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...
Understanding how a divorce changes your estate plans
If you heeded the advice of estate planning experts in Florida and already drafted a will, then you likely feel well-prepared should you meet an untimely end. Yet it is important to remember that estate planning is not an event; rather, it is a process that requires...
Should I put my adult child’s name on the deed to my home?
One of the most popular driving factors behind Americans going through the estate planning process is helping their heirs skip probate. Avoiding probate is beneficial for many reasons, and chief among them is that probate can take a lot of time and be expensive. In...
What is and is not subject to probate?
Probate is a mysterious process for those who have not dealt with it. Before creating an estate plan, you may want to understand how the court views assets. Under Florida law, most estates must go through probate. If the value of your estate is less than $75,000,...
What should you look for in an executor?
Florida residents like you spend your entire life crafting, maintaining and caring for your estate. It goes without say that you want someone to take care of it after your death. This will allow your beneficiaries to enjoy it without going through legal hassles and...
Do I really need to have a trust?
Having a will in place is a crucial part of the estate planning process. However, wills are limited in what they can achieve. If you only have a will established, your estate could be vulnerable after you are gone. Implementing a trust along with your will is a great...
3 important estate planning documents for same-sex couples
Because of the Supreme Court decision that granted marriage equality, the estate planning process can be much less fraught for same-sex couples who choose to marry. Marriage grants a surviving spouse certain rights by default when the other passes away. The probate...
4 tips to help you succeed as a personal representative
With the death of your loved one, it is time for you to assume your responsibilities as personal representative per the instructions in the will. Since the estate will go through probate, the probate court will confirm your appointment. Here are four tips to help you...
