Category Archives: Wills Probate
What Is A Valid Will In Florida, And What Happens If Someone Dies Without One?
There’s an old saying that reflects “only two things in life are certain: death, and taxes.” Fortunately for many governments, and unfortunately for the layman, often family members who are left behind after a loved one passes will be paying taxes on the death as well. Proper estate planning tailored to your specific assets… Read More »
The “101” On Personal Representatives In Florida Probate
If you’ve recently found yourself thrown into the Florida Probate process, or want to educate yourself ahead of such an event, you have come to the right place. Most estates must go through at least some form of probate in Florida, and the court process is often long and complicated. However, there are certain… Read More »
Terminating Trusts In Florida 101
Given the complicated (and often, convoluted) nature of the Florida Probate process, it stands to reason that many individuals choose to create a Trust as part of their estate plan. In earlier posts this blog has already gone through the merits of creating such a trust, and the time and money the estate-planning tool… Read More »
I Have An Out Of State Vacation Home – What Should I Know About Probate When Estate Planning?
For many, it is the highest echelon of the American Dream: not only do you own a home in the state where you live and work, but you have also successfully financed your dream out-of-state property. Whether it’s a house on the beach or a secluded cabin on the chilled lakes of Maine –… Read More »
How To Protect Against “Lost Heirs” In Probate
You have worked your whole life to build up your estate. Regardless of whether your legacy is a vast and sprawling estate or a modest balance in a bank account, you deserve to have the final say in how your estate will be divided and inherited. This may become particularly important to you if… Read More »
How A Revocable Living Trust Can Help You Avoid The Florida Probate Process
The Florida probate laws and processes are notorious for their tendency to cause long, drawn-out, cumbersome estate settlement issues for the heirs/beneficiaries that are left behind. Naturally, this has stirred up interest in what estate planning options or strategies exist to lessen the burden of the probate process (or, hopefully, to exclude as many… Read More »
Summary Administration: A Florida Shortcut To Regular Probate
Probate: a long, drawn out, largely public ordeal that many estates must trod through to some extent in Florida. However, Florida offers an alternative route – a “shortcut” to the formal probate administrative process, if you will – in certain circumstances. Pursuing the simplified probate process may make it easier, less time consuming and… Read More »
Do You Need A Florida Revocable Living Trust?
Although the word “trust” are often associated with very wealthy individuals, the truth is that anyone can use a trust as part of their own estate planning. In particular, the revocable living trust is a popular tool for helping to distribute your assets without the need for formal probate after your death. While living… Read More »
Should You Consider Creating A Revocable Trust As Part Of Your Estate Plan?
Having a last will and testament is a key piece of any estate plan. But there are other estate planning tools you may wish to consider as well. One popular option is to have a revocable living trust. Although you might associate such trusts with the ultra-wealthy, they are in fact a fairly common… Read More »
Can I Make A Video Will And Upload It To YouTube? Is That Valid Under Florida Law?
Under Florida law, a last will and testament must be in writing and signed in the presence of at least two witnesses. These requirements are strictly enforced by the courts. To put it another way, a will is not something you want to “experiment” with. For instance, you should not videotape a will and… Read More »