Tag Archives: Fort Myers Estate Planning Attorneys
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 »
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 »
Protecting Your Estate Plan During Florida’s Hurricane Season
As we enter another potentially deadly Atlantic hurricane season here in Florida, it is important to think about how you can protect certain critical estate planning documents in the event you are forced to suddenly evacuate your home. After all, if you have gone to the trouble to make a will or trust but… Read More »
How Can I Limit My Florida Power of Attorney?
Many people are put off by the idea of a Florida Power of Attorney because they fear giving someone else complete control of their property and finances. But powers of attorney are not an all-or-nothing proposition. To the contrary, you are free to grant as many, or as few, powers to your agent as… 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 »
What Happens to a Parent’s Child Support Obligations After Death?
Most Florida parents do right by their children. Unfortunately there are cases where a non-custodial parent fails to meet his or her child support obligations. If that parent dies and still owes back child support, the question naturally arises, does the custodial parent–or the child themselves–have the right to seek payment from the probate… Read More »
How the Medicare Secondary Payer Rule Can Impact Your Florida Estate
One potentially critical task for your probate estate is managing any litigation arising from your death. Unfortunately, many Floridians die each year due to acts of negligence or medical malpractice. The task of seeking damages against the responsible parties often falls to the estate, which is why it is so important to name someone… Read More »
Who Can Serve as a Florida Guardian When No Family Members Are Available?
Florida guardianships are often necessary to protect elderly and vulnerable adults from potential exploitation. A guardianship may be especially appropriate when an adult lives alone, has no immediate family, and is unable to cope with a recent physical or mental trauma without professional assistance. In such cases, a probate court may appoint an individual… Read More »
Can a Relative Sign a Contract For Me Without a Power of Attorney?
A Florida power of attorney means there is someone with the authority to act in your name should you be unavailable. Having a power of attorney is therefore crucial if there is any need to execute a contract on your behalf. After all, you cannot be legally obligated by a contract that neither you… Read More »
Answers to Common Questions About Taxes and Your Florida Estate or Trust
When it comes to Florida estate planning, we often think about questions like, “Who will take care of my children?” or “Who will inherit my property?” We usually do not think about some of the secondary legal issues that may arise in the course of administering our trust or estate, such as, “Do I… Read More »