Fort Lauderdale Law Blog
Why do individuals try to avoid probate?
The loss of a loved one is a stressful and emotional time. For many Florida families grieving the losses of relatives, one of the last things that they will want to think about is the settlement of the decedents’ estates. When a person dies their property and assets...
Not everyone is an interested party
Many things can slow a case when a Florida will goes to probate. One thing is a challenge to the will. However, the universe of people who can file a challenge to a will is not unlimited. Before this happens, the court will need to decide that someone is an interested...
Estate Planning for the Business Owner Requires More Steps
Everyone is encouraged to set up an estate plan in a timely manner. This is a great way to allocate assets, pre-pay for all funeral costs and leave the family some peace of mind. For the business owner in Florida, there are several more steps involved in estate...
Important documents to include in an estate plan
Florida has relatively favorable estate tax laws compared to the rest of the country, but this does not mean that individuals should not create an estate plan. An estate plan can be used to help individuals or their heirs avoid certain other taxes, and they also...
Why wills are contested
A will may help to ensure that an individual's final wishes are carried out after that person passes. However, if a will is not structured properly, there is a chance that a family member or other interested party may attempt to contest its terms. For instance, if a...
Estate planning in Florida
Florida has more favorable tax laws than many other states in the country, making it a good place to inherit an estate. However, estate planning is about more than just minimizing tax consequences; it is also about ensuring that one’s assets are passed on to the right...
A list of potential interested parties to a will challenge
There is a chance that an individual will want to challenge the terms of a will during a probate proceeding. However, to challenge a will in Florida probate court, that person will need to be considered an interested party. In many cases, the family members of a...
Only certain parties may challenge a will
It may be possible for an individual to contest a will assuming that he or she has standing to do so. Florida state law generally allows those who would have been entitled to an inheritance if an individual died without a will to mount such a challenge. In most cases,...
What to expect after a loved one dies
There are several steps that a person must generally take when attempting to open a probate estate in Florida or most other states. The first step is to find the original will and read over it carefully. This document will likely inform the reader of who was appointed...
The importance of having an estate plan
Ideally, individuals in Florida and throughout the country will prepare a will as part of their estate plan. A will allows an individual to determine who receives assets that remain in that person's estate when he or she passes. This can be especially useful for those...
