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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
