sentimental value to you and has been in your family for generations. You know that your siblings and cousins do not have any sentimental value attached to the item. Your loved one dies, […]

Maximizing Tax Deductions for Charitable Giving

Giving to charity not only benefits the charities but can also benefit the donor because of valuable tax incentives. To fully maximize the tax deductions, you – or your tax planning attorney – must understand the intricacies and strategies of charitable giving and tax law and how they apply to your unique financial situation. The […]

Business Succession Planning: Preserving Your Company for Future Generations

Many people start businesses and may even keep them for many years. Some even own a business for generations, handing it down from generation to generation. These businesses often become legacies. Preserving your company for future generations requires adaptability, strategic planning, financial success, and a commitment to the business’s values. Decisions you make today can […]

Understanding the New Tax Laws: What You Need to Know for the Upcoming Year

Each year sees changes to the tax code. Those changes usually affect nearly everyone. In 2023, tax changes in the Inflation Reduction Act came into effect, including an increase in per-barrel oil taxes and changes to the standard deduction and Alternative Minimum Tax Rate. Keeping up with the tax changes ensures you file your taxes […]

Year-Round Tax Planning: Making Smart Financial Decisions for Optimal Tax Outcomes

 

The saying “The only things certain in life are death and taxes” holds true, but individuals can exercise control over their financial destinies by adopting smart financial decisions for optimal tax outcomes. Year-round tax planning offers a proactive approach, allowing individuals to make informed choices that can lead to significant savings during tax season. Seeking […]

Estate Tax Planning: Utilizing Trusts to Minimize Tax Burden on Your Heirs

When you want to pass your assets to heirs, having an estate plan is critical; otherwise, your assets will go through probate. This could result in outcomes that you never wished for your heirs. Someone you may want to cut out of your will could receive your assets or your heirs could take on a […]

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trust

Estate planning is complex as there are many choices to make sure your loved ones receive your assets. One of those choices is whether to use a trust and, if so, which one is best for your circumstances. This is where an experienced estate planning attorney comes in – after listening and studying your circumstances, […]

Choosing the Right Executor for Your Will

Choosing the right executor to carry out your will is just as important as the will itself. This is because while a will is a legal statement of how you intend your assets to be distributed after your passing, an executor ensures that your wishes are carried out as spelled out in your will. The […]

Tax Planning for Small Business

Running a small business comes with a lot of unique challenges, not the least of which is managing your finances. If you can’t determine how much money is coming in or going out, it’s almost impossible to know whether you’re succeeding or not.

One area where many small business owners flounder is taxes. Even if you’re […]