Category Archives: Estate And Probate Administration
Is My Revocable Trust Liable for My Personal Debts?
A trust is a vehicle for disposing of your assets without the need for probate after you die. It is, at least in the case of revocable trusts, not a mechanism to shield your assets from creditors. The reason for this is simple: As long as you have the power to revoke the trust,… Read More »
Is There a Time Limit to Establish Paternity in a Probate Case?
A common source of estate litigation is paternity claims. That is to say, individuals claiming to be a child of the deceased claim a share of the parent’s estate. In cases where the parent died intestate–without leaving a will–the children have certain inheritance rights under law. And this includes any children born outside of… Read More »
Can I Continue My Child’s Lawsuit After Their Death?
One reason it is important to have Florida will is that it may be necessary to continue litigation after your death. Let’s say you are involved in a civil litigation matter. If you die unexpectedly while the case is still pending, your estate would have to step in and continue the case for you…. Read More »
Can You Sue Someone for “Interfering” with Your Inheritance?
Disinheriting a child often leads to hurt feelings and, in some cases, legal action after a parent’s death. Although there is no legal reason you cannot disinherit your own child, if the disinheritance is the result of another person’s undue influence, the child may have standing to contest your will or trust. And Florida… Read More »
Can Your Florida Estate Collect Any Refunds Owed to You?
In preparing your Florida estate plan, it is generally a good idea to make a list of all the assets you presently own. This can make it easier when figuring out how to divide your property among your chosen beneficiaries. It can also give you a rough idea of how big your estate will… Read More »
What “Snowbirds” Need to Know About Florida Estate Planning
Florida has always been a welcome refuge for people looking to escape the harsh winters of colder climates. Indeed, it is common practice for many of these “snowbirds” to buy and maintain a second residence in Florida. If you are one of these people, you need to be aware of how owning real property… Read More »
Can My Florida Trust Be Modified After I Die?
Generally speaking, if you create a revocable living trust as part of your estate plan, the trust becomes irrevocable upon your death. In other words, your successor trustee cannot unilaterally modify the terms of the trust. In some situations, however, a Florida probate court can “modify the terms of a trust” if it is… Read More »
Is the Executor of My Estate Entitled to Compensation?
A personal representative (or executor) is the person charged with overseeing the administration of your probate estate. This is often a family member, but it can also be your attorney or even a professional fiduciary. Regardless of whom you appoint as your personal representative, you should be aware of how Florida law provides for… Read More »
Who Is Considered a “Surviving” Spouse Under Florida Law?
An issue that frequently comes up in Florida estate and probate administration is the need to seek damages against the person or persons responsible for the decedent’s death. Like most states, Florida has a wrongful death statute. This authorizes the personal representative of a decedent’s estate to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties… Read More »
Can My Relatives Claim My House Even If My Will Says Otherwise?
Clarity is crucial when making a last will and testament. If there is any ambiguity in the terms of your will or a related estate planning document, your heirs or relatives might try to take advantage of the situation after your death. In effect, they could attempt to argue that you did not say… Read More »
