Category Archives: Wills Probate
Why Do We Need Probate?
Far too often, an owner of real property (which can encapsulate both houses or land) dies without going through the process of deeding the real property over to another living person. When this occurs, the Florida property must go through probate. But – why? Many unsuspecting family members have been thrown into the intricate… Read More »
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties in Florida Probate
Estate planning is a pivotal and important aspect of every person’s life. It is one of those things where even if you make no decision – that in itself is a decision. You either build a solid estate plan that caters to your needs and the needs of your loved ones, or you leave… Read More »
Do Stepchildren Inherit Under Florida Estate Law?
Step parents get a bad rap. From time immemorial, fairy tales speak of the wicked stepmothers of Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. While it is understandable that the dichotomy of a family might be different when a step parent is introduced, in the real world there are plenty of loving, devoted step… Read More »
What Are the Grounds for Contesting a Will in Florida?
When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to do is stare down a lengthy probate battle. However, sometimes when the directives of a last will and testament are made known, certain people may choose to pursue the process of contesting the will. There are several legitimate grounds for contesting the… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Probate
Particularly in the state of Florida, the term “probate” is something you should become very familiar with very quickly. Understanding the probate process and how to navigate it can have huge effects on your estate and should inform how you go about building your estate plan. Whether you are a newly appointed personal representative… Read More »
Estate Law And The Florida Guardianship Process
When a person loses the ability or capacity to care for themselves and make their own decisions, various Florida rules and regulations stipulate a process and procedure for that person’s family (or a professional guardian) to be appointed as a legal guardian. A legal guardian is an individual with the legal authority to make… Read More »
What Happens If A Beneficiary Passes Away Before The Testator?
When Ivana Trump, millionaire and ex-wife of former U.S. President Donald Trump, passed away in 2022, much was said about the contents of her last will and testament. Many of the bequests were in line with what was to be expected – money and assets divided amongst her children, friends, and various charitable organizations…. Read More »
Do I Have To Pay The Mortgage On A Home Inherited In Probate?
The circumstances surrounding probate are usually somber. If you are a beneficiary of an estate you were likely close to the person who passed away, and you potentially have to deal with several end-of-life matters, not to mention the emotional toll. One of the only positive things for a beneficiary who becomes involved in… Read More »
Basics Everyone Should Know Regarding Inheritances And Estate Law
The first thing that comes to mind when many people think of estate planning is a last will and testament. A” will” is, certainly, a very important tool utilized by many in order to manage their estates. However, the will is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are many estate planning tools… Read More »
My Loved One Never Made A Will….Now What?
No one relishes the thought of life coming to an end. Particularly when we are younger, or perhaps just starting a family of our own. People tend to set their minds to the building of things – not on the eventuality of putting things away. However, at some point everyone must pass on, and… Read More »