Marks Gray, one of Jacksonville’s oldest law firms, announces the addition of attorney Janice Richardson to its growing estate planning practice. Richardson joined the firm after nearly 12 years in her own practice (Richardson & Richardson). Richardson and the...
Estate Planning & Preservation
Is Probate Always Needed When a Loved One Dies?
When thinking about the transfer of assets after their death, many people often make one of two erroneous assumptions regarding probate (a court proceeding transferring assets to beneficiaries and/or heirs-at-law): They are married, so everything they own will go...
Family Drama—The Biggest Threat to Your Inheritance
Co–authored by Kristine M. Scott, Estate Planning Associate When a parent or other family member dies, his or her relatives receive their inheritance from the deceased—or at least that’s what most people think happens. Unfortunately, family drama stands to be the...
The Kiddie Tax: Think Twice Before Making Gifts
Co–authored by Kristine M. Scott, Estate Planning Associate Whether it’s to start your kids’ portfolio early, or provide income to students already in college, parents and grandparents make gifts to their children and grandchildren more than you may think. And if...
Guides for Managing Someone Else’s Money
Co-authored by Sharon L. Palmer, ACP, FRP Being named to take care of someone else’s money – whether as a trustee of a trust, as a court appointed guardian, or as an agent under someone’s durable power of attorney – can be a tremendous responsibility. It’s easy for...
Summer-Mid-Year Estate Planning Review
Co-authored by Kristine M. Scott, Estate Planning Associate School is out, the kids are home, and you’re traveling to new places and spending time with your family. It’s summer time! While going out on the boat sounds like a good idea, try to make time to take a fresh...
What Is a Letter of Intent?
Co-authored by Sharon L. Palmer, ACP, FRP A Letter of Intent is a non-legal document that is quickly becoming a popular way to summarize and/or supplement your estate plan for those you leave behind. Essentially, it’s a letter from you to your personal...
What You Need to Know about Florida Homestead Protection
Co–authored by Kristine M. Scott, Estate Planning Associate When it comes to asset protection, there is nothing stronger than Florida’s homestead exemption. Florida’s constitution provides that your homestead is exempt from “forced sale” from any court. What does that...