If you are thinking about estate planning or already started, you likely have run into the term probate. This is a legal process in court that can devolve into litigation. As a result, the probate process can quickly become a costly and time-consuming process. Plus,...
Are you surprised by the estate plan that your loved one left behind? Were you left with less of an inheritance than you expected as a result? If so, then you need to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the creation of your loved one’s estate plan to...
The court must determine if a will is valid and legitimate before authorizing an estate administrator to execute the will's instructions. For a will to be valid, the testator must have been of sound mind and body when they signed it. However, some people, even family...
Individuals often seek to ensure their personal and financial matters remain in trusted hands, especially when they cannot handle them personally. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone (the principal) to grant another person (the agent) the...
In Florida, estates can either go through formal or summary probate administration. This might be confusing to some who only understand probate as a general concept. The following basic guide to the two processes can help you understand their difference better....
Sometimes, our situation prevents us from being physically close to our parents. Whether it is because we reside in another state or our jobs are not very flexible, it can be challenging to be hands-on in our parents’ care. Fortunately, estate planning tools such as...
We have a fundamental right to govern our lives and live it how we choose. However, the mental capacity to govern our lives diminishes because of the inevitability of illness, severe trauma and aging. Florida law allows us to prepare for when that happens. According...
Planning your estate plan takes careful thought and consideration. One of the biggest choices you make is regarding who will be the executor of your estate. The executor's primary duty is to carry out the wishes outlined in your will, including settling debts,...
Growing old is inevitable. And as children, we can only hope that our parents grow old healthy. However, aging comes with both expected and unexpected situations. As our parents grow older, we expect that their ability to do certain activities will decrease, and they...
When a loved one passes away in Florida, the executor or personal representative responsible for administering the estate has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Unfortunately, there are cases where the executor breaches this duty,...