Category Archives: Wills Probate
The $275M Estate Duel that’s Shining a Light on Trustee Removal
In matters of massive financial effect, things are rarely simple. Years after billionaire Jimmy Buffett passed away, his widow and former financial advisor are embroiled in a legal battle over control of his 275-million-dollar estate. The issues are not WHO should inherit under the large estate – but rather, who should manage it. And… Read More »
The Pros (and Cons) of Probate
Florida’s probate process, like any other complex framework, has its pros and cons. It can be a necessary and helpful process, but many find it a drawn-out legal nightmare. Probate law was established to serve both the government and the intended heirs of an estate. It is important to understand both what probate is,… Read More »
Pop-Star Legacy Casts Intestacy Law into Light
Liam Payne’s estate has been revealed after the pop star died last October without writing a last will and testament, leaving behind a fortune of $32.3 million. As many will recall, the former One Direction singer died in October 2024 at age 31 after he fell from a third floor hotel balcony in Buenos… Read More »
Formal Administration vs Summary Administration in Florida
Florida probate is the legal process by which the court identifies and gathers together the deceased’s assets, gets any necessary outstanding debts paid, and completes distribution of assets to the rightful beneficiaries. The Florida probate process is complex – one of the first hurdles to get over is actually understanding that there are two… Read More »
Estate Planning for Snowbirds: Multi-State Issues in Florida
Being a “snowbird” is not a new concept – even back in colonial times, letters were exchanged between founding fathers discussing how the family planned to “summer” or “winter” in one familial home or another as the seasons came and went. As most good ideas go, being a snowbird is a popular lifestyle choice,… Read More »
Florida’s Non-Probate Assets: What Passes Outside of Court Part II
In part one of this series, we began the discussion on how non-probate assets directly transition to beneficiaries, thereby bypassing probate court. But in order to successfully keep assets from entering into probate as part of the probate estate, essential legal requirements must be met. This article will further detail these necessary legal requirements,… Read More »
Florida’s Non-Probate Assets: What Passes Outside of Court: Part I
So many would love to know: Does this estate really have to go through probate? What can I do to limit what has to go through probate? What do I have to know and what is the quickest way to get through the Florida probate process? There are some general rules and great information… Read More »
What to do When the Probate Beneficiary is Missing
Florida’s probate process may seem long, arduous, and downright tedious. However, probate serves many critical purposes. The personal representative’s tasks of inventorying assets, settling debts, and notifying beneficiaries of their inheritances are chief among them, and can sometimes be pretty straightforward tasks. However, complications may arise if personal representatives cannot locate one or more… Read More »
Probate for Foreign Nationals with Florida Assets
Estate planning often feels a little overwhelming at the best of times – but what about when you do not have your full U.S. citizenship? It’s understandable that resident aliens owning property in the State of Florida may not know where to start or what rules and regulations apply to them when creating an… Read More »
How to Close a Florida Probate Estate
As a personal representative tasked with administering a Florida estate, you’ve already been on quite the journey – gathering assets, paying creditors, and handling the myriad duties that come along with estate administration. Now, you’ve arrived at the final stage of your journey: officially closing out the probate estate. This last phase of estate… Read More »