Lee & Evans

Although joint titling of assets is an option, most of the time, it is a bad choice because it exposes your estate assets to the creditors of your family members. Once this is done, it is difficult to undo in the event of bankruptcy, divorce, or other legal conflicts. A revocable trust accomplishes the same goals without the needless risk to your estate.

Although it may seem logical, your family members are not legally empowered to make decisions on your behalf simply because they are family. The proper legal documents, such as durable power of attorney and medical directives, must be executed to allow family members to make legal decisions for you.

Although gifting assets is a planning option, the timing generally does not work, so gifting at the right time becomes a viable strategy. Too often, the estate assets are required for support, and gifting away assets will result in inadequate funds to live on. If Medicaid is involved, there is a look-back period for any transfers, so a gifting strategy could backfire leaving an individual with no assets to pay for needed long-term care and no public benefits. Also, gift tax returns must be filed, and if over the limit, a federal tax can be levied on gifts.

When you hire a real estate attorney to conduct your residential or commercial real estate closing, you receive benefits that a title company is unable to provide. A title company, even those that are attorney-owned, is limited to providing core title services and cannot provide legal advice or representation during your transaction. Generally, the fees to close with a real estate attorney are competitive with the fees charged by a title company. However, hiring a real estate attorney ensures you have representation on your side of the closing table.

Yes. Once a contract is executed, it is a legally binding obligation, and terms cannot be altered unless all parties agree. A real estate attorney can review your contract and help you to better understand your obligations and liabilities.

If you’re buying a home, title insurance is a policy that protects your investment and property rights. There are two different types of title insurance: owner’s policy and lender’s policy. Title insurance protects home buyers against covered title defects, such as a previous owner’s debt, liens, and other claims of ownership. It is an insurance policy that protects against problems, whereas other insurances usually deal with future risks.

Losing a loved one is very hard; having to dispose of their assets can be even harder. Lee & Evans has a full team of real estate and probate professionals to assist with all your questions and needs when it comes time to sell a loved one’s property. In the event probate is needed, our real estate and probate team will work together to ensure a smooth and successful closing.

By choosing Lee & Evans to conduct the closing on our Florida home, you are entitled to a free consultation for the review of your current estate planning documents for compliance with Florida law.

Even small estates benefit from having a clear estate plan to avoid unnecessary probate fees and estate taxes, ensuring a smooth process.

While a Florida revocable living trust helps avoid probate and disability issues, it does not fully protect assets from creditors; additional protection methods may be needed.

Joint ownership can expose assets to the creditors of family members and cause complications; a revocable trust is generally safer and achieves similar goals.

No, family members need proper legal documents like durable power of attorney and medical directives to make legal decisions on your behalf.

A real estate attorney provides legal advice and representation during your closing, unlike a title company that offers limited services, ensuring your interests are protected.

Yes, consulting an attorney before contract execution helps you understand your obligations and avoid being bound to unfavorable terms.

Title insurance protects buyers against title defects such as debts or liens, safeguarding their investment and property rights.

If probate is required, Lee & Evans can assist with both probate and real estate transactions to ensure a smooth sale process.

You can coordinate estate planning or real estate transactions with financial advisors nearby, such as Anthony Holds or Edward Jones, for comprehensive financial and legal planning.

Yes, nearby wellness centers like Luma MD Skin Rejuvenation and Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers can provide clients with medical spa and mental health services before or after legal appointments.

Services like Kindred at Home and HCA Florida Healthcare at Home offer in-home medical and personal care, supporting elder law clients with health needs in the Sarasota area.