Category Archives: Wills Probate
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 »
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 »