Category Archives: Probate & Guardianships
Understanding The Notice Of Administration
After someone you love passes away, you may receive a Notice of Administration from the probate court in Florida. At this time, you are likely still grieving the loss of your loved one, and you may just be trying to move forward without them in your life. The last thing you may be thinking… Read More »
How To Close An Estate In Florida
If you have been acting as a personal representative, you understand what a demanding position it is. You must collect assets, pay creditors, and handle a myriad of other duties related to estate administration. Now maybe, you are at the final stage which requires you to formally close out the estate. This last phase… Read More »
What Responsibilities Do Personal Representatives Have?
Perhaps someone you love has asked if you would take on the role of being their personal representative if they pass away. Or, maybe someone has just passed and you have learned they designated you for this role, or maybe the court has appointed you to the position. In any case, what does this… Read More »
When Can Creditors File A Claim Against An Estate?
After a person passes away, creditors can make claims against their estate to recover any debt the decedent owed them. This is done during the probate process. Before a creditor can make a claim, though, they must be notified of the death. There are important deadlines for any creditor that wants to file a… Read More »
Steps To Take After A Loved One Passes Away
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you will ever go through, even if the death was expected. During your time of grief, there are also many important steps to take and it is not always easy to know what these are. If you have lost someone, you may need legal… Read More »
How To Create An Estate Inventory In Florida
Settling the estate of a loved one can be an arduous process. If you have taken on the role of personal representative, one of your first tasks will be to gather the assets of the deceased, value them, and create an inventory. Under state law in Florida, you only have 60 days to submit… Read More »
Is Probate Necessary If There Is No Will?
The purpose of a will is to provide legal protection for the property and wishes for an individual who has passed away. Probate is a process that ensures the will is valid and that property is distributed in accordance with the document. Contrary to what many people think, a will does not help loved… Read More »
The Different Types Of Guardianship In Florida
There are many different reasons people require a guardian in Florida. When guardianship is established one person, known as the guardian, has the authority to make decisions for another person, known as the ward. The parents of a minor child may both pass away, requiring a guardian to be appointed for the child. Or,… Read More »
Estate Planning Strategies To Prevent Future Probate Litigation
When you pass away, you do not want your family’s last memories of you to be fighting over your estate in probate court. Sadly, it is not uncommon for people to find themselves in contested probate proceedings after they lose a loved one. Fortunately, you can stop these disputes from arising by using some… Read More »
Three Common Beneficiary Designation Disputes
Designating beneficiaries is critical when determining who will inherit your property after you pass away. Proper beneficiary designations can make sure that your insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you do not clearly specify who your beneficiaries are, it can create confusion and result in possible… Read More »