Did you know ancillary probate is an additional probate process that occurs when a person owns real property in a state other than their state of residence? While it might seem like a minor issue, ancillary probate, especially when it is in more than one state, can have significant consequences for your estate and the legacy...

When it comes to estate planning, many people focus on ensuring their assets are properly distributed according to their wishes. However, if you own property in more than one state, you may inadvertently be setting yourself up for ancillary probate. Ancillary probate is a secondary proceeding required when a decedent's property is in a state different...

Have you decided that the New Year is a good time to think about your Florida estate planning strategies? Have you thought about strategies to avoid Florida probate? Or do you trust that your Florida last will and testament is sufficient to bypass the probate process? Unfortunately, that is a common misconception. If you want to...

Everything you own at the time of your death will be transferred to your heirs. However, not all your property will pass through probate. Let’s provide an example. When Chase died, he left behind property that included two homes, three cars, several retirement accounts, a thriving business, and a saltwater fishing boat.  The personal representative of...

A family limited partnership is frequently the choice of forward-thinking, successful parents who recognize the need to protect their assets and provide for the generations that follow.  Consider the story of Gene and his wife, Charlotte, who own several prosperous restaurants in Port St. Lucie, Stuart,  and Palm City, Florida. As they begin their annual estate...

Have you had a loved one recently pass away? The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. It not only brings a mix of emotions, but the legal intricacies of a Florida probate can be daunting amidst the emotional upheaval. One significant aspect that can arise during the Florida probate process is dealing with...

The world mourned the loss of the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin, in 2018. Even in her passing, however, the iconic singer's legacy was accompanied by a legal battle over her estate. The dispute over Aretha Franklin's last will and testament has highlighted the importance of proper estate planning and the potential consequences of inadequate preparation....

Experiencing the loss of a cherished loved one is never an easy process; discovering that there are legal complications and probate that can come along with their passing can add to that stress. So how do you choose a probate attorney near you in Florida? The first question you may be asking is “What even is...

Did you know that if you die without a will in the state of Florida, the distribution of your assets will be determined by the laws of intestacy?  Under Florida law, the assets will be distributed to the deceased person's spouse and/or children, if any. If the deceased person is unmarried and has no children, the...

Are you a Florida resident? Do you want to have your estate avoid probate when you pass away? In fact, are you planning for your estate to not go through probate when you pass away because you have created a Florida last will and testament? The fact that you have created a Florida last will and...