South Florida Estate Planning News

My clients often come to me with a list of assets such as homes, bank and investment accounts that they would like to pass to their heirs. What is usually missing are the personal items that may not be expensive, but are priceless for their sentimental value. It is often these items that will cause…

At only 53 years old, it is hard to believe that superstar and former Wham! Frontman, George Michael, tragically died of natural causes on Christmas Day in 2016. He was found by, Fadi Fawaz, rumored to be his partner, who is now seemingly going to be kicked out of the star’s home. The singer of…

According to a recent New York Times article, fewer than half of American adults (42 percent) have a will. This figure was quoted according to a recent survey published on Caring.com, a website that offers resources for older Americans and their caregivers. The most common excuse given for not having a will was, “I just…

A Minnesota Judge rules that six siblings are the heirs to Prince’s Fortune The music superstar Prince did not have a will! A judge just ruled that his six siblings are heirs to his fortune, but many more people are claiming to be heirs to the legend’s over 25 million-dollar estate. Prince’s assets will not…

Why do I need to hire an attorney to prepare my will? DIY wills are a dime a dozen in these days but can be a huge mistake costing your family and loved ones countless years in court, unnecessary taxes and legal fees. Many DIY wills are not executed properly (with correct notarization and number…

[This article was originally published 8/31/2007] Wills can be powerful instruments, as the will of Leona Helmsley makes clear. The hotelier and real estate mogul became a symbol of 1980s greed and was given the nickname ”the Queen of Mean” after revelations of her tyrannical treatment of employees came to light during her 1988 trial…

If you own property — whether houses, bank accounts, or vehicles — in more than one state, do you need estate planning documents for each state? The answer is probably no, but you need to do some planning if you want to avoid going through probate in each of the states. A lawyer can generally…