Author Archives: Site Administrator
What is the role of a guardian in Ft. Myers?
Guardianships and how they’re structured is an issue that frequently arises in Fr. Myers and throughout the state. There are often misconceptions about how a guardian goes about his or her duties and what it is the guardian actually does. Understanding various factors regarding guardianships is important when there are concerns about them, and… Read More »
What are the Florida statutes for will execution?
Under Florida law, there are certain factors that must be considered when it comes to will execution. These must be followed for the will to be valid after the testator’s death. Understanding these laws and adhering to them will help ensure that the decedent’s wishes will be met. The will must be in writing,… Read More »
Providing for a disabled heir with a special needs trust
Many Florida residents beginning the estate planning process have questions about how to provide for a family member with a physical or mental disability. If the disabled individual is receiving benefits from need-based government programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, a large bequest in a will or trust could end up disqualifying him… Read More »
When can a personal representative be removed?
No one necessarily expects or hopes to face issues during the estate administration process. Unfortunately, sometimes issues can come up during probate that can matter greatly to those involved in the administration of the estate. In certain cases, the work of the personal representative responsible for the estate may be called into question. However,… Read More »
Incapacity Can Undo the Execution of a Will
Whether it’s signing a deed when closing on the sale of a home or inking your name on a release form for your child, we have all provided our signature to legal documents. Given the magnitude of some of these documents, formalities are often required. Whether its being witnessed by a notary public or… Read More »
Fort Myers’ Residents Seeking Streamlined Estate Planning Ideas
Locally, Fort Myers and Lee County residents maintain some of the most dynamic and active lifestyles in the country. From schooling to working to enjoying retirement and all the family, friends and activities in between, Floridians have little spare time. As a result, they often eschew things like proper estate planning. Despite this blog’s… Read More »
Some key differences between wills and trusts
The differences between wills and trusts are numerous and depending upon your situation, one might be more appropriate than the other. Wills and trusts also have a lot in common. At their core, both documents are simply estate planning tools in which you appoint a person to distribute your assets under certain terms and… Read More »
How often do I need to revisit my estate plan?
As this blog regularly reports, too many local Fort Myers and Lee County residents fail to engage in comprehensive estate planning. This risky strategy exposes their wealth to the whims of family and friends, along with state and federal regulations. Nevertheless, many of them cite the inability to account for contingencies as a reason… Read More »
Lee County residents advised to add estate planning as resolution
It’s that time of year when we roll our eyes at the urging to adopt this resolution or that for the new year. While a new diet or workout routine may seem like a daunting 2015 exercise, there are other more simple resolutions you can make to get the momentum going. For many Fort… Read More »
Florida calling for more probate judges
The Florida Supreme Court has recently put the state Legislature on notice to the fact that Florida needs more judges. The State’s highest court cited the large number of cases, the increased complexity of those cases and new legislation as the primary reason for requesting 32 new judges. One of the biggest areas of… Read More »
