What Is a Pour-Over Will and How Does It Work With a Trust?
A pour-over will is a type of will designed to work alongside a revocable living trust. It directs any assets that remain outside your trust at death into the trust so they can be managed and distributed according to the trust's terms.
Many Florida estate plans include both a...
What Is a Testamentary Trust and How Does It Work in Florida?
A testamentary trust is a trust created through your will that takes effect after your death. In Florida, these trusts are commonly used to manage and distribute assets for beneficiaries who may not be ready or able to handle an inheritance on their own.
Unlike a living trust, a...
Dynasty Trusts: Multigenerational Wealth Planning
A dynasty trust is a long-term trust designed to preserve and transfer wealth across multiple generations. These trusts can help families reduce transfer taxes, protect inherited assets from creditors, and create a structured plan for managing wealth over time.
For families with significant assets, a dynasty trust may provide...
Breach of Trustee Fiduciary Duty
A trustee breaches their fiduciary duty when they fail to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries or violate the terms of the trust. This can include mismanaging assets, acting in self-interest, or failing to provide required information to beneficiaries. When this happens, you may have the right to take legal...
Beneficiary Rights When the Trustee Doesn’t Follow Trust Terms
When a trustee fails to follow the terms of a trust, beneficiaries have the right to demand compliance, request information, and take legal action if necessary. In Florida, trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of beneficiaries and to follow the trust document exactly as written.
How to Remove a Trustee in Florida
You can remove a trustee in Florida if there is legal cause, such as a breach of fiduciary duty, failure to administer the trust properly, or unfitness to serve. In many cases, removal requires a petition to the court under Florida law, though some trusts allow for removal without court involvement.
How Medical Directives Differ from Living Wills
Medical directives and living wills both guide your healthcare when you cannot speak for yourself, but they serve different roles under Florida law. A living will focuses on end-of-life treatment choices, while other advance medical directives determine who can make decisions and how broader medical care is handled. Understanding how these documents...
Why You Should Establish a Trust Even If You Aren’t Wealthy
When many people hear the word “trust,” they think of the ultra-wealthy families with vast fortunes and complex investments. However, in reality, trusts are not exclusive to the rich. In fact, even individuals and families with modest estates can benefit greatly from establishing a trust as part of their estate plan.
What is the Difference Between a Will and Estate Planning?
When most people think about preparing for the future, the...
Should You Place Your House in a Trust?
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most common questions Florida homeowners ask is: Should I place my house in a trust? For many families in Palm Harbor, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, the answer is yes—but not always. Like any estate planning decision, it depends on your unique circumstances, financial...