Page 9 - Stuart Exposure - June '20

Stuart Exposure, Page 9

estAte plAnning

Out Of State Will Needs inheritance laws are unique in several important ways, the homesteaded property. To avoid such a costly and time-
bigger issue is whether your assets will be transferred as
consuming legal battle, discuss this issue with a Florida
Review specified in the will. attorney.
You should have your estate documents evaluated by Ownership of bank accounts also causes some
By Carrie Lavargna a Florida lawyer to review the existing documents and confusion. If you add another person to your account as a
After moving to your present life situation. The review should include an co-owner, upon your death all the money in that account
Florida from another state analysis of how your assets will be transferred under your is owned 100 percent by that co-owner. If your will
and having established will pursuant to Florida law. states this money should be divided up among different
homestead residency in The most significant state law affecting most estates is people, the will provision is ineffective because that bank
Florida, is your will made homestead, being your principal residence. Florida may automatically transferred the money to the co-owner upon
in your former state valid? not recognize the terms of your will or trust as it relates your death.
Technically, yes. As long to the transfer of your homestead. Even if the home is If you want a trusted family member or friend to have
as your will was validly owned solely in the deceased’s name, Florida law grants access to your account to assist in bill paying, the better
executed in your former the surviving spouse, minor children and heirs (lineal choice may be to add that person to the account as an
state, it will be recognized descendants) special rights in the home. additional signer only, and then name the beneficiaries
under Florida law. The law is tricky and each year there are several of the account directly with the financial institution
However, because Florida’s court cases determining who is the rightful owner of (sometime called “paid on death designations”).
More problems can arise with adding trusted family
members as co-owners on your bank or securities accounts
lOcAl gOvenment because doing so make these accounts subject to their
creditors. If a creditor obtained a money judgment against
your trusted family friend, that creditor has the right to
seize the account. Also a joint account could become
Martin County by check or E-check (we embroiled in a divorce or child custody dispute which
• Payment can be made
could put the account in jeopardy. In today’s crazy times,
Tax Collector Reopens can do for you in our even financially sound people are running into difficulties.
system), or use Apple, It’s a good idea to discuss this matter with all co-owners
Ruth “Ski” Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Samsung, or Google pay. of your accounts.
Collector, proudly announced the reopening of the • Payment can be made So, to answer the question: Yes, the out of state will
Willoughby Boulevard and Hobe Sound offices, by credit card/debit card (card processor charges a fee is valid, but without a thorough analysis of Florida law,
Tuesday, May 19 at 8 a.m. to issue driver’s licenses only. which we get no part of). your wishes may not be carried out properly.
Other transactions are still available online, by phone, • We’ve designed barriers with protective shields to Carrie Lavargna is an attorney practicing law in
by mail and by curbside pickup. provide no physical contact between the clerks and the Stuart at Lavargna Law, PLLC, and is board certified
• Clients will temporarily be limited to Martin County customers, for when we reopen to the public, to keep in real estate by the Florida Bar and recognized as an
residents. both constituents and our staff safe and make them feel accredited estate planner by the National Association
• Only the person conducting business will be allowed comfortable that they are protected. We’ve followed the of Estate Planning Councils. This is an overview of the
in the office. governor’s safe, step-by-step guidelines, DOH, CDC and subject matter and not intended as legal advice.
• A face mask or face shield must be worn while OSHA recommendations.
inside. • Please call 288-5600 to schedule appointments
• We ask to not pay by cash if possible (viruses can for learner’s permits and printing licenses from passed
live on paper bills). driving school road tests.

BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

– Now More than Ever

By Jackie Holfelder of friendship. You decide together what you want
Whenever life as we’ve known returns to to do and the “Little” gets approval from his or her
“normal”, people will have to deal the changes the parent.
pandemic has wrought, whether negative or positive. Share an activity that gives you something in
Everyone will be faced with working those changes common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a
into the reality of their lives going forward. book and read together. Hit a bucket of golf balls at
Children are going through a lot now. Many are the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the
left to navigate their school work basically on their radio on and talk about the music you like. Choose
own and some have food and financial insufficiency activities that give each of you a chance to learn
which is creating mental health struggles. more about one another. Keep it simple and enjoy
That is why the well-established and highly- yourselves!
respected mentoring program of Big Brothers Big BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin Counties raises
Sisters (BBBS) of Palm Beach and Martin Counties funds at four signature events each year. The 24th
– the well-known duo of “Bigs” and “Littles” - is Teen Mentor of the Year Emily Osborn and Amiyah Annual Big Taste of Martin County at the Stuart Jet
more important than ever. Center is scheduled for October 13, 2020. Be on the
The stated mission of the nonprofit is to create need a “Big” to spend quality, one-on-one time with lookout for the Golf Par-Tee, Mac & Cheese Festival
and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that them; someone to have fun with, someone they can and Bowl for Kids’ Sake events.
ignite the power and promise of youth. confide in. Realizing the importance of its mentoring
World-wide, the program has been in effect for Matches are made by utilizing a questionnaire program, BBBS remains committed to its mission,
110-plus years, providing children (“Littles”) with with children, parents, and mentors that includes especially during times of crisis. Due to COVID-19
trained and professionally screened caring mentors considerations such as location, interests, skills, concerns, activities are no longer face-to-face. That
(“Bigs”). BBBS has been serving Martin County hobbies, and other information key to selecting the is why Big Brothers Big Sisters has transitioned to
youth since 1986 and since 2010 in Palm Beach. best matches. virtual mentoring, launched an e-mentoring program,
“Littles” are aged six through high school age and Some mature high school students are welcome and is holding its first virtual orientation sessions.
to mentor, although the majority are adults. Anyone interested in being either a "Big" or a
One-on-one attention from a caring adult role "Little" should contact Kristine Gunn, (561) 727-
model has always been a key part of developing 3450. Potential "Bigs" can attend a virtual orientation
self-confidence, and research shows that “Bigs” and training session at mentorbig.org.
help “Littles” feel more confident in several areas.
That’s especially important now. National research
has shown that by participating in our programs,
“Littles” are:
• more confident in their schoolwork performance
• able to get along better with their families
• 46-percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27-percent less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52-percent less likely to skip school
A “Big” only has to commit to a few hours a couple
Volunteer of the Year John Sedwitz and Erick of times a month to give a “Little” the invaluable gift