Many people in Florida put off making an estate plan until they experience a major life event, such as a marriage or the birth of a child. However, if you count yourself among them, you may want to reconsider delaying the creation of your estate plan, even if you...
Estate Planning And Probate
What is the role of a personal representative in a will?
When a person dies, his or her estate may have to pass through a process called probate before distributing to heirs and beneficiaries. Probate is the court-supervised system for assessing the deceased’s debts and assets, fulfilling the estate’s existing financial...
How can you avoid beneficiary designation mistakes?
While wills are a crucial aspect of a solid estate plan, they are not the only way to distribute assets to heirs. When it comes to things like life insurance policies and retirement accounts, beneficiary designations ensure the proceeds pass directly to your heirs...
Can you avoid probate in Florida?
A will is often the first thing that comes to mind when you think about creating a plan for your assets after death. However, you have other options that may allow your family to avoid the sometimes painstaking process of probate. Bank accounts and securities Florida...
Beginning your estate plan
Planning your estate can feel overwhelming when you have no idea where to begin. A common myth about estate planning is that it is a one-time deal. Maintaining your plan throughout time can help you preserve its function. When you know where to begin, you might feel...
The 3 elements of a basic estate plan
No matter how old you are or what stage of life you're in, everyone should have an estate plan. Documenting your wishes can provide peace of mind for your family if something happens to you. You only need three documents for a basic estate plan. Together they will...
What are the requirements to self-proof an electronic will?
Self-proving a will enables your estate to avoid the process of validation after your death. It can save a lot of time during probate and help move things along, which is always nice for your family. The Florida Statutes outline the steps you must take to self-proof a...
Include these 3 components in a simple estate plan
Creating a Florida estate plan leads to numerous benefits for you and your loved ones. For example, having an estate plan in place gives you more control over your personal and financial affairs. It also helps ensure that others honor your wishes if you become unable...
What are the signs of undue influence?
Dealing with the death of a loved one may prove challenging, especially once probate opens. When the estate plan becomes common knowledge and the last wishes heard, you may suspect something is wrong. One of the most common issues facing grieving families in court is...
Should you leave money in your will for your pet?
If you have already written your will, you most likely remembered to leave something for your children and grandchildren. But what about your pet? Many people overlook their four-legged buddies when estate planning. After all, it seems excessive to leave cash to a...
