Category Archives: Wills
Should I Name Co-Executors for My Florida Will?
One of the first decisions you need to make when preparing a Florida will is selecting the person you wish to serve as personal representative or executor. In many cases this is not a difficult decision. Most married persons name their spouse or a child. But what if you are unsure about who to… 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 »
I Already Have a Power of Attorney? Do I Also Need a Will?
When it comes to Florida estate planning, many people look for shortcuts. They do not appreciate the fact that different legal documents cover different situations. For example, some Florida residents think that they do not need a will or trust because they’ve already given a family member a power of attorney, and that will… Read More »
How Do I Challenge the Validity of a Will in Florida?
There are a number of situations where a party may need to contest the validity of a Florida will. One legal tool that a party may use to protect its interests is the filing of a “caveat.” This is essentially a notice filed with the probate court reserving the right to be notified if… Read More »
Can a Stepchild Inherit From a Florida Estate?
Dying without a Florida will means your probate estate will pass under the state’s intestacy laws. Many people do not see the problem with this. Say you are unmarried and are survived by two children. Under Florida intestacy law, your children would automatically inherit your entire estate in the absence of a will. Sounds… Read More »
How Do I Dispose of Specific Items in My Florida Will?
A common problem many people have when drafting a Florida will is deciding how to divide up individual items of personal property. We are not necessarily talking about high-value assets like automobiles or jewelry. We all keep certain items more for sentimental reasons than financial value. But does it make sense to individually list… Read More »
How Will an Inheritance Affect My Child’s Legal Standing?
In preparing a Florida will or trust, you need to be mindful of the potential financial impact an inheritance may have on your children or other beneficiaries. If you have a disabled adult child receiving means-tested government benefits, for example, suddenly receiving a large sum of money from your trust could render them ineligible…. Read More »
What Happens If I Forget to Update My Will to Provide for My Spouse?
There is a strong presumption in Florida probate law against disinheriting a spouse. In fact, the law expressly makes provisions for what is known as a “pretermitted spouse.” This is basically a spouse whom you marry after executing your will. If your will does not make any provision for this new spouse, he or… Read More »
What Happens to a Florida Estate If the Will is Invalidated?
There are many scenarios where a person’s last will and testament may be found invalid by the court. A successful will contest may be the result of undue influence, fraud, or proof that the decedent lacked mental capacity at the time the will was executed. But if a will is invalidated, what becomes of… Read More »
How Do I Make a Florida Estate Planning Gift to a Child?
A common question we get is, “How do you leave money or property to a minor?” For example, say you want to leave your currently 12-year-old niece a $5,000 gift in your will. If you die before she reaches adulthood, how would that money be handled? One option provided by Florida law is a… Read More »
