According to a 2024 survey by AARP, nearly half of adults over the age of 50 do not have a will. When you are ready to draft one, using a pen and paper might seem like a cost-effective option. In Florida, handwriting a will without witnesses renders it invalid....
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Year: 2025
What happens to your pets when you die?
For many people, pets become cherished family members who bring joy and companionship to their lives. You feed them, care for them and love them unconditionally. And yet few pet owners consider what might happen to their beloved fur babies if something unexpected...
Why do families need an ancillary probate in Florida?
When a person passes away, they might own property in more than one state. If this happens, their family often has to handle two separate court cases. If the person lived outside Florida but owned a condo, vacation home or land there, Florida law requires a special...
How long do creditors have to file claims during probate?
The probate process imposes many responsibilities on executors and personal representatives. They must secure and catalog estate resources. They must follow instructions included in the estate plan and conform to state statutes. They also have to fulfill the financial...
How can you avoid probate delays in Florida?
When someone dies, their family must handle their money and property through a legal process called probate. In Florida, this process can take months or even longer without a solid plan. Taking simple steps now can make things much easier for your loved ones later....
Why do parents hesitate to involve their kids in estate planning?
Despite the significance of estate planning, many parents struggle with how much to involve their children in the process. At the core of this hesitation lies the emotional weight of estate planning. For parents, it is not just about drafting documents; it is about...
The impact of Florida’s homestead exemption on probate
Here in Florida, the homestead exemption is an important distinction that protects a decedent’s primary residence from claims against their estate. While this is a good thing, it does add a layer of complexity to the probate process. Let’s dive in and learn more about...
Income tax filings are necessary during probate proceedings
During the probate process, a personal representative carries out a testator's last wishes. If there isn’t a will, then they follow intestate succession laws. They secure and distribute the assets of the decedent. They fulfill financial obligations by paying debts....
3 tips for avoiding disputes when administering an estate
If you accepted the responsibility of being someone’s named personal representative, it is important to try and carry out the job effectively and efficiently. One thing that could make this much harder is having a beneficiary file a legal challenge against you over...
Can you do estate planning for digital assets?
Estate planning often revolves around physical assets, financial assets and other tangible goods. You may be leaving behind bank accounts, businesses, homes, vehicles, home furnishings and retirement savings. Digital assets are also growing fairly common these days....

