For some people, the term family meeting may not bring to mind a pleasant gathering where everyone shares fond memories and warm feelings. When someone says, “We need to talk,” it often implies that something is wrong or that tough decisions need to be made or discussed. However, in estate planning, future problems are exactly […]
The Family Meeting: Not Just for Billionaires Read More »
Even if you are currently in good health, an unexpected illness or injury could leave you unable to make your own medical decisions. A medical power of attorney is a crucial component of your estate plan that allows you to designate a trusted individual (your agent) to make healthcare choices on your behalf if necessary.
Important Things Your Agent Under a Medical Power of Attorney Needs to Know Read More »
Steward—a term for someone entrusted with the care of something that does not personally belong to them—is commonly used in such realms as business, public service, and environmentalism. Conservationists may be referred to as stewards of the land. Business leaders may describe themselves as stewards charged with acting in shareholders’ best interests. Public figures refer
Raising Stewards, Not Mere Beneficiaries: Preparing the Next Generation for Inheritance Read More »
You have probably heard of the gender pay gap. But there is also another common disparity: the estate planning gender gap. Although the two are interrelated to some extent—earning less than men puts women on an unequal path to investment and retirement savings, and women generally spend more than men on healthcare in retirement—the specific
The Hidden Gender Gap in Estate Planning—and How to Close It Read More »
Noncitizen spouses are treated differently than US citizen spouses for estate and gift tax purposes. They do not get the unlimited marital deduction. Married US citizen spouses can generally transfer unlimited amounts of money between each other during life or upon death in various qualifying ways without any gift or estate tax concerns. This unlimited
Does my Spouse’s Citizenship Affect my Estate? Read More »
Many people own property in more than one state, such as an ocean-side vacation home or a rental property in a former home state. It is important to think about how that property will be handled after you pass away. Through proper estate planning, you can help minimize the burdensome court proceedings your loved ones
Ancillary Probate: When It Is Used, Where It Occurs, and How to Avoid It Read More »
We all have different ways of giving and receiving love, and those preferences can reveal a great deal about us. You may be the type who expresses love with words, telling people you care about them or crafting carefully worded messages for someone when they need encouragement. Or maybe you prefer physical affection such as
Estate Planning as a Love Language: Protecting Those Who Depend on You Read More »
Receiving news that you need major surgery is never easy. Preparing for work absences, planning for childcare and household responsibilities, and understanding the procedure itself and your recovery timeline may be among the things you are worried about. If you have only a short time (weeks or days) to react, focusing on the essentials is
Estate Planning Tips for Someone Facing Major Surgery Read More »
Personal items accumulated over our lifetimes may be left in estate planning limbo when we pass away. You may have kept many personal effects and everyday items more for sentimental reasons than for financial value, such as your clothing, jewelry, books, quilts, collectibles, and religious items. Each item we leave behind tells part of the
Love, Loss, and Legacy: Handling Sentimental Belongings After the Death of a Loved One Read More »
When disputes arise, many individuals and business owners assume that litigation is the only option. However, mediation in Florida provides a structured, confidential, and cost-effective alternative to traditional courtroom proceedings. Whether facing a circuit civil dispute, business conflict, or probate-related matter, mediation offers a more efficient path toward resolution. At Barreau Legal, PLLC, we provide
The Benefits of Mediation in Florida: A Smarter Alternative to Litigation Read More »
