FLorida Estate and Trust Blog

A typical revocable living trust does not file a separate federal income tax return while the grantor is living. Instead, trust income is generally reported on the grantor’s individual return. After the grantor’s death, the trust commonly becomes a separate taxpayer and may need to file Form 1041.

A typical revocable living trust does not need a separate federal tax identification number while the grantor is living and reporting the trust’s income personally. A new EIN will commonly be required after the grantor’s death or when the trust otherwise becomes a separate taxpayer.

Special needs planning for a spouse requires careful coordination with Florida Medicaid rules. For a community spouse planning an inheritance for a spouse receiving Medicaid, a testamentary special needs trust can preserve assets for the disabled spouse without leaving the inheritance outright. This article also explains first-party trusts, spousal protections, Qualified Income Trusts, and other planning options.

Revocable living trusts are not only for wealthy families. Florida homeowners, parents, business owners, and individuals who want to simplify inheritance or incapacity planning may benefit from a properly designed and funded trust.

Living trusts and testamentary trusts can both control how assets are managed for beneficiaries, but they begin at different times and serve different estate planning goals. This article explains the key differences Florida families should understand.

A pour over will is a backup document used with a revocable living trust. It directs probate assets left outside the trust to the trustee after death, names a personal representative, and can nominate guardians for minor children.

Creating a revocable living trust does not automatically place your property into it. This article explains what may happen to forgotten assets, when probate is required, how a pour over will helps, and why regular trust funding reviews are essential.

A revocable living trust and an LLC serve very different purposes when holding Florida real estate. This article explains why a trust is generally more appropriate for a primary residence while an LLC may be better suited for rental or investment property.

One of the most common questions I receive is whether bank accounts should be titled in a revocable living trust. The answer depends on your goals, the type of account, and your overall estate plan. Learn when trust ownership makes sense and why proper coordination is critical.

One of the first questions married couples ask during the estate planning process is whether they should have one joint revocable living trust or separate trusts. The answer depends on your assets, family circumstances, and long-term goals. Learn the differences between each option and why personalized planning is essential.

Many people wonder whether a revocable living trust is filed with the government or recorded like a deed. The answer surprises most families. Learn where trusts are typically kept, how beneficiaries can obtain a copy after a loved one dies, and what Florida law says about trust disclosure.

Many Florida residents own vacation homes, bank accounts, investment accounts, or businesses in other countries. Learn whether a Florida revocable living trust can own foreign assets, the challenges involved, and why international estate planning should be tailored to each country's laws.

Florida land trusts remain a popular tool for privacy and real estate ownership, but they are not the right solution for every property owner. Learn the most common uses of land trusts, when an LLC may offer better protection, and how sophisticated investors often combine multiple legal entities to achieve their goals.

Your trustee will manage your assets during your lifetime if you become incapacitated and administer your trust after your death. Learn who can serve as trustee, whether you should name family members or professionals, and how to choose the right successor trustee for your Florida revocable living trust.

Many people wonder whether they are locked into a revocable living trust once it is signed. The good news is that, in most cases, a revocable living trust is designed to be flexible. Learn when you can amend or revoke your trust, common reasons for making changes, and why reviewing your estate plan regularly is one of the smartest things you can do.

Funding your revocable living trust is one of the most important steps in avoiding probate, but not every asset should be transferred into your trust. Learn which assets are typically better left outside your trust, why beneficiary designations matter, and how proper planning can help protect your family's legacy.

Many people believe that signing a revocable living trust is enough to avoid probate, but that isn't true. A trust only works if it is properly funded. Learn which assets should be transferred into your trust, which assets should not, and common mistakes Florida families make.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced several significant federal tax changes that may affect trust administration and income tax planning. While many trusts remain subject to compressed income tax brackets, the new legislation creates planning opportunities that trustees and beneficiaries should understand.

The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes significant changes to the federal estate and gift tax exemption. While many Florida families may never owe federal estate tax, the new law creates planning opportunities for high-net-worth individuals and reinforces the importance of regularly reviewing trusts and estate plans.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida significantly expands eligibility for summary administration by increasing the estate value threshold from $75,000 to $150,000. Learn how this important probate law change may benefit your family and why estate planning remains just as important.

Many Florida families worry that nursing home costs will force them to sell the family home. While Florida offers strong homestead protections, Medicaid eligibility and estate recovery rules can still create confusion. Learn when your home may be protected, when it may be at risk, and why early planning matters.

Receiving an inheritance can significantly improve your financial future, but it can also increase your exposure to creditors if you are sued. Learn when inherited assets are protected in Florida, what mistakes can place your inheritance at risk, and how proactive asset protection planning can help preserve your legacy.

Can you still protect your assets after a lawsuit has been filed? The answer depends on timing, the type of assets you own, and Florida law. Learn what options may still exist, what mistakes to avoid, and why early planning offers the strongest protection.

Professionals and business owners often face greater lawsuit exposure than the average person. Learn the asset protection strategies commonly used by doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and investors to help preserve wealth and reduce liability risks before legal problems arise.

Many Florida residents assume their bank accounts are automatically protected from creditors. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Learn when creditors may access bank accounts, which funds may be exempt, and how proactive asset protection planning can help preserve your wealth.