Category Archives: Wills Probate
What to Do When a Loved One First Passes Away in Florida
It is never easy to live through the loss of a loved one. In the midst of that grief, it is an unfortunate reality that many urgent responsibilities arise after someone passes away. It is not uncommon for a grieving family to suddenly have to navigate a loved one’s legal and financial matters. It… Read More »
Does my Joint Bank Account Go Through Florida Probate?
The easiest way to tell if an asset must go through the Florida probate process after a loved one has passed away is to determine whether the asset was held in your loved one’s name only. Generally, any property that was under the sole ownership of a person who has passed away will have… Read More »
How Trust Structures Create Probate Conflict: And How to Stop it
Settling a Florida estate often involves resolving terms of both trusts, as well as the last will and testament. However, not every estate plan is created equal: and not all trusts operate the same way. Trust disputes all too frequently arise in the midst of probate. Disputes, such as whether a trust was revocable… Read More »
Smart Gifting in Estate Planning
Smart gifting in estate planning isn’t just about generosity, it is one of the most overlooked strategies that can benefit your estate plan. If done properly, utilizing gifting in your estate plan can reduce your estate’s tax exposure, protect your assets, and allow you to provide support and security to your family. However, it… Read More »
Preparing Your Estate for Coming Storms
No one can argue that living in Florida can be a dream. Crystal coasts, mild winters… there is the hiccup, of course, of the reality that Florida experiences its fair share of natural disasters. Natural disasters took prime focus on the world stage recently when Russia experienced an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. The sixth largest… Read More »
The Florida Escheatment Process
Not many people are familiar with the word “escheatment” – but the idea or fear that you could lose property to the state upon your death, your loved ones never receiving what you would leave to them – is probably an idea as old as the country itself. If not older. The Florida escheatment… Read More »
Does Having a Will mean my Estate will Avoid Probate?
Building a lasting estate plan might feel overwhelming – but fear not. The experienced legal team at Suncoast Civil Law have helped countless clients through every step of the process, and have answers for all of your probate and estate planning questions. One of the most common questions initially asked by those just starting… Read More »
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 »