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Guardianships: New Laws Aim to Protect Society’s Vulnerable

By Jackson Law Group
August 18th, 2017

Posted in Asset Protection,Probate & Trust Administration,Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

Friends and family members often worry about how to protect their elderly loved ones.  Particularly at risk are elders with advanced dementia, making them vulnerable to scammers and sometimes unable to take care of themselves. Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs reports that nearly 12% of Florida’s senior population has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which often manifests through dementia. A visit to an attorney frequently leads to the discovery that estate planning, including advance directives that give voice to one’s future wishes and help avoid a guardianship, has not been done. As a result, guardianships are often considered as a last-resort solution. 
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The Property Deed as an Estate Plan: Examining the Varying Distributions of Each of the Co-Ownership Forms in Florida Real Property

By Jackson Law Group
August 4th, 2017

Posted in Asset Protection,Probate & Trust Administration,Real Estate Law,Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

As the saying goes, “anyone who believes in free will has never heard of probate.”  Attorneys are frequently contacted by clients who need help navigating estates after the loss of a family member or friend.  Probate is often inevitable if there is property to be divided.
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Six Reasons to Create a Revocable Trust

By Jackson Law Group
July 6th, 2017

Posted in Asset Protection,Probate & Trust Administration,Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

What is the difference between a revocable trust and a will?  Should I create a revocable trust? These are among the most frequently asked estate planning questions at our office. Here are some advantages of a revocable trust: 
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Vacation Rental Regulations in Florida

By Jackson Law Group
June 9th, 2017

Posted in Business & Corporate Law,Real Estate Law

For some St. Augustine homeowners, vacation rentals are a steady source of income, but others argue that this revenue isn’t worth the cost to the community and describe these transient rentals as a “nuisance.”  Transient rentals are units or homes that are rented more than three times in a calendar year for a period of less than 30 days.  A search in the St. Augustine area for Airbnb or VRBO reveals that the industry is alive and well.   
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IRS Collection Due Process

By Jackson Law Group
May 12th, 2017

Posted in Tax Law & IRS Defense

Taxpayers should know that the IRS cannot typically levy your assets without first giving you notice.  There are a few exceptions to this general rule, however.  For instance, the IRS may levy without prior notice if it feels collection of the tax is in jeopardy or when the IRS levies a state tax refund.  Absent an exception, the IRS will typically provide a formal Notice of Intent to Levy prior to levying any of a taxpayer’s assets.
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National Healthcare Decisions Day

By Jackson Law Group
April 13th, 2017

Posted in Asset Protection,Probate & Trust Administration,Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

This year, National Healthcare Decisions Day is not just a day but an event lasting from April 16 to 22.  This event is a national initiative to provide awareness and inspire adults to do or review their healthcare planning.
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New Funding to Protect Florida’s Elderly Population

By Jackson Law Group
March 17th, 2017

Posted in Asset Protection,Probate & Trust Administration,Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

Many of Florida’s senior citizens and families have reason to celebrate the 2017-2018 Annual Budget, which recommends $315.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
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Florida Sales Tax on Transient Rentals

By Jackson Law Group
February 17th, 2017

Posted in Business & Corporate Law,Tax Law & IRS Defense

Transient rentals are a thriving business in Florida, and one which many Florida real estate owners may utilize in an attempt to supplement their income.  Generally speaking, a transient rental is one that lasts for less than six (6) months.  What many property owners do not know is that transient rentals are subject to Florida sales tax.  Florida law requires that property owners charge to, and collect from, each transient guest an additional six percent (6%).
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