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Monthly Archives: November 2019

EstPl2

Why Is It a Bad Idea to Write My Own Will?

By Rusty |

Many Florida residents find the prospect of writing a will or creating an estate plan to be overwhelming. And as is often the case with such tasks, people frequently think about taking shortcuts. This often leads to thinking like, “I don’t need to contact a lawyer, I can write my own will!” Indeed, there… Read More »

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What Is a “Payable on Death” Account?

By Rusty |

Normally when you die, the money in your bank account is considered a probate asset, meaning it is distributed in accordance with the terms of your will. But it is possible to keep your bank account out of the probate process by designating a “payable on death” (POD) beneficiary with your bank. POD accounts… Read More »

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PainSuff

Who Has the Legal Right to Plan a Person’s Funeral?

By Rusty |

A sudden, unexpected death in the family can leave the survivors struggling to answer some basic questions about what steps to take next. For example, who will plan the funeral? Did the deceased leave any instructions about how they wished to be honored or buried? And who even has the legal right to make… Read More »

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Guardianship

Georgia Court Reconsiders Legality of Guardianship Over Former Florida Resident

By Rusty |

There are situations where it may be necessary for a court to place an incapacitated adult under a legal guardianship. Florida law authorizes guardianships whenever a judge determines a ward–the adult subject of the proceedings–is physically or mentally unable to manage their needs for any reason. Because a guardianship can significantly restrict the ward’s… Read More »

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EstPlan18

What Is a “Self-Proving” Will?

By Rusty |

You probably know that in order for a last will and testament to be legal, it needs to be witnessed. Specifically, Florida law requires all valid wills to be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses. The witnesses can be any legally competent adult, including someone who is named as a beneficiary… Read More »

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Litigation5

Florida Court Rejects Daughter’s Claim Against Father’s Estate 18 Years After His Death

By Rusty |

There are different rules in Florida when making a legal claim against an estate versus a still-living person. That is to say, if you believe a now-deceased individual owes you money, your legal remedy is to file a claim against their probate estate. And typically, you need to file such a claim within a… Read More »

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SigningWill

Understanding the Limits of a Revocable Trust in Florida

By Rusty |

Revocable trusts are commonly used in Florida estate planning to help streamline the probate process. Assets you put into such a trust are not considered part of your probate estate. This means that after you die, your trust can distribute these assets to your beneficiaries without going through the formalities of a court-supervised probate…. Read More »

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PersRep

What Does It Mean to “Escheat” a Florida Estate?

By Rusty |

There are a number of confusing legal terms surrounding estate and probate administration in Florida. One such term you may have come across is “escheat.” What does this word mean? And how could it affect your own estate, or even the estate of a family member who recently died? The word “escheat” actually dates… Read More »

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EstatePlanning5

Florida’s Homestead Tax Exemption and Your Probate Estate

By Rusty |

Your primary residence or “homestead” enjoys a number of special protections under Florida law. For example, most unsecured creditors cannot force you to sell your homestead in order to pay off your debts. This exemption, which is provided in the Florida Constitution, extends to your spouse or minor children if they continue living in… Read More »

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EstPlan5

What Happens If My Child Dies Before Receiving Their Share of My Trust?

By Rusty |

During the process of creating a will or trust, you may need to consider certain contingencies. For instance, say your plan is to leave everything to your children. What happens if one of your children dies before (or shortly after) you do? Will their share of your estate to go to their descendants? Or… Read More »

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