Estate Planning for Venezuelan and Latin American Families in Doral

Doral — “Doralzuela” to many — is home to thousands of Venezuelan and Latin American families who have built new lives in South Florida while keeping deep ties abroad. That cross-border reality makes estate planning especially important, and a little more complex. Here are the issues we help families navigate.

Assets in more than one country

Many families own property or accounts both in Florida and in their home country. A U.S. will generally governs U.S. assets, but foreign assets may be subject to that country’s law. Coordinating your Florida plan with any foreign holdings — sometimes with a separate will for each country — prevents conflicts and double probate. See our guide to estate planning when you own property abroad.

Non-citizen spouses and mixed-status families

If your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, the unlimited marital deduction that citizens enjoy may not apply the same way, which can affect estate taxes on larger estates. Mixed-immigration-status families also need care in naming guardians and trustees so that a loved one’s status doesn’t disrupt the plan.

Name a guardian for your children

If something happened to you, who would raise your children — and would that person need to travel from abroad? Naming a guardian in your Florida will, and a backup, keeps that decision with you instead of a judge.

Plan for incapacity, in your language

A durable power of attorney and a health care surrogate let someone you trust act for you if you’re ill — critical when family may be spread across countries. We prepare and explain every document in both English and Spanish so nothing is lost in translation.

Frequently asked questions

I have property in Venezuela and Florida. Do I need two wills?

Possibly. Many families use a Florida will for U.S. assets and a separate will under their home country’s law for assets there. The two must be coordinated so they don’t revoke or contradict each other.

Does my spouse’s immigration status affect our estate plan?

It can, especially for estate-tax planning when a spouse is not a U.S. citizen. Proper planning, sometimes using a special trust, addresses this.

Can you prepare my documents in Spanish?

Yes. Our office is fully bilingual and we make sure you understand every document in the language you’re most comfortable with.

This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Every family is different. Alfredo J. Rubio Law, PLLC offers free, bilingual consultations. Contact us to protect your family across borders.