How Long Does Probate Take?
In some cases, the probate process in Florida can take as little as six months, but that is not the typical case. It usually takes anywhere from half a year to eighteen months, and complicated cases may take as long as two years or more. However, having an idea of how long a case may […]
Am I Responsible for My Deceased Relative’s Debts?
When a relative passes away, there are a myriad of factors to think about. Among those concerns may be debt that relative still owed when they passed – but what becomes of that debt? The good news is, generally speaking, you will not be responsible for that debt. Such a debt would only attach to […]
To Probate or Not To Probate (and if so, which?)
Your relative has died. Now what? Do you need to open a probate case? What is a probate case? When someone passes away and they have left assets in their name alone (for more details on what needs to be probated, see our blog post: The Non-Probate Pail) you will likely need to open up […]
What Is a Personal Representative and What Does He/She Do?
When people think about Wills, the focus is usually on property: whether that is the house, money, cars, the old jewelry collection, or whatever else the deceased may have owned. While that is a big part of the story when it comes to estate planning, the person who is chosen to be personal representative can […]
How Much Does It *Really* Cost to Die?
When most people think of dying and the cost associated with this event, they often only consider the funeral and burial/cremation expenses. It isn’t until a few weeks later when they are left with their relative’s belongings, assets, accounts (and sometimes pets) that they realize they need to hire an attorney and open a case […]
Why an Estate Plan Should Be A Part Of Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan (Part II)
Yay for Hurricane Month! –Said nobody ever (except maybe public adjusters and hardware stores) Last August, we went into detail as to why an estate plan should be a part of your hurricane preparedness plan. Check out the post HERE. More importantly, we discussed WHY it’s important to make sure you have your legal documents […]
What to know about Small Estates
Small estates provide loved ones with shortened probate proceedings and less costs, granted you meet certain requirements. You don’t even need an attorney! For an explanation of how small estates work, see below. 1. Do you qualify? In order to qualify to open a small estate, you must meet the following requirements: Your loved one’s […]
Cheap Wills and Trusts – You’ll Get What You Pay For
I’ve received quite a few phone calls throughout the last month asking if a Will or Trust they’ve downloaded off the internet (or intend to download) will suffice, and my best answer is: “How would I know?” No two trusts or wills are the same, and the validity and effectiveness of the legal documents you […]
Formal Administration vs. Summary Administration in Florida
In the days of Google searches, I don’t know why I am still surprised when a potential client asks: “Can we proceed with a Summary Administration?” Still, as I’m sure my medical doctors experience when I arrive listing symptoms and my incorrect conclusion of what I believe my ailment to be, there’s more to summary […]