How Much Does Probate Really Cost?
Many people choose to use a revocable living trust as a mechanism to avoid probate. As I describe it, a revocable living trust is like a treasure chest because you can put your treasures in it while you are alive and still maintain complete control. The trust also avoids probate for heirs if it’s been Read More
The Real Cost of a DIY Plan
I have a lot of respect for Dave Ramsey, so I was surprised to see him endorsing Mama Bear, an online form will and trust document preparation service. These services do not provide legal advice. They state in the small print you consent to, repeatedly, that: “The information contained in the Site is general legal information and Read More
Wealth Transfer Strategies to Consider in an Election Year
With a push by the Democratic party to return federal estate taxes to their historic norms, taxpayers need to act now before Congress passes legislation that could adversely impact their estates. Currently, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is set at $11.58 million per taxpayer. Assets included in a decedent’s estate that exceed the Read More
Attention Gen-X and Millennials: estate planning is not just for “old” people. Even Young Adults Should Start Estate Planning.
Don’t think you need to worry about your estate plan because you’re “too young”? Too busy to worry about it because you’re getting ready for college or just starting your career? Without proper planning, your parents won’t be able to see your medical records if you’re in an accident and won’t be able to participate Read More
Your kids are precious
Have you thought about who will take care of them if you cannot? Have you set up guardianship documents for your kids in case of incapacity? Call us for help, and if you want to read up on this, here is a guide to help get you started. https://www.nytimes.com/article/legal-guardian.html
LGBTQ ESTATE PLANNING IN FLORIDA
PRIDE month is coming to a close, but here at Longa Law we are committed to providing LGBTQ estate planning every day. Unfortunately, while recent advancements in equality have expanded protections in some areas, complete legal equality is not guaranteed for all in our society. We help LGBTQ community members ensure that their wishes are Read More
4 Estate Planning Documents No Entrepreneur Should Be Without
What would happen to your business upon your death? What happens if you become incapacitated? Although most entrepreneurs understand the value of effective business planning, fewer are aware of the critical role estate planning plays in their company’s ongoing success. Estate planning is one of the single-most important things you can do for your business. Read More
What is an Advance Directive and Why is it Important?
Estate planning includes both life and death issues, and one of the most important life issues – especially now with the pandemic – is how you want your health care handled if you are unable to speak for yourself. One way to address these issues is with an Advance Directive. Many people have heard of Read More
Protecting Children with an Estate Plan
According to a 2019 survey, 57% of adults in the United States have not prepared any estate planning documents, such as a will or trust, despite the fact that 76% viewed them as important. Many believed mistakenly that it was not necessary because they did not have many assets. Estate Planning is not just for Read More
UPDATE ON REMOTE NOTARIZATIONS OF WILLS AND TRUSTS
Longa Law is implementing new protocols to minimize face-to-face contact to complete traditional signing ceremonies for Wills and Trusts with witnesses and a notary in the safest manner possible. While we cannot offer you a signing ceremony that is completely online or remote today, we expect that to be a reality by this summer. Florida’s Read More