Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.DEDICATED. PROFESSIONAL. RESPONSIVE.2026-06-01T10:25:26Zhttps://www.delzercoulter.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404892/2025/09/cropped-Delzer-Coulter-site-icon-new-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[How frequently should people update their estate plans?]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=2494502026-02-06T21:56:20Z2026-02-06T21:56:20ZCreating an estate plan requires patience and careful consideration. People need to consider their loved ones and their resources. They should think about the legacy that they hope to leave when they die. Yet, it is quite common for people to procrastinate about estate planning, as they find considering their own mortality or medical decline later in life difficult and even unpleasant. Unfortunately, those who do not plan carefully put their loved ones at risk of unnecessary complications at their death.
Without an estate plan, a person’s assets may not pass to whom they intend. There is also the possibility of disputes that could lead to litigation in the Florida probate courts. Planning helps reduce the likelihood of conflict and the wrong people inheriting assets. Documents should also be kept up-to-date and accurate, but how often are revisions necessary?
It is best to check documents every few years
The best way to ensure that estate planning documents have not become outdated is to commit to reviewing them two to three times each decade. Many changes in circumstances are gradual, which means that people need to occasionally check their paperwork for outdated beneficiary designations and assets that they no longer possess.Every few years, sitting down to review the assets included and the beneficiaries named, as well as the documents added to the estate plan, can help ensure that the estate plan effectively addresses an individual’s needs and gives their family the proper instructions for after their death.
Major events require revisions
Those who experience dramatic changes in their personal circumstances may need to update their estate planning documents accordingly. The sale or acquisition of assets, including business interests and real property, may necessitate revisions to an estate plan. A change in marital status is also cause for estate planning revisions. The birth or death of family members or other beneficiaries can make an update necessary as well.Persons who keep their documents accurate and updated are less likely to have their families fight over their assets after their passing. Sitting down – relatively regularly – to review and update documents with a Florida estate planning attorney familiar with probate and trust laws is important.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[How does Florida’s Homestead Exemption work in estate planning?]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=2494432025-12-11T20:59:50Z2025-12-11T20:58:56ZFlorida’s Homestead Exemption offers a powerful protection for property. With this, your primary home becomes a legally protected part of your legacy. But the rules can be tricky, and small errors might ruin your estate plan. Here’s a simple explanation of how the Homestead Exemption affects your estate planning after you pass away.
Creditor Protection
One of the most well-known advantages of the Florida Homestead is its protection against most unsecured creditors, such as those from credit card debts, medical expenses, or general lawsuits.Rooted in the Florida Constitution, this protection is unlimited in value, though it is size-restricted to half an acre within a municipality and 160 acres outside a municipality. Even after death, the home stays shielded from creditor claims if it is inherited by your spouse or heirs.
Inheritance Limitations: Who gets the property?
In Florida, legal rules can override your will or trust when it comes to property inheritance. The state’s constitutional rules restrict who you can leave your homestead to if you are survived by certain family members.Here is how it works:
If you have a surviving spouse and a minor child, the home must go to the spouse for their lifetime (life estate), and then to the child after. It cannot go to anyone else
If you only have a surviving spouse and no minor children, you cannot leave your homestead property to someone else unless your spouse has waived their homestead rights. If you invalidly devise your homestead, your spouse receives a life estate, with an option to take a half ownership of the property as a tenant in common, with the other half or remainder interest going to your descendants.
Property Tax Savings (The Save Our Homes Cap)
To benefit from property tax savings, you need to keep your home as your main residence.
Tax exemption: Lowers your home’s taxable value by up to $50,000
Assessment cap: The “Save Our Homes” rule limits annual increases in your home’s assessed value to either 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less). This cap can lead to big savings over time.
To handle the Homestead Exemption properly, pay attention to legal details. Reach out to a lawyer to make sure your will, trust, and property titles are set up right.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[New Reporting Requirements for Business Entities]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=475332025-10-06T15:08:48Z2024-01-09T19:28:47Zwww.fincen.gov for more information.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Firm News]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=472832025-09-25T05:52:16Z2021-07-24T15:56:10ZOn Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[New Dimensions To Estate Planning]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=472802025-09-25T05:52:20Z2021-06-06T15:46:02ZOn Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Florida business succession plans]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=469442025-09-25T05:52:23Z2021-01-25T17:29:18Zplan can be updated as needed. An experienced probate and administration attorney can provide strong support in all aspects of a plan’s execution.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Estate planning helps loved ones avoid conflict]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=471582025-09-25T05:52:28Z2021-01-20T14:00:52Zperiodically review one's estate plan. This helps loved ones or other beneficiaries avoid confusion and conflict when the time comes to administer the plan. An experienced estate law attorney can provide ongoing support to execute an initial plan, as well as to make any changes or updates needed down the line.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Should you take on estate planning on your own?]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=471122025-09-25T05:52:31Z2021-01-13T17:53:47Zpassing the home to a child as an inheritance instead of adding his or her name to the deed. Estate owners will also want to make sure they include advance health directives and financial powers of attorney in their plans. An attorney can also periodically review and update a plan; not doing so is another common mistake many people make that can spark legal complications and other problems down the line.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Why should you have an estate plan in your 20s?]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=468912025-09-25T05:52:35Z2020-12-30T19:22:31ZDo you need to be old and rich for an estate plan?
U.S. News discusses the importance of starting your estate plan early. They debunk two primary myths: that estate plans are only for the old and the wealthy. But why should young people with far fewer assets worry about an estate plan?
Contrary to popular belief, experts state that it does not have anything to do with net worth. Rather, it has everything to do with taking care of your loved ones in the event of a tragedy. Even if you have few assets, loved ones that survive you may have to go through probate for the things you leave behind. This adds even more stress and worry to their plate when they are already dealing with an unprecedented tragedy.
Planning Early
Fortunately, establishing an estate plan as a young adult is not difficult. Having fewer assets will help you in this regard. You simply need to make sure you have the right legal documents prepared. This includes naming a healthcare surrogate and an agent under a durable power of attorney. If you become incapacitated, these people will make decisions about your healthcare and finances for you.
Experts stress the importance of estate planning early on. This allows you to build upon your estate plan as your assets or family situation become more complex and save heartache and trouble for you and your loved ones.]]>On Behalf of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A.<![CDATA[Why Florida business owners should have succession plans]]>https://www.delzercoulter.com/?p=460782025-09-25T05:52:39Z2020-12-23T17:49:12Zresolve any legal problem that arises down the line.]]>