Category: Estate Planning

What is a Formal Administration? A formal probate administration is a standard process that is used here in Florida to settle a deceased individual’s estate. A formal probate administration is typically used when the estate value exceeds $75,000. It is also commonly used when there are estate creditors or when important estate information is missing […]

Are you worried about your four-legged friend if something happens to you? Thankfully, Florida law allows an individual to create a trust that provides for the care of your animals. A pet trust is when a trustee is assigned to manage funds and ensure the funds are appropriately allocated for the care of your pets […]

Florida Probate is a process where a decedent’s assets are transferred to heirs or beneficiaries through a court-supervised process. Probate in Florida can often be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. However, Probate happens all the time because people do not do the proper estate planning to ensure their assets do not go through the court system.  […]

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants a person (known as the agent or attorney-in-fact) the right to make financial decisions on behalf of another person (the principal). Powers of attorney are essential documents that can be tailored for just specific powers, like selling real property, or can provide for general […]

The Personal Representative owes a duty to the estate beneficiaries and the creditors of the decedent’s estate. The Personal Representative should diligently search to locate any valid debts the Decedent might have had. The easiest way to do this is to check the Decedent’s mail, email (if possible), and bank statements for regular withdrawals. Once […]

Introduction Establishing a trust can be a valuable step in protecting your assets and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth to your loved ones. A trust provides that assets pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. The trust can also be set up to protect assets for you and your beneficiaries. Selecting the right trustee […]

Probate is a legal process that occurs after an individual’s death to verify the validity of their Will, distribute assets, and settle outstanding debts. Probate can be costly and time-consuming, especially here in Florida. A common question is whether a Will must always go through probate when someone dies. The answer can be complex and […]

Deciding whether to create a Will or a Trust depends on your individual circumstances and estate planning goals. Here you’ll find the factors to consider.