Understanding the Requirements for Summary Administration under Florida Law
When someone passes away in Florida, their estate may need to undergo probate—the court-supervised process of distributing estate assets to heirs and paying the creditors of an estate. Probate may be required regardless of whether the deceased left a Last Will and Testament. The asset type and how it was titled at...
How to Take Title to Your Florida Property
When buying or inheriting a property, you need to think carefully about how you will take title (i.e., the legal right to own and use a property). Florida law allows for several ways to own a property, and each one has its pros and cons depending on your circumstances and what you...
What happens if you don’t have the original Last Will and Testament in a Florida Probate?
What do you do when the original Last Will and Testament is not available to be filed with the court during the Florida probate process? Imagine you're in this all-too familiar and difficult situation: Your dad has just passed away, and no matter how hard you search, you can't find his original...
The Consequences of Dying Without a Will: Navigating the Complexities of Intestacy Laws
The inevitability of death is a topic many prefer to avoid, but planning for the future is a responsible and necessary aspect of life. One crucial element of this planning is the creation of a Last Will & Testament (or a “Will” for short). Surprisingly, a significant number of individuals overlook or...
A Guide to Preparing the Petition for Summary Administration in Florida
When it comes to the probate process in Florida, understanding the various procedures and forms is crucial. One such form that plays a pivotal role in expediting the probate process is the Petition for Summary Administration.
Summary Administration is a streamlined probate procedure designed to simplify the settlement...
Florida Probate: What to Do When a Loved One Dies
When a loved one dies, there are many details that need to be handled, including navigating the Florida probate process. Even though this is an emotional time for the deceased’s loved ones, attention and time must also be given to certain estate matters.
While you...
Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney to Buy or Sell a Home?
For most individuals, buying or selling a home is their single investment transaction. And just like any other large financial deal, it should be done with proper legal guidance to avoid mistakes and potential legal liabilities.
Transactions that involve a real estate agent should also involve an attorney since real estate agents do...
Protecting Your Property Rights with Title Insurance
What is title insurance? Many homebuyers are not familiar with title insurance, even if they’ve purchased property before. This may be due to the fact that the closing process is full of requirements, tasks, and costs, and title insurance can sometimes get lost amid...
How Do You Prepare and File a Quitclaim Deed In Florida?
Quitclaim Deeds are typically used in real estate transactions involving family members or close friends, or when little or no money is being exchanged for a transfer of title. Unlike Warranty Deeds, Quitclaim Deeds do not guarantee that the property title is clear of defects, which requires a higher level of trust...
Do You Need an Opinion of Title in Florida?
Some cities and counties in Florida require an attorney opinion of title for certain real estate matters (such as a Unity of Title, water and sewer setup, zoning, development or permitting). Some lenders also require an attorney opinion of title letters, often for real estate transactions.