When a beloved family member passes away, surviving relatives might feel overwhelmed with sadness. Although survivors may have a hard time moving forward, legal and financial responsibilities arise and require attention. Probate court proceedings could add more stress...
Should probate be feared?
Florida families hear the term "probate" bandied about as though it were a a dirty word. Every lawyer tells you that you should do what you can to avoid ending up there. The question is why probate can be a difficult place for families. Many things can go wrong in...
Do you need a funeral trust?
Anyone who has planned a funeral knows that there are many decisions that must be made while grieving the loss of a loved one. Questions about burial methods, funeral service components and more can be overwhelming. If your loved ones are not sure how to pay for your...
Keeping your power of attorney updated in estate planning
As a Florida resident, an essential aspect of your estate planning involves the creation of a power of attorney. Sometimes called a letter of attorney, the document provides written authorization for someone to act on your behalf when you are incapacitated. While it's...
What taxes do you owe on your parent’s Florida estate?
When you receive an inheritance from a resident of Florida, you do not have to pay state-level estate taxes or inheritance taxes. The state of Florida does not have a separate estate tax. However, the federal government has an estate tax that applies to all states if...
Proving a stepparent exerted undue influence over the will
When a parent marries later in life, adult children may not have many opportunities to observe the new marital dynamics. The new spouse may not ever seem like a stepparent. If the parent dies and leaves most of the anticipated inheritance to the spouse, the adult...
What are advanced directives?
If you are like most people, you probably do not like to think about the possibility of being unable to make decisions for yourself. When it comes to estate planning, you do need to consider that possibility. Advanced directives are tools so that you can plan for the...
Who participates in the probate process?
Distributing and closing your estate can be quite a group effort. Depending on the decisions you make made prior to your death, the responsibilities of those helping you could vary significantly. When you know who the key players are and what their responsibilities...
A probate overview and assets that may or may not pass through
You may have had some experience with probate, perhaps as a beneficiary or even someone who has served as a personal representative. If not, the probate process may seem confusing at best. What is the process and what happens regarding a decedent’s assets? About the...
How should you prepare to contest a will in probate court?
If you plan to contest a will in a Florida court, the time you spend preparing can make a considerable difference in your outcome. Courts will assess all angles of what your family member would have wanted. Doing your due diligence can improve your case and help the...
