When your loved one passed away, you thought handling their estate would be straightforward. But suddenly, you found yourself caught in a web of legal procedures, family disagreements and unexpected debts. Like many Floridians, you discovered that probate can be more...
Probate & Estate Administration
How to handle estate administration after losing a loved one
When someone close to you passes, you are suddenly faced with more than just grief. You may also have to figure out what happens to their home, their finances and every last document they left behind. In Florida, that often means stepping into the unfamiliar world of...
Who is responsible for unpaid bills during probate?
When a loved one passes away, their estate enters the probate process. During this time, the deceased person's bills and debts must be paid. But who is responsible for those unpaid bills? Understanding who handles these financial matters can help ease your mind as you...
What to know about guardianship proceedings in probate
When a loved one becomes unable to make decisions for themselves due to incapacity or disability, establishing a guardianship may be necessary. Guardianship proceedings in probate court make it possible to appoint a guardian to make decisions on their behalf. Before...
Why it is important to discuss Medicaid planning with an attorney
When it comes to ensuring the best possible care for ourselves and our loved ones, it is important to understand Medicaid planning. This process involves making strategic decisions about financial matters to secure future healthcare needs. Seeking guidance from a...
Your challenges as an estate executor
Being chosen to administer a will can seem like an honor. After all, someone has entrusted you with overseeing their estate. You may discover, however, that you are carrying a heavy burden. Serving as an executor can be complicated and time-consuming. Your first steps...
Your responsibilities as an estate administrator
When helping to administer someone else's estate, you act in a fiduciary capacity. In other words, you act for the benefit of someone else. The name for your role in administering the estate depends on what you are in charge of managing. If someone named you as the...
Estate planning for end-of-life wishes
Thinking about end-of-life matters can be uncomfortable. It can be difficult to imagine a future in which a person no longer has control over themselves, their bodies or their decisions. However, the fact is that many people will face this reality whether they planned...
Florida courts will not uphold no-contest clauses in last wills
If you have taken the time to create an estate plan, it's likely because you have a legacy in mind. Whether you hope to donate some of your assets to charity or ensure that your children and grandchildren are cared for after you die, that legacy is often your final...
Is probate a bad thing?
Creating an estate plan is important for many reasons. Doing so can ensure that a person's medical choices are respected, assets are distributed according to the maker's wishes and that surviving Florida family members have a clear plan to follow in the wake of their...
