What Happens in Florida if You Don’t Have the Original Will?
Imagine that you are left in charge of a loved one's estate after they pass away. Although you are aware that they have a Last Will & Testament, you are unable to locate the original. What happens next? In Florida, the original copy of the decedent's Will must be submitted to the clerk...
Florida Small Estate Probate: Does Your Estate Qualify for Summary Administration?
When someone dies, their estate may have to go through the probate process. Probate is a court-supervised legal process that involves settling a deceased person’s estate and distributing the assets to their heirs.
Formal probate administration can be a long and complex process. But not all estates need a...
Florida Deeds Explained: What You Need to Know Before Transferring Florida Real Estate
Imagine you are purchasing or selling a property in Florida. You've agreed on the terms, negotiated the price, and discovered the ideal bargain. However, a formal document transferring ownership of the property from the grantor (i.e., current owner or seller) to the grantee (i.e., future owner or buyer) must be signed before you can...
The Benefits and Advantages of a Lady Bird Deed
Planning for the future is never easy, especially when it comes to figuring out the best way to preserve your legacy and provide for your loved ones. Fortunately, there are a broad range of legal strategies that can be tailored to your needs and vision. One option well worth considering is the...
Common Questions about Probate Answered by a Florida Probate Attorney
A: When a loved one passes away leaving assets in his or her individual name, those assets are often required to go through a court-managed process known as “probate” or “probate estate administration”. This process involves the managing and distribution of the decedent’s...
The Homestead Tax Exemption in Florida: A Comprehensive Overview
If you're a homeowner or prospective buyer in Florida, you're probably familiar with the State's homestead exemption laws – and for good reason. The Florida homestead tax exemption is a powerful tool that reduces tax liabilities for homeowners across the State. But what exactly is this exemption, and how does it work?
What Executors Need to Know About Florida Probate
The job of an estate executor (also known as the “personal representative”) comes with a long list of tasks that must be handled during the Florida probate process, and there can be legal repercussions if those tasks are handled incorrectly.
Once you have been appointed as executor, you are considered the responsible...
Clearing Title to Homestead Property with Summary Administration
In Florida, the two primary types of probate are formal administration and summary administration. Formal administration is the “standard” probate process where title to a decedent’s assets is cleared after the appointment of a personal representative and a full probate proceeding. Summary administration is the shortened form of probate and...
What is the Lady Bird Deed in Florida?
As one of a few states that recognizes a Lady Bird Deed, Florida offers a flexible option for your estate planning needs.
Among the most versatile tools in your Florida estate planning toolkit is the Lady Bird Deed. Like all types of deeds, it allows for the transfer...
How Estate Executors Can Successfully Navigate the Florida Probate Process
If you have been named the executor (a/k/a personal representative) of an estate, you will probably have some questions about your exact duties and responsibilities when it comes to the Florida probate process. In general, after your appointment by the probate court as executor, you are responsible for administrating the probate process...