Happy Memorial Day South Florida

Posted by on May 29, 2012 in estate planning, tax, Trusts, Wills |

This Memorial Day South Floridians and citizens all across the nation took some time to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Cemeteries and memorials were visited to honor those who have been wounded or died while serving our country.

Other people give back in another meaningful way. They make gift bequests to veteran and military charitable organizations. For example, donors might gift a certain percentage of their estate to these foundations. Proceeds guarantee continued growth and development of future educational programs and provide benefits for our soldiers. However, it is a good idea to have your South Florida attorney assist you during this process.

Such a bequest can provide estate tax benefits. If you are considering this option, there is a variety of valuable gifting vehicles your South Florida attorney can apprise you of including the use of specialized trusts such as Lead trusts, Charitable trusts, and Remainder trusts to suit your specific agenda.

Creating your legacy through planned giving is an admirable act that demonstrates your core, personal values and character. By making your mark on humanity, why not also benefit your estate?

If you have family, friends or even a charitable intent, the absence of an estate plan is inexcusable. For more information on successful Florida estate planning and probate techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 or via email at info@wfplaw.com to schedule your free consultation.

It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?

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What Does Facebook Have To Do With South Florida Estate Planning?

Posted by on May 25, 2012 in asset protection, estate planning, Legal News, Wills |

Recently, Facebook has been receiving more attention than usual. There was a lot of reaction following the company’s IPO, its stock going public, and of course Mark Zuckerberg’s surprise marriage to Priscilla Chan.

So what does Facebook have to do with South Florida Estate Planning? More than you think.

Many of us are avid users of Facebook and we realize that our daily lives revolve around social media and profiles including Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn. However, most of us fail to consider what will happen to the online content and how our identities will be handled after we die. There’s more to it than that.

The Internet has become our new reality. Every day we are glued to our computer screens checking our multiple email accounts and paying our bills online. Business transactions have virtually gone paperless. We rely on our digital assets such as Netflix, Pandora, iTunes and anything else that requires a monthly fee.

What’s most interesting is that the U.S. government strongly suggests making a social media will. Like with a traditional will, an online personal representative will need to be appointed to close all your email addresses and social media profiles such as Facebook. You may decide to keep your social media profiles for friends and family as a memorial profile after you die.

Your digital assets must be accounted for in order to ensure proper distribution upon death. Because almost everything is done online, don’t forget to consider any online data you may be in possession of such as online bank accounts, investment accounts, bill paying accounts, and e-books. These relevant accounts along with username and passwords should be stored in your estate planning documents.

We can’t take for granted what’s consistently in front of our eyes. Our digital assets are just as important as any other assets owned and should be part of your estate plan.

If you have family, friends or even a charitable intent, the absence of an estate plan is inexcusable. For more information on successful Florida estate planning and probate techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 or via email at info@wfplaw.com to schedule your free consultation.

It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?

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Stop Being a “Macho Man” and Start Being a Good Parent

Posted by on May 20, 2012 in asset protection, estate planning, Legal News, Probate, Trusts, Wills |

One year ago today, Randy Savage (more affectionately known as the WWF’s “Macho Man”) died of a sudden, massive heart attack while driving with his wife. He was only 58 years old. The only drugs found in his system were a prescription painkiller and a small amount of alcohol. Savage had never been treated for heart problems and there was no evidence he knew of any heart condition.

Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Some men (and women) think that they are too Macho to worry about estate planning. No matter how young, fit or safe you believe that you are, the only certainty is that you will die. The only control we have is whether or not our Will, Trust and other estate planning documents are in place at the time of our death.

If you have family, friends or even a charitable intent, the absence of an estate plan is inexcusable. For more information on successful Florida estate planning and probate techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 or via email at info@wfplaw.com to schedule your free consultation.

It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?

 

 

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Cinco de Mayo Your Way Into The Perfect Estate Plan

Posted by on May 5, 2012 in asset protection, estate planning, tax, Trusts, Wills |

The 5th of May is finally upon us and although Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico, it is the most celebrated holiday of Mexican culture in the U.S. Even though 1 in 4 South Floridians are Hispanic, everyone will probably be enjoying a little bit of salsa, margaritas, and cheesy enchiladas.

Here’s some more food for thought to add to your fiesta menu- estate planning.

Unfortunately, estate planning rarely gets the attention it deserves. One day we are all going to die and it is important to determine what will subsequently happen to all the assets that we own.

First of all, every South Floridian should have a will. This is especially true if you are married and have minor children. Your will not only stipulates the distribution of all your assets but also appoints a trusted guardian to look after your little ones when you pass away.

What will happen if you become seriously injured or incapacitated? You need a living will and medical directives to express your wishes to stay on life support or end all artificial means of living.

You can spice up your plan by reducing estate taxes, insulating your assets from creditor claims, and ensuring smooth transfer of property through trust formation and administration.

Estate planning is a complex field of law. It is important to contact a highly skilled South Florida estate planning attorney. You will learn about the necessary tools and strategic ways in protecting your assets you probably never thought possible. Don’t be surprised if your reaction is something like “Holy Guacamole! I should have done this sooner!”

For more information on successful Florida estate planning and probate techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 or via email at info@wfplaw.com to schedule your free consultation.

It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?

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