Author Archives: admin
Is a Simple Will Really the Answer?
I have had many people tell me they only need a simple will. They feel that they don’t own very much and when they die, they just want what they own to go to their spouse and/or their children. It … Continue reading
Florida Probate Basics: Avoiding Probate Is Not Always the Right Answer
Many times people will come into my office and tell me that they heard that they need to have a trust because they have to avoid probate. Probate has gotten a bad reputation, but going through probate is not always … Continue reading
Aid and Attendance May Help Wartime Veterans and Their Surviving Spouses Cope With the Cost of Long-Term Care
As we celebrate Memorial Day, it is a good time to once again let all wartime veterans and their surviving spouses know that a benefit is available through the Veterans Administration to help them with the costs of their long-term … Continue reading
Estate Planning and Beneficiary Designations
When you put things like life insurance policies, IRA accounts, annuities and 401(k) accounts in place, you are asked if you would like to name a beneficiary. You can also put a beneficiary in place for things like checking or … Continue reading
Estate Planning For Singles – Your Pets
If you are single you may not have children, but you most likely have one or more pets that you cherish like family. What would happen to your beloved pet if you unexpectedly died or became hospitalized? Have you put … Continue reading
Why Your Florida Durable Power of Attorney Should Be Updated Regularly
Many times I have people come into my office having taken the proactive step of putting a durable power of attorney in place as part of their incapacity planning. However, having put it in place, they checked it off their … Continue reading
Florida Probate Basics – What Assets Go Through Probate
The assets we own usually fall into one of three categories. These categories are 1) assets you own that have a beneficiary designation, 2) assets that you own jointly with a right of survivorship with someone else and 3) assets … Continue reading
Florida Probate Basics – Paying Creditors
The Personal Representative is responsible for gathering the assets of the decedent into the probate estate and safeguarding the assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. However, before the assets can be distributed to the beneficiaries, the Personal Representative has … Continue reading
Florida Probate Basics – The Personal Representative
The Personal Representative (known in other states as the Executor or Executrix) is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes the decedent expressed in his or her will. Usually, the Personal Representative is named by the decedent in the … Continue reading
Florida Probate Basics – Part 1
Whenever the discussion turns to probate, I have noticed that there seem to be a lot of questions and misunderstandings surrounding what it is, how it works and if it is necessary. Over the next few weeks, I will try … Continue reading