Many Tampa residents strategize for what will happen after their deaths through estate planning. They may prepare wills and trusts, set up payable on death accounts and retitle property, and take other actions to maximize their abilities to bequeath their assets to...
Estate Planning
What to know about probate court
A probate court handles matters related to the oversight of people and their assets. For instance, a Florida probate judge may have final say in a case regarding a guardianship or conservatorship. The judge may also make rulings regarding the validity of wills or...
When should I think about updating my estate plan?
Creating a customized estate plan that is tailored to the needs and goals of the estate planner is an important step to take. Equally important, yet sometimes overlooked, is the necessity to regularly update an estate plan to keep up with the changes in the estate...
What to know about being an executor
An executor, also known as a Personal Representative in Florida is responsible for managing a deceased person’s debts and assets during probate. The Personal Representative is also responsible for transferring assets to beneficiaries in accordance with a deceased...
Understanding the difference between wills and trusts
Many Florida residents are familiar with the term "probate," which is the process by which a person’s assets are distributed after death, either in accordance with that person’s will or as provided for by the law in the absence of a will. Probate is done in court, and...
Executing a last will and testament
Florida residents with assets or property to their name should look into creating a will or trust to ensure that their assets are delivered to the right people after they pass away. As part of this process, a person needs to select someone to be an executor for the...
Interested parties in probate are not unlimited
Not everyone has the ability to participate in a Florida will contest. In order to challenge a will or to defend against a challenge, one must be an interested party. At some point, courts will draw a line and keep some people out of the proceedings. When an estate is...
What to know about being an executor
An executor, also known as a Personal Representative in Florida is responsible for managing a deceased person’s debts and assets during probate. The Personal Representative is also responsible for transferring assets to beneficiaries in accordance with a deceased...
Understanding the difference between wills and trusts
Many Florida residents are familiar with the term "probate," which is the process by which a person’s assets are distributed after death, either in accordance with that person’s will or as provided for by the law in the absence of a will. Probate is done in court, and...
Executing a last will and testament
Florida residents with assets or property to their name should look into creating a will or trust to ensure that their assets are delivered to the right people after they pass away. As part of this process, a person needs to select someone to be an executor for the...