Probate litigation can be an overwhelming and costly experience for families, often adding stress during an already challenging time. While probate is designed to manage the distribution of a deceased person's assets, disputes can arise, leading to prolonged legal battles. Fortunately, there are proactive steps...
In the state of Florida, the role of a Personal Representative is a critical component of the probate process. When an individual passes away, their estate, which may include assets like property, bank accounts, and investments, must be managed and distributed according to the terms...
Losing a loved one is a challenging and emotional experience. When that person passes away without a will, the situation can become even more complicated and stressful. In Florida, dying without a will is referred to as dying "intestate," which means the state's intestacy laws...
Dealing with debts during the probate process can be overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step in settling an estate. Here's how to navigate it: Identify Outstanding Debts: Begin by gathering a list of all debts owed by the deceased, including credit cards, mortgages, loans, and...
Joint tenancy is a simple and effective method to avoid probate, ensuring that your property passes directly to your co-owner upon your death. Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial: Right of Survivorship: The primary feature of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship....
Probate can be a time-consuming and expensive process that many people wish to avoid. One effective way to bypass probate is by designating pay-on-death (POD) beneficiaries for your bank accounts. This simple yet powerful estate planning tool ensures that your assets seamlessly pass to your...
Many disabled individuals rely on government benefit programs to make ends meet. Certain programs, such as SSDI and Medicaid, are subject to asset thresholds. This means that if a person receiving government benefits puts enough money in the bank, they will lose their benefits. As...
Children’s inheritances are subject to specific laws to ensure that they are protected. Florida Statute section 744.301 provides that a child’s natural guardians may collect an inheritance up to $15,000.00 dollars for the minor. For an inheritance over $15,000.00 a guardian of the property should be...
Careful planning during your lifetime can allow your family to avoid probate upon your death. This allows assets to be available immediately, free from creditor’s claims. Some tools for avoiding probate are simple and free, while others are more complex and require the help of...
Summary estate administration generally takes around 8 weeks to complete in an uncontested case. This can vary depending on the law firm handling the case, the parties involved, and the court the case is filed in. In a formal estate administration, it typically takes around 4-6...