Problems With Probate What is Probate? Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. During the probate process, property is identified and given a value. Outstanding debts and taxes are paid. …
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Why Do You Need a Will?
TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A WILL Write a Will or the State of Florida will write one for you. With a Will, you choose your beneficiaries and dictate the terms of disbursement. Select the person who will handle…
Posted in Estate Planning, Will
Avoid Family Fights
MAKE SURE YOUR ESTATE PLAN WON’T CAUSE A FAMILY FIGHT A thoughtful estate plan is a wonderful gift to your loved ones when they are mourning your loss. But, even the most well-meaning people can cause family discord and resentment.…
Posted in Estate Planning
Be Careful of the Pitfalls in Estate Planning
ESTATE PLANNING PITFALL A revocable living trust compliments a will and enables your beneficiaries to inherit your wealth upon your death with no need for probate. But, the trust must be properly funded if it is to do any good. …
Posted in Living Trust
Are You Aging Solo?
AGING SOLO? BUILD A TEAM! Many of my senior clients live alone – some never married, some are widowed or divorced, and many of my clients never had children or their children are deceased or estranged. With no family member…
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
These deeds are also call “enhanced life estate” deeds. With a standard life estate deed, you could name a beneficiary to inherit your property while you keep ownership of it for your lifetime, but with significant restrictions. You wouldn’t have…
Why Should You Work with the Law Offices of Debra Simms?
Here at the Law Offices of Debra G. Simms, we provide complete Estate Planning services. Our revocable trust is not the “one size fits all” document that comes in an expensive leather binder. We consult with you, assess your situation…
Do You Have Questions About Advance Medical Directives?
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES Is a designation of health care surrogate the same as a living will? No. A healthcare surrogate is able to make decisions about the medical treatments which are not life support; such as medication,…
Posted in Advanced Directives, Estate Planning
Talking To Your Family – Don’t Leave This Out of Your Estate Plan
An old saying goes that there are only two things that certain in life – death and taxes. While neither of these things is anyone’s favorite subject, they both point towards the importance of Estate Planning. When we talk about…
Have You Planned For Your Pet?
FLORIDA PET TRUSTS What will happen if your pet outlives you? Many pet owners, like me, consider our pets as part of our family. But, far too many of us neglect to make long-term plans for our pets. Each year…
