Proudly practicing with honesty and integrity for 30 years on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
It’s an honor to be the personal representative of someone’s estate – but it’s also a lot of work. There’s property to secure, bills to pay, heirs to locate, tax matters to handle and – eventually – distributions to make to beneficiaries when the estate closes. It...
Estate planning and probate attorney Erin Kirkwood is known for her client-centered approach. She knows that the legal process can be intricate and complicated, and her goal is always to demystify this process for her clients. She focuses on clarity and communication...
One of the more frustrating challenges of being an executor (personal representative, in Florida) of someone’s estate is not being able to locate an heir or other beneficiary of an inheritance. Even though it seems like just about anyone can be located via a quick...
Many Americans have a significant amount of credit card debt. That means it’s not uncommon for people to die owing thousands of dollars on one or more credit cards. That’s in addition to many other types of debt they might have. Here we’ll focus on credit card debt....
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly popular tool for organizing information, drafting documents and answering general legal questions. To that end, for families navigating probate in Florida, AI may offer some practical benefits. However, it is...
Life insurance provides financial security for loved ones after death. The death benefit from a large policy may push an estate over the federal estate tax threshold, though. An irrevocable life insurance trust offers a legal structure that may remove policy proceeds...
Your estate plan can be intentionally structured to delay an inheritance. If you believe that it would be best for a certain beneficiary to receive their inheritance long after you pass away, you can plan in advance to ensure that this happens. Strategic planning...
In Indian River County, probate is handled by the Circuit Court. These cases go through the Civil Division. They handle both probate and guardianship concerns. It is important to be aware of certain fees that may need to be paid, such as a one-dollar index fee for a...
When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can feel overwhelming. If you are facing this process, understanding the financial obligations early can help you prepare. Probate in Florida can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a summary administration...
When a homeowner in Port St. Lucie passes away without a valid will, family members may be left wondering what will happen to the deceased’s house. In Florida, dying without a will is known as dying "intestate." In these situations, state law—not the deceased person's...