Those who put effort into crafting a thoughtful estate plan take steps that could take care of their loved ones in the event of their passing. Florida residents who think an estate plan is never subject to revisions could be mistaken. There are numerous instances when...
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Estate Administration
An personal representative responsibilities
Florida testators will have likely named an personal representative in their will. An personal representative role is critical in managing and distributing the decedent's estate according to their wishes and the applicable laws. The duties of an personal...
The Basics of Unclaimed Property
Florida's Unclaimed Property Law: Reclaiming Lost Treasures Imagine a forgotten bank account from your college days or an uncashed check tucked away in some old documents. Many people are unaware that such dormant assets are still rightfully theirs, waiting to be...
Florida inheritance laws dictate how assets are dispersed
If your loved one passes away in Florida, their estate will go through a probate process. The estate administration and actions necessary to guide the estate through the probate process will depend on whether they had a will. When a person dies with a will, this legal...
What can you expect during an ancillary probate in Florida?
If a testator had real estate in another state that they passed on to a beneficiary through their will, then it will go through ancillary probate. Each state has its own process for handling real estate holdings after the owner's death. Florida courts only have...
The many reasons to create a trust
A trust is one of many estate planning tools that may help you achieve your short and long-term goals. For instance, it may be used to keep your Florida home out of your estate or to keep other assets from being subject to probate. Trusts may also be used to keep the...
What is a contingent beneficiary, and why do you need one?
When a person passes away in Florida, their will dictates who will inherit their assets. Some assets, such as retirement accounts, cannot be bequeathed in a will. Instead, the account passes on to whoever the owner names as a beneficiary. It is also wise to name an...
When can you contest a trust?
Trusts form an important part of Florida estate planning, and many people choose them to avoid the type of challenges commonly made against wills. However, certain circumstances do allow you to contest a trust. Mismanagement by the trustee One of the most important...
What happens to Florida residents’ debt after they die?
Death can leave a lot of unanswered questions for Florida families. The process of transferring assets and belongings can be difficult for many, especially as bill collectors come calling. There’s no easy answer to what happens to debt after someone dies. A lot of it...
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Part 1 of 5: How much are probate attorney fees? People often ask me how much does probate cost. The short answer is, it depends. There are five main types of expenses of administration: attorney compensation, personal representative compensation, other professional...