One of the few guarantees in life for people in Florida is that at some point in time everyone will pass away. People may not know when or how they may pass away though. The hope is that people will live a long, full life but not everyone is that lucky. However, no...
Probate
Why are wills contested in probate?
A will is a powerful testamentary document that can help a Tampa resident accomplish their estate planning wishes. Through a will a person can bequeath property to beneficiaries, identify guardians for their minor children, and direct assets to charitable...
Why knowing about the fiduciary duty is important
Estate plans are meant to give clear guidance as to how assets are to be distributed upon death. While many estate plans are very clear and there is little dispute as to their validity, issues can still arise during the administration of the estate. For example,...
When can someone contest a will?
A last will and testament may seemingly reflect the deceased wishes, but family members, business partners, and others could be unhappy with its text. In Florida, laws exist to establish a process for contesting a will. Disagreeing with the deceased's wishes won't be...
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...
Probate litigation in Florida
When a parent dies, the adult children who are left behind might slip into a chaotic legal battle over the division of assets. These battles can produce long-term hard feelings as well as mounting legal bills. However, some pre-planning by the parents can help reduce...
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...
How long does probate take in Florida?
No matter how much care an individual takes of preparing their final wishes, the probate process is a lengthy one. When all is said and done, it’s entirely possible for it to take several years before the decedent’s loved ones get the money and other assets that were...
Who is an interested party in probate?
Those who are involved in a will contest in a Florida court may want to know exactly who is allowed to participate. State law draws a line in saying that not everyone has the ability to be a part of the process. Specifically, one must be an interested party in order...
How long does probate take in Florida?
No matter how much care an individual takes of preparing their final wishes, the probate process is a lengthy one. When all is said and done, it’s entirely possible for it to take several years before the decedent’s loved ones get the money and other assets that were...