What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. To ensure your assets are protected and final wishes are carried out, there are some common actions that should be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs. Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Florida will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer Florida residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Author Linda C. Ashar, Attorney at Law, has crafted an estate planning primer, allowing Florida residents to become more informed and more involved during the process. Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but this book highly recommends using an attorney versed in this area: You should not go through the process alone. This book is intended explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning so when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared. You will understand the legal terms and be ready to discuss issues and strategies with familiarity, saving you time and legal fees and ensuring peace of mind. Florida-specific information is offered throughout this book, including: Florida''s probate code; Florida rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid Florida will; planning your living will in Florida; explanations of Florida laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR. The book''s easy-to-understand context clarifies this complicated and sensitive subject and gives readers the power to take control of their future. This book also offers an overview of abatement rules, settlement costs, guardianship and minor children, executors and trustees, life insurance, potential long-term care needs, marital deductions, types of trusts, gift splitting, survivorship deeds, 529 plans, reducing or eliminating estate taxes, avoiding tax on life insurance, using insurance to pay estate taxes, gift tax issues, generation skipping transfer tax, and tax-deferred accounts. Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although few people want to think about the possibility of disability or disease, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Other books offer a non-state-specific overview of estate planning, causing many readers to be misinformed about rules and regulations particular to their state; but, this new book provides information Florida residents need to know. Do not get outdated or wrong information that does not pertain to you specifically. Use this new book to craft an estate plan that is not only legally sound but also fully carries out your last wishes and protects your loved ones. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

Florida Move GuideThe Unofficial Moving To Florida Warning, Decision and Help GuideWhy do roughly half of the people who move to Florida, end up moving out, often at great financial loss and emotional distress?Don't let this happen to you! Selling where you now live and moving to Florida to buy a home, just to sell that and move back can destroy your nest egg! The financial loss and stress of multiple long distance moves can cause serious health problems!As a licensed real estate agent and broker, I discovered the reasons that caused new residents to sell and move out as I sold hundreds of homes in Florida for these sellers. No one ever told them that so many others before them did the same thing, and mostly for the same reasons. Living in Florida can be very different than spending a vacation at the beach and theme parks here.Don't get me wrong, not everyone who moves to Florida considers it to be a mistake. About half absolutely love their new life, enjoying the Florida beaches, golf courses and weather. A little known secret is Florida is also about the best asset protection state in the US, and there is no individual state income tax. It could be the best move of your life. This guide will help you determine if moving to Florida would be right for you. Learn the reasons why folks just like you left Florida, sometimes after living there for less than a year. Discover the secrets I learned about the people who are thrilled with their move. Learn what they have done that has made their new lifestyle so enjoyable. Most importantly, you will also discover the best way to inexpensively test a move before making a life altering commitment, so you can be sure you won't be making a huge mistake.Will moving to Florida be the best decision you ever made, or a stressful financial disaster? Find out now with this informative book!

-- Revised and updated, this popular handbook for Florida retirees answers questions on real estate, condominiums, mobile homes, renting, consumer protection, medical insurance, social security, taxes, investments, and estates -- Answers to practical questions like these: Do I have homestead exemption rights under the tax laws for a condominium? What are industrial development bonds, and are they exempt from federal income tax? -- This handbook is indispensable in helping you to know your rights; avoid common mistakes of new Florida residents; and save time and money asking the right questions when you visit your attorney

This publication addresses pertinent answers for those who are seeking to establish Florida residency as well as those who are considering Florida for their relocation or travel destination.

Each two-volume book contains four major sections: . - Introduction and Overview: Provides forewords by notables in the field and an outline of the book. - Essays: Features eight to 10 essays on topics such as workplace issues, financial aid, diversity, and more. - Directory: Contains descriptions and contact information for hundreds of organizations, schools, and associations, arranged by topic. - Further Resources/Indexes: Includes glossaries, appendixes, further reading, and indexes