Frequently, clients ask about the consequences of passing away without a will. When someone dies without a will, they leave behind what is known as an intestate estate. This means that the fate of their assets and property is determined by state laws rather than their personal wishes. For example, if you were to pass away without a will, as a resident of Florida, then Florida’s intestacy laws would dictate the fate of your estate. These laws provide a structured framework for distributing assets. In the absence of explicit instructions left through a will, intestacy laws establish a hierarchy ..read more

Prepare to dive into a journey of empowerment with our mini webinar series throughout the month of May! Our mini webinar series will cover the four essential estate planning documents: Revocable Trusts, Health Care Surrogate Designations, Durable Power of Attorneys, and Wills. By registering and attending live, you will receive valuable knowledge from our experienced attorneys as they offer a comprehensive overview of each legal document. Webinar Schedule: Wednesday, May 8 at 6 PM | Revocable Trusts | Samantha Fitzgerald Wednesday, May 15 at 6 PM | Health Care Surrogate Designations | Ashle ..read more

Perhaps you have come across the concept of probate. If you have not, simply put, probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, ensuring their debts are paid and their assets are distributed according to their will or the state law. But why care about avoiding probate? Here are three key reasons: Time Efficiency: Probate can stretch on for what feels like an eternity, often taking months, if not years, to finalize. By steering clear of probate, beneficiaries can expedite the receipt of their inheritances, alleviating the prolonged waiting period and offering ..read more

Discover clarity in legal terminology with our Florida Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Glossary. Whether you’re dealing with wills, trusts, or probate, this resource simplifies complex terms into easy-to-understand explanations. You’ll empower yourself with the knowledge necessary for informed estate planning decisions. Download now to gain insight and confidently navigate your path toward securing your legacy. If you are looking to speak to an estate planning and probate attorney, contact our office by calling 954-580-3690 or emailing Info@EstateandProbateLawyer.com. You can also fill out ..read more

Estate Planning For Your College-Bound Young Adult Save the Date: Thursday, May 2nd at 6 PM Attention Parents: Make sure that your college-bound young adult has their estate planning documents sorted out before heading off to college! Even if your young adult child hasn’t amassed significant assets yet – or any at all – there are crucial documents they should have in place before leaving for college. Once your child turns 18, they are considered to be a legal adult. Join us for a live educational webinar with Samantha Fitzgerald, where she’ll dive into the importance of estate planning for y ..read more

Dealing with legal matters can seem like navigating unchartered territory and feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the death of a loved one. This blog will give you a starting place on how to prepare for your meeting with your probate attorney and what to bring with you. Essential Documents and Information After someone passes away and you’re preparing to open a probate administration for them, you will need to collect some information about them, their assets, their creditors, their estate planning documents, and their beneficiaries to properly discuss what needs to be done with y ..read more

As graduation season nears, it’s imperative to bear in mind that as your child ventures into college, they step into legal adulthood. Upon turning 18, your child is considered to be a legal adult. This important milestone makes it crucial to consider estate planning for your young adult child. Before your child leaves for college, it’s crucial that they have essential estate planning documents in place. Make sure your college-bound young adult child has the following two documents in place: Health Care Surrogate Designation: Also referred to as a Health Care Surrogate Designation in Florida ..read more

Discover the essential steps to safeguard your assets during divorce with our free guide. Learn why updating your estate planning documents is crucial for protecting yourself and your assets amidst this challenging time. Gain insights into when spouses may be “cut out” for estate planning purposes, ensuring you’re prepared for any scenario. Our free guide provides a brief overview of what point spouses are excluded from the following estate planning documents: Will & Revocable Trust, Health Care Surrogate, and Durable Power of Attorney. Don’t wait until it’s too late – download our guide t ..read more

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