Recent Blog Posts
Why You Need To Act Promptly When Appealing A Florida Probate Decision
When it comes to probate matters, you need to assert your legal rights in a timely manner. For example, there are certain deadlines to file a creditor claim or an objection to a probate accounting. And when you are involved in active probate litigation, it is important to act promptly if you disagree with… Read More »
Divided Florida Appeals Court Holds Guardian May Not Retain Deceased Ward’s Retirement Accounts To Pay Expenses
When an adult is no longer capable of caring for themselves, a Florida court may need to step in and appoint a guardian. A guardianship is typically necessary only when an adult has failed to execute a power of attorney or similar documents prior to becoming incapacitated. In the absence of such express wishes,… Read More »
What Happens When Someone Dies Without A Will In Florida?
For most people, a last will and testament is one of the most important parts of a comprehensive estate plan, if not the only part. A will gives a testator the ability to control how their assets and property will be distributed after their death. So what happens when someone dies without a will?… Read More »
How Do I Contest A Will In Florida?
There may be nothing in life more painful than losing a loved one. However, for many, when it comes time to hear their loved one’s last will and testament and it does not align with what they knew their loved one’s wishes to be, it can feel like adding salt to a very deep… Read More »
Testamentary Capacity In Florida Estate Planning
Making a will, trust, or any other estate plan documents requires the person to be of sound mind. Determining how assets will be distributed after death is a decision that many people take seriously, so it’s important that estate planning documents be prepared only when the testator (the person signing the will) is mentally… Read More »
Avoiding Conflicts Of Interest With Powers Of Attorney In Florida
A power of attorney is an excellent way to make sure that an elderly relative’s financial and healthcare needs are met when they are no longer able to. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Agents holding the power of attorney have significant responsibilities towards the principal – the person who signed the power… Read More »
Understanding Undue Influence
The elderly are unfortunately very vulnerable to undue influence. Undue influence occurs when the will of an elderly individual is overpowered by the influence of another person, who usually has power or control over them, in order to get them to change their will or another testamentary document for the benefit of the influencer…. Read More »
Irrevocable Vs. Revocable Trusts
Trusts are an incredibly effective legal tool in your estate planning toolbox. There are a number of kinds of trusts and understanding the benefits and drawbacks can help you determine what kind of trust best meets the needs of you and your family. These trusts fall into the categories of revocable and irrevocable. All… Read More »
How Trusts Can Help You Avoid Probate
Probate is a period during which an individual’s estate is settled and distributed after their death. Probate can be a rather long process, which can take several months or even over a year in some cases. During probate, possible beneficiaries also have the opportunity to challenge the validity of the will. The more challenges… Read More »
Understanding Probate In Florida
If you have started thinking about estate planning, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are many aspects to estate planning, and the ones that are important for you to focus on depend on your specific situation. It can be hard to figure out where to invest your effort or even where to… Read More »