Making Sure Your Beneficiary Designations Are Up to Date
Probate is the legal process of distributing your estate after death to your heirs. Involvement with probate court can be lengthy and costly, so people often attempt to place as much of their wealth as possible in non-probate assets. While some assets you own at the time of your death must go through probate, others, […]
5 Things Your Will CAN’T Do: Why You Need a Comprehensive Estate Plan
When you think of estate planning, a will may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a will is only one small part of a comprehensive estate plan. Here’s what your Pembroke Pines estate planning attorney at Kramer Green wants you to know about wills and their limitations. 1. Your Will Does Not Avoid […]
Mistakes to Avoid When Leaving an Inheritance to Your Child
Passing down wealth to your children through inheritance is one of the most meaningful aspects of estate planning—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While it may seem straightforward to name your child as a beneficiary or transfer assets during your lifetime, doing so without careful planning can trigger unintended tax consequences, expose assets […]
Is a Trust a Good Means of Asset Protection?
Life is unpredictable—and so is financial risk. These risks make asset protection critical. A single car accident, an economic downturn, or a business closure can trigger lawsuits, debt, and creditor claims that threaten everything you’ve worked for. Many Floridians don’t realize how exposed their assets are until it’s too late. That’s where strategic legal planning […]
How Will the New Federal Tax Bill Affect My Estate Planning?
President Donald Trump signed the new federal tax bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law on July 4, 2025. The new bill contains various changes that could directly affect your estate planning strategies. The bill includes changes to various tax exemptions, including federal estate taxes, gift taxes, and generation-skipping transfer […]
What is the Difference Between Summary and Formal Administration in Probate Court?
Probate court proceedings are necessary when a person passes away owning property that does not have a “payable upon death” provision, joint owner, or beneficiary designation. The only way to transfer property in this situation is to open an estate in probate court. However, Florida law provides for either summary or formal administration of an […]
What Assets Are Exempt from Probate?
Probate is the process by which a court finds a will to be legally valid, directs the payment of debts, and oversees the distribution of assets following an individual’s death. However, not all property is subject to probate. By understanding the differences between probate and non-probate property, you can save your heirs time and money […]
How Does the Florida Homestead Exemption Work if My Property is in a Trust?
Florida has one of the most expansive homestead exemptions in the country. The homestead exemption is designed to protect your primary home from creditors. However, placing your home in a trust, which some individuals might do as part of their estate plan, can affect the legal protections for your home under some circumstances. Understanding the […]
Who Serves as the Personal Representative During Probate in Florida?
The personal representative of a person’s estate has significant responsibilities once appointed. Although many people choose their personal representatives by including that choice as a provision in their will, not everyone who passes away has a will or names a personal representative, even if they do have a will. In other cases, the personal representative […]
Do I Have to Get a Lawyer to Draft a Will?
Drafting a will is often the first step in estate planning. A will can benefit everyone, no matter your life stage or wealth level. However, one wrong move in the estate planning process could lead to lengthy and expensive proceedings in probate court. Getting a lawyer to assist you with drafting a will is your […]