Archives for: Barbara Buxton

Communication is Key to Florida Estate Plans

Do your kids know where your will is?

It is a scene that Florida attorneys see played out too many times in their local offices. Parents often leave their adult children without any idea about their final wishes, even neglecting to tell them where to find their estate planning documents. The implications of that failure are staggering, as relatives can be subjected to serious stress because of failed communication. In one case, an attorney tells the story of a man who failed to adequately plan, leaving his sister as the sole executor of his estate without any direction. The man died at age 60; after his passing, his sister was forced to spend months digging [..]

Florida Residents Escape Income, Estate Tax Burdens

If you are a Florida resident working on your estate plan, you are probably already aware that careful maneuvering may be required to avoid a massive tax burden for your heirs. It is important to remember that state and federal tax differ not only based on how much you own, but it also relates to where you live. With that in mind, the experts at financial magazines have compiled a list of states where dying is radically more expensive than in other locations. Estate planners should remember that 19 states impose independent estate taxes on their residents. Even those who live in states without these taxes in place should tread with caution, as many of [..]

Avoiding Common Estate Missteps

Many Florida residents may have put off estate planning because they find it intimidating or overwhelming. Although crafting an estate plan can be a rather dry activity, it is absolutely essential for those who anticipate leaving assets to loved ones or other parties. Probate attorneys throughout the state have seen scores of individuals make serious mistakes with their estate plans; you do not have to be one of them. Today, we will discuss common misconceptions and errors that occur within estate plans, providing you with the information you need to craft the best document for your situation.

Some Floridians think they are too young to need an estate plan. That can be a huge mistake. [..]