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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
Not everyone has the legal right to step forward and challenge a Florida estate in probate court. The question in front of the court is whether one is an interested party to bring legal action regarding the will. For many families, the reality is that more people may...
Two of the most important tools you can use in estate planning are wills and trusts. A will is a document that stipulates how to distribute your property following your death. A trust is a legal arrangement in which a third party administers assets for a beneficiary....
We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our practice. Our intent is to regularly provide posts highlighting legal issues of local, state and national interest that we think you will find interesting. Check back later for...
Jennifer D. Sharpe, P.A.