Many people put off estate planning because they think it's too expensive or complicated. DIY estate planning might seem like a quick solution, but it often creates more problems than it solves. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen families struggle with poorly drafted documents that don't hold up in court or miss critical tax savings. This guide walks you through what DIY estate planning involves and when you really need professional help. What Actually Goes Into an Estate Plan The Core Documents You Need An estate plan isn't a single document-it's a collection of legal instruments that work together to protect your assets and direct your wishes. A will specifies who receives your property and who manages your estate after you die. A trust holds your assets and distributes them…

Estate planning isn't one-size-fits-all. Your financial situation, family structure, and goals are unique, which means your estate planning package should be too. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Boca Raton and throughout Palm Beach County select the right package for their needs. This guide walks you through the key factors that matter when making this decision. What Should You Inventory Before Choosing a Package Start by listing everything you own. This sounds basic, but most people drastically underestimate their assets. Include your home, vehicles, bank accounts, investment portfolios, retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, life insurance policies, business interests, digital assets like cryptocurrency or online accounts, and personal property with real value. Don't forget accounts with beneficiary designations-these pass outside probate but still matter for your overall plan.…

Most adults put off estate planning because they think it's only for the wealthy or elderly. The truth is that without a solid plan, your family could face years of legal battles, unexpected taxes, and costly probate proceedings. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen firsthand how estate planning and asset protection can save families thousands of dollars and prevent unnecessary conflict. This guide walks you through the documents you need, the mistakes to avoid, and how to get started protecting what matters most. Why Estate Planning Matters for Every Adult Probate Drains Your Estate and Delays Your Family's Inheritance Probate costs money and time that most families cannot afford to waste. According to AARP, probate typically consumes 3 to 7 percent of an estate's value, and the process often stretches…

Most people put off estate planning because they don't know where to start. The truth is, having the right estate planning forms in place protects your family and gives you peace of mind. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Palm Beach County create the documents they need. This guide walks you through the forms that matter most and how to organize them properly. What Makes a Will Valid and Why Most People Get It Wrong Florida's Legal Requirements for a Valid Will A will is the foundation of estate planning, yet most people either skip it entirely or create one that won't hold up in court. In Florida, a will must be in writing, witnessed by two people, and notarized to be valid, according to The Florida Bar.…

Most Americans don't have an estate plan, yet it's one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. Without proper planning, your family could face costly delays, taxes, and legal complications. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Boca Raton understand estate planning basics and protect what matters most. This guide walks you through the documents you need, when to start planning, and why getting professional guidance makes all the difference. What Estate Planning Actually Means Estate Planning Protects Your Family From Costly Delays Estate planning is the process of deciding how your assets get managed and transferred after you die or become unable to make decisions. It's not about being wealthy or old-it's about protecting your family from unnecessary legal battles and costs. Without a plan in place,…

National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025 is coming up, and it's the perfect time to think about protecting your family's future. Most people put off estate planning because they think it's only for the wealthy or because they're unsure where to start. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we see firsthand how many families in Palm Beach County lack the basic documents they need. This week is your reminder that estate planning isn't optional-it's a responsibility you owe to the people you love. When National Estate Planning Awareness Week Happens The Dates and History Behind the Observance National Estate Planning Awareness Week runs October 19–25 in 2026, falling during the third full week of October each year. The U.S. House of Representatives established this observance in 2008 to help the public understand…

Estate planning can feel overwhelming without proper organization. An estate planning organizer helps you gather the right documents and information before meeting with an attorney. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC see many clients who struggle with knowing what to prepare. Having everything organized saves time and reduces costs during the planning process. Essential Documents for Estate Planning in Boca Raton Your estate planning organizer must start with the right legal documents. Each document serves a specific purpose and protects different aspects of your life and assets. Wills and Their Key Components A valid will in Florida requires written format with your signature witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. The will should name an executor, specify asset distribution, and designate guardians for minor children. According to Caring.com surveys, 70%…

Florida probate can stretch from six months to several years, depending on your estate's complexity. Simple estates often move faster, while contested cases drag on much longer. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC see families asking how long does probate process take in Florida every day. The answer depends on multiple factors that can either speed up or slow down your case significantly. What Are Realistic Florida Probate Timelines? Simple Estates Move Faster Than You Think Simple Florida estates typically complete probate in 6 to 12 months when everything goes smoothly. The Florida Bar reports that straightforward cases with clear wills, cooperative beneficiaries, and minimal debts move through the system efficiently. Summary administration offers an even faster track for estates under $75,000 or when the decedent died more than two years…

Most wealthy families in Boca Raton treat estate planning and wealth management as separate activities. This approach costs them millions in unnecessary taxes and missed opportunities. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC see clients lose 30-40% of their wealth through poor coordination between these two critical areas. Smart integration can save your family substantial money while protecting your legacy. Why Estate Planning and Wealth Management Must Work Together Estate planning and wealth management share the same foundation: they protect your assets and maximize their value for your family. Most Palm Beach County families miss this connection and pay dearly for it. AARP data shows that poor coordination between these strategies costs families 3% to 7% of their estate's total value in unnecessary fees and taxes. The American Bar Association reports that…

Your digital footprint contains valuable assets that need protection after you're gone. From cryptocurrency wallets to social media accounts, these digital properties require careful planning. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC see families struggle with accessing deceased loved ones' digital accounts daily. Digital estate planning prevents these complications and protects your family's financial future. What Digital Assets Need Protection Your online accounts hold an average value of $191,516 according to Businesswire research, yet 76% of Americans have little knowledge about how to protect these assets after death (Bryn Mawr Trust survey). Digital assets include cryptocurrency wallets, online banking accounts, PayPal and Venmo balances, cloud storage files, social media profiles, email accounts, subscription services, and intellectual property from platforms like YouTube or podcasts. Licensed content such as iTunes music, Kindle books, and…