When someone passes away, their estate has to go through probate. The estate administration process is generally handled by the estate executor. Ideally, someone has written an estate plan and deliberately chosen an executor who understands the responsibilities of the...
Many of the people who die in Florida had lived much of their lives in other states. Florida is one of the country's most popular retirement destinations. The climate and infrastructure in the Sunshine State make Florida an attractive destination for those looking for...
Not all estate distributions go the way everyone expects. Some wills leave one or more beneficiaries or heirs upset when they learn they will not receive what they thought they would (or believed they should). If discovering the contents of someone’s will leaves you...
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party, the trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of another, the beneficiary. The trustee plays a crucial role in executing the terms of the trust, ensuring the handling of assets according to the grantor's...
In Florida, intestacy rules can be challenging to understand, especially during a difficult time. When a loved one passes without a will, these laws take effect to guide the distribution of the deceased’s assets. In this blog, we'll break down Florida's intestacy laws...
If you have any exposure to estate planning or the probate process, you may have heard the term “personal representative.” In the intricate process of probate following a death in Florida, the personal representative is a central figure. These individuals shoulder...
One of the important options in preparing a will is the opportunity to nominate an individual to act as the personal representative of the estate after the maker of the will dies. As important as this power may be, very few individuals understand the nature of the...
Administering an estate is often more complicated than people realize. You have to inventory the estate, contact creditors, pay debts, handle final expenses, complete accountings, and ensure that assets are properly distributed. Yet, matters can be even more complex...
When you create an estate plan, you intend that your wishes will be carried out after your death by the person who is named as the personal representative in your will. There are several factors to consider when choosing this person. Choosing a personal representative...
When a person dies, there must be a legal process to determine how to distribute their property. In Florida, this process is called probate. Probate isn't necessarily bad. In fact, it's a necessity in many ways. However, the process can be slow and cumbersome. It can...
