A wealthy, $500 Million business man who just died, has left his massive fortune in trust.  He “only” left $1 Million to each family member.  Is that fair?

A sticky subject for some to talk about is money, particularly when it involves family.  Inheritances, or the lack of an inheritance, can be even more frustrating.  Do you want to talk about an inheritance now, when your mom or dad are having a Florida revocable trust created?  Or do you want to wait until they are gone and let the Florida probate lawyers do the talking?

OK, so you are wealthy and living in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, or you at least you have a few Million Dollars and want to leave some to charity.  You better read this Wall Street Journal article from August 23, 2014.

Going to a Palm Beach probate hearing or trial?  Where can you get smoked BBQ ribs, and sausage, and also get your car washed & detailed while your probate lawsuit goes on?

Every Florida trustee should read two recent articles by Dow Jones.   Why? Things a Florida Trustee or Executor of a Will Need to Know About Investments

This is a copy of the front of Jason Zweig’s investment column in today’s Wall Street Journal, August 23, 2014. Florida Trustees and Personal Representatives Need to Know About Passive Investing

Can a trust beneficiary lose his interest in a trust if they file for bankruptcy? This issue was discussed in a trust case out of Massachusetts which was actually a federal bankruptcy case. The case dealt with irrevocable trust issues and bankruptcy issues which many Florida trust lawyers grapple with, including:

In an historic ruling, a Florida federal court issued an opinion yesterday, August 21, 2014, which paves the way for same sex marriages to be recognized in Florida.   The case of Brenner v. Scott will no doubt gather national attention, and Florida Governor Rick Scott’s office is expected to appeal the ruling by US District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

What are the obligations of estate executors when they are replaced? This is one issue which the West Palm Beach 4th District Court of Appeal dealt with in a probate appeal opinion issued yesterday, August 21st, 2014.

I bet you dollars to donuts that you don’t remember what your Florida will  says.  Although you may not recall exactly what your estate plan does, or says, there are some important estate planning points to remember and some mistakes to avoid.  Wondering what the rich and famous estate plans look like or what mistakes you can learn from? A recent Forbes article gives you insight: