Using Trusts in Estate Planning for Control and Tax Benefits
By Spiro Verras
A trust can help you decide how property will be managed and when your beneficiaries will receive it. Some trusts also serve specific tax-planning purposes. The benefits depend on the trust’s terms, the property involved and the way the plan is carried out; creating...
Social Security Survivor Benefits and Your Florida Estate Plan
By Spiro Verras
Social Security can be an important part of a family's financial planning, including the support available after a death. It is helpful to consider those benefits alongside savings, insurance and the estate plan, while recognizing that federal eligibility rules determine who may receive them.
Benefits...
Digital Estate Planning – Assigning Online Access To Accounts
By Spiro Verras
Digital estate planning is a crucial aspect of modern estate planning that addresses the management and transfer of digital assets upon a person’s death or incapacitation. Digital assets include many online accounts and digital files, such as social media profiles, emails, digital photos,...
How To Properly Plan for Your Parents’ Long-Term Care Needs
By Spiro Verras
Planning for a parent’s future care can feel overwhelming, especially when a change in health brings new questions. Starting the conversation early gives your parents more opportunity to express their preferences and helps the family prepare. In Florida, thoughtful long-term care planning brings...
New Year, New Beginnings – Starting Your Estate Planning Journey
By Spiro Verras
A new year can be a welcome opportunity to put important plans in place. Estate planning helps you decide who should act for you, how loved ones should be supported and how property should pass. Starting with a few clear priorities can make the...
Changes You Should Make To Your Estate Plan After Divorce
By Spiro Verras
Divorce is a good reason to review your estate plan, and some decisions deserve attention as soon as a case begins. Florida law can change the effect of provisions involving a spouse or former spouse, but the rules differ among wills, trusts, beneficiary designations...
Why The Holidays Could Be A Good Time To Discuss Estate Planning
By Spiro Verras
For some families, the holidays offer a welcome chance to spend time together and talk about the future. A quiet conversation about estate planning can help the people you trust understand your wishes and the roles you may ask them to take. It does...
New Parents—Why Now Is A Good Time to Create a Will
By Spiro Verras
Everyone should have a will in place. For new parents, however, the importance of establishing a will becomes even more pronounced. Here, we will discuss several compelling reasons why now is an opportune time for new parents to create a will.
New Parents...
What Steps Can I Take Now To Protect My Assets If I Need Assisted Living?
By Spiro Verras
Planning for assisted living starts with your preferences: the support you may need, where you would feel comfortable, and how to fund that care while considering a spouse or other family members. Early legal and financial planning can help you compare options and understand...
The Impact of Estate Taxes and How to Minimize Them
By Spiro Verras
Estate-tax planning begins with an accurate picture of the assets, family goals and applicable law. Florida does not currently impose a separate estate or inheritance tax, but federal estate tax and another state's rules may still need to be considered.
Understand the current federal frameworkFor 2026,...