The Impact Of Divorce On Jointly Owned Properties In Probate

There is a reason why estate planning attorneys stress that you should review your plan regularly, especially after significant life changes such as divorce. Due to the need for your assets to get divided when a marriage ends, the properties couples own together create uniquely challenging issues when subjected to distribution laws. They have significant legal and financial implications. Though we could approach this Read More

The Difference Between Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets in Florida

Understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets is crucial when planning for the future. Learning the distinctions now will pay dividends when you sit down with your attorney to craft an estate plan—which virtually every adult needs to do. Our focus is to simplify the estate process for your loved ones after your passing. With that in mind, the distinctions between these two types of assets are Read More

The Impact of Divorce on Estate Planning

Divorce is a significant event in anyone’s life and creates substantial change. These changes impact your personal life and affect your financial and legal affairs. Although understandable, it is essential to highlight that many people overlook estate planning during this transition period. How divorce and estate planning interact with one another are complex, but understanding both is crucial for ensuring that your Read More

The Impact of Trust Litigation on Families: How to Navigate the Challenges

Trust litigation occurs when there are disputes regarding the administration of trusts. Typically, this centers around challenging how assets are managed and distributed. Trusts, typically set up to secure a family's financial future, can become sources of contention. Although they are invaluable estate planning tools, they can lead to legal battles. These disputes can stem from disagreements over the interpretation Read More

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Overcoming the Challenges

Estate planning is indispensable for securing the economic future of loved ones. This is particularly relevant within blended families, where relationships and dynamics are diverse and layered. Family members typically have distinct needs and wants, which demands meticulous and well-considered planning. Parents of blended families often strive to balance the needs of biological and stepchildren, ensuring fair and Read More

Guardianship vs. Conservatorship: A Guide For Protecting Your Loved Ones

Legal terminology can challenge those who don’t work in this field. Lawyers use specific language to convey specific concepts to avoid ambiguity and confusion. At its core, it is a way to mitigate the risk of future disputes and litigation. The terms “guardianship” and “conservatorship” get used interchangeably—which is incorrect. They are distinct terms. More importantly, they apply to your loved ones. These terms Read More

Domestic Partnership Agreements & Estate Planning

There are no shortcuts for estate planning, despite many people assuming there are several. For example, some simply add another person’s name to their account instead of creating a power of attorney. If the primary account holder becomes incapacitated, the other person whose name is on the account can access it. Although this can lead to several challenges later, the essential element is that it requires Read More

Asset Protection Strategies & Estate Planning

There are many reasons why virtually every adult should have a comprehensive estate plan. People create them to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away, and they also can protect their assets from creditors, lawsuits, or even divorce. Before you meet with your attorney, it is important to recognize that several asset protection strategies are at your disposal. Although legal Read More

Preventing Trustee Malfeasance

When you work with an estate planning attorney who manages them and navigates the complexities of probate and trust litigation, you will learn how important it is to select a trustee capable of handling and overseeing your financial affairs. Although this blog will focus heavily on trustee malfeasance, we will look at ways to prevent it. Don’t always assume that when a trustee gets removed, it is because they were Read More

Appealing A Will Or A Trust

There will be times and situations during the probate process when you and your attorney may have to consider filing an appeal. Many people are unfamiliar with the probate process and are forced to navigate it during a highly emotional time. When people need to file an appeal, it is usually because someone is challenging the validity of either a will or a trust. Though the following is an extreme exaggeration, it Read More