Florida offers two main ways to handle a loved one's estate after they pass away. Your choice between formal and summary administration affects how lengthy probate takes and what steps you must follow. Here's what you need to know about each option. What's the...
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Probate
Will my car undergo probate?
"My car will simply go to my spouse or children when I die." This common assumption leads many astray in estate planning. The truth depends on various factors, including title structure, state laws and whether you have created specific legal instructions....
Are life insurance proceeds subject to probate?
Losing a family member brings both heartache and money worries. Life insurance helps families stay afloat during tough times by covering funeral costs and other sudden or large expenses. You want to make sure this money reaches your loved ones quickly. That's where...
Understanding the different types of probate in Florida
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience that can leave you feeling emotionally drained. The probate process that follows can be overwhelming, with complex decisions, paperwork and deadlines to manage while coping with grief. In Florida, there are several types...
Can you avoid probate with a lady bird deed?
If you want to protect your Florida home and avoid probate, a lady bird deed might fit your needs. Available only in Florida and four other states, lady bird deeds are a valuable estate planning tool. What is a lady bird deed? Lady bird deeds is another name for...
Ancillary probate: What makes it different from regular probate?
When you encounter a death within the family, handling their estate can cause much stress, especially if they own properties in different states. In this case, you would need to deal with two probate processes: regular and ancillary. Knowing the difference between...
5 estate planning strategies to reduce probate expenses in Florida
Are you worried about the costs of probate eating into your loved ones' inheritance? You are not alone. Many Floridians are seeking ways to minimize probate expenses. Here are five essential strategies to help you save money and streamline the process. Create a living...
Prepare yourself for creditor claims in probate
Dealing with the passing of someone you love can overwhelm you and stress you out, especially when you need to manage their estate as well. Amidst the grief, creditor claims against the estate may confront you. As an executor or personal representative, you need to...
How can executors manage charitable gifts in probate?
Grief from losing a loved one is overwhelming, and the added task of settling their estate can further complicate an already difficult period. In Stuart, where community spirit often translates into charitable giving, several executors handle philanthropic gifts...
How much will probate cost you in Florida?
Probate fees vary depending on the estate’s value or size. The type of assets included may also affect the overall costs. The Florida probate process can cost a few hundred dollars for modest estates or those worth under $75,000. If you are leaving behind a sizeable...

