Florida Trust & Probate Attorneys Blog

How do I leave specific items to specific heirs? As Featured on Porch.com

Published on: July 28, 2021 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

Our very own, Miami Lakes Estate Planning attorney Jaqueline R. Bowden-Gold, was recently featured on Porch.com as an expert contributor. In this article, Will And Estate Planning: Advice From The Experts, Attorney Bowden-Gold answers what can be considered the most important part of your estate plan, How do I leave specific items to specific heirs?

Leaving specific tangible items can be simple, yet perhaps the most important part of your estate plan. This is your chance to leave your legacy or family heirlooms to the right people. In Florida, the easiest way is to prepare a Last Will or Living Trust with an incorporated Memorandum of Tangible Items (“Memorandum”).

Remote Online Notarization For Trusts & Wills Begins July 1: Watch For These 5 Sand-Traps

Published on: May 18, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phil Rarick, Esq. and Jacqueline Bowden Gold, Esq., Miami Lakes and Weston Estate Planning Attorneys,with special thanks for comments by Rick Stockton, Esq. of Holland & Knight, a primary author of the Lawgic Florida Wills and Trust program.

Editor’s Note: The following is a public service Alert from Rarick & Bowden Gold, P.A. This firm does not offer or recommend Remote Online Notarization Service providers.

As previously reported, Florida’s new Remote Online Notarization law became effective January 1^st of this year for all documents except for wills, trusts and other testamentary instruments, that becomes effective July 1. See Florida’s Remote Online Notarization Begins January 1.

Planning for Guardianship of Minor Child During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Published on: May 7, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Miami Lakes Estate Planning Attorney

When preparing an estate plan everyone plans for distribution or preservation of their assets to make sure their minor child, adult child or families are taken care of. People often overlook planning for the event of being mentally incapacitated and asking this important question: What if you are just not available? Covid-19 has given people a new perspective with the overwhelming amount of hospitalizations. Front line workers are often forced to make the difficult decision of being separated from their minor children to avoid them contracting the virus.

Now more important than ever every parent should plan for guardianship of their minor children.

Contract Review: Does Covid-19 Excuse Performance?

Published on: April 21, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq.

We have been helping small business owners survive and thrive – in good times and bad – for over 25 years. Here is how we may be able to help you in this current challenging business environment.

1. Contract Review and Force Majeure. A Force Majeure clause is a standard clause in many contracts. If you have a contract you are trying to get out of – or the reverse – if you have a person trying to nullify performance under your existing contract the interpretation of the “Force Majeure” clause will be a determining factor.

The Paycheck Protection Fund Is Dry – But Don’t Give Up!

Published on: April 20, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq.

Here is the good news/bad news I received from my bank today regarding my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application: The good news: your application has been approved; the bad: the SBA is out of money and you must wait for Congress to refund the program!

Although I have heard of a few small businesses that have received funding I am guessing that most persons reading this letter have encountered similar frustrations. Note: if you have received funding, please so reply.

Special 2020 Asset Protection Checklist

Published on: April 20, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: Phillip B. Rarick, Esq.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed the world as we know it and presented daunting challenges we have not encountered in our life time. It requires a total review of your estate plan and business entities to assure you are taking full advantage of Florida laws designed to protect your family and business.

The hard new reality: What plan was best for you prior to 2020 may not be what is best for you today

Durable Power of Attorney from Don Lewis to Carole Baskin

Published on: April 17, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

Select link below to view PDF

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM DON LEWIS TO CAROLE BASKIN dated November 21, 1996

5 Quick Tips On Maxing Out Loan Forgiveness

Published on: April 17, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

by: attorney Phillip B. Rarick

You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else. – Winston Churchill.

Millions of small business owners and self-employed have filed for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program because part or all of the loan can be forgiven if you retain your employees and maintain their salary levels.

Stimulus Checks Update: How Much? When?

Published on: April 16, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

How Much?

Here is an updated calculator from Turbotax: Stimulus Check Calculator

When Will Checks Arrive?

Unable to Fulfill Your Contractual Obligations Due to Covid-19?

Published on: April 16, 2020 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By: Jacqueline R. Bowden Gold, Esq. and Phil Rarick, Esq.

The Coronavirus has left the US economy in a stand still. It has forced businesses to shut down and events to be cancelled or postponed across the nation – creating significant anxiety for small business owners. During these times, many businesses are unable to or fear they will become unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Here is a term you’ve probably heard before but never paid much attention to: Force Majeure. If you are unable to fulfill your contractual obligations or are worried that the obligor (the person who has a duty to perform) under an existing contract will not perform, Force Majeure is an important provision to look for in your contract.