miami trust lawyer

Pet Trusts: Have You Forgotten Your Pet(s)? Your Very Loyal Pet?

Published on: March 16, 2014 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Trust Attorney

Who is the first to greet you when you come home? For me, it used to be my young daughters or son. But now that my youngest daughter is a teenager (and too cool for such shows of affection) those days are past. So now the first to greet me is Toby, our loyal Yorkie.

If you have a loyal pet like this, of course you do not want to forget him or her if you can no longer care for your pet. You have detailed instructions in your trust or will to take care of your loved ones – but have you forgotten your pets?

Three Smart Legal Points To Know if You Own a Boat – or Jet Skies

Published on: March 1, 2014 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Asset Protection Attorney

The saddest and most tragic call I have ever received as a lawyer came when a parent called and said her teenage son, while operating a jet ski, had run over a young girl who happened to be about the age of my daughter. I declined the case. The young girl later died, and of course there was a large law suit.

These are the nightmare scenarios you never want to encounter. Of course, the most obvious, common sense step to avoid such tragedies is to make sure that whoever is operating your boat or jet ski is well trained on operation of the vessel and in fact follows safe, recommended operating procedures. With the excellent and free Coast Guard training programs in south Florida there is no excuse not to take advantage of these programs.

What’s Wrong With This Picture? NY Attorney Names Himself As Personal Representative For A Florida Resident

Published on: February 15, 2014 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Probate Attorney

We have written about this issue in the past, but it is one that keeps popping up. Here are the relevant facts. Note: I have changed some facts to avoid disclosure of private information.

Recently, we reviewed a New York will where the drafting attorney named himself and his client’s CPA as Personal Representative for the estate. Neither the attorney nor the CPA were blood related to the client and neither were residents of Florida.

Bad Advice You Hear All The Time

Published on: February 9, 2014 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Trust Attorney

Quote: There are three things that are real – God, human folly and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third. – John F. Kennedy

Here are five bad items of advice – that you hear all the time from otherwise smart persons:

Comprendiendo Fideicomiso de Vida Para Residentes de la Florida

Published on: January 25, 2014 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Trust Attorney

¿Qué es un fideicomiso de vida? ¿Cómo ayuda a evitar la legalización? ¿Por qué la mayoría de familias están usando un fideicomiso de vida en vez de un testamento para proporcionar para sus queridos? Estas preguntas y muchas más tienen respuesta en nuestro informe popular, Comprendiendo Fideicomiso de Vida Para Residentes de la Florida.

Gracias a nuestra asistente legal Jacqueline Bowden, y nuestra pasante Tamara Bauza, ahora tenemos disponible una traducción en español del informe. Para obtener una copia haga clic aquí: Comprendiendo Fideicomiso de Vida Para Residentes de la Florida.

Allocation Of Wrongful Death Proceeds In Florida Probate

Published on: October 30, 2013 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Probate Attorney

I. Determining Survivors

The personal representative has a duty to bring an action for the wrongful death of the decedent. F.S. 768.20. The Act provides for damages for the estate and “survivors”. Survivors include the surviving spouse, “minor children” under 25 years of age, and in some instances parents.

When Do You Need To File Notice Of Change Of Ownership Or Control (Form DR-430) For An Entity Owning Florida Real Estate?

Published on: October 30, 2013 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Trust Attorney

Summary:

The following Alert discusses the Florida real estate form DR-430 required to be filed upon the cumulative transfer or control of more than 50% of the legal entity that owned the property, or transfer of more than 50% of ownership interest.

A Tribute To The Greatest Generation

Published on: October 28, 2013 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick

This summer my family had the opportunity to travel to France. It was a busy trip, and we saw many spectacular works of art and architecture by past generations of artists.

The most special trip was our visit Normandy, where a generation of Americans representing the diversity of this country, challenged and beat back one of the darkest forces ever assembled in human history. Here are a few pictures from this trip.

The “Son-In-law Problem”: Keeping Your Wealth Safe – And Out of Reach From Your Daughter’s Husband

Published on: October 22, 2013 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Asset Protection Attorney

Let’s face it. If you have adult children, now married or considering marriage, you are a little concerned that your daughter’s husband could someday inherit your hard earned wealth. (Or maybe it’s your son’s wife.)

So, how do you protect your property, and make sure it goes to only your adult children (or your grandchildren) and not your child’s spouse?

Asset Protection In Florida, Part 3: The Asset Protection Ladder

Published on: October 12, 2013 | by Rarick & Bowden Gold

By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Asset Protection Attorney

Click Here: Part 3: The Asset Protection Ladder

Note: PowerPoint Presentation will appear in bottom task bar.