Should a Florida resident become unable to make their own financial and personal decisions, their family might consider starting a conservatorship. A conservatorship grants a person, known as the conservator, the legal responsibility of making all their decisions...
When a loved one passes away, they may leave behind debt. Family members may wonder what claims the decedent’s creditors have on the estate. In Florida, the probate process handles the payments of debt; however, not all debts are eligible. Here is what all...
In many states, conservatorship is guardianship for adults. Florida, however, uses the term conservatorship to refer to absentee situations. Guardianships apply to both minors and adults. Absentees An absentee is someone who has gone missing due to mental illness or...
Even those Florida residents who may be ambivalent towards technology find themselves using online and digital tools. Hardware, such as smartphones and laptops, allow users to store information on an internal drive. Storing essential documents, including tax returns,...
For Florida families of people with disabilities, special needs trusts can play an important role in ensuring that loved ones are cared for. Many people with disabilities must access government programs like Social Security benefits or Medicaid in order to obtain the...
It's common for Florida residents to create a will or trust. While most people know that wills can be contested, it's fair to wonder if the same can be said for trusts. It's possible to legally contest a trust if you believe that your loved one didn't intend for the...
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...
The death of a family member can be devastating. Having to untangle your financial details without the help of a solid estate plan can make a difficult time even worse and may even put unnecessary strain on family relationships. An estate plan can help minimize your...
Sometimes, wills get contested in Florida. When this happens, the executor as well as the probate court first need to figure out whether or not this individual legally has a right to challenge it. Here’s who typically has standing in a will contest. A beneficiary It’s...
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...