Category Archives: wills
Can an Illegitimate Child Inherit From My Estate?
Although Florida law establishes an order of inheritance for “intestate” estates—the legal term when someone dies without a will—that does not mean you should avoid estate planning altogether. Indeed, dying without leaving a last will and testament can lead to some complicated legal questions for your family and the courts. A will allows you… Read More »
What Does It Mean to Die Without a Will in Florida?
Many Florida residents choose not to make a last will and testament. So what happens when a person dies without a will? Florida state law steps in to fill the void through a process known as “intestate succession.” How Intestate Succession Provides for Spouses & Children Florida’s intestate succession law specifies how to distribute… Read More »
Your Most Recent Will May Not Be Your “Last” Will
A last will and testament is an estate planning document specifying who you wish to receive your property upon your death. If you die intestate—that is, without leaving a will—your property will pass to your next-of-kin in accordance with Florida law. Your property may also pass intestate if your will is found invalid by… Read More »
How Should I Revoke a Will or Trust?
A will or trust is not set in stone, at least as long as you are alive. As your Florida estate planning needs change throughout your lifetime, you may wish to revise or revoke prior estate planning documents. It is important to make your intentions to revoke a will or trust as clear as… Read More »
Should I Use a Will or a Trust for My Estate Planning?
One of the most basic estate planning decisions you need to make is whether to rely on a will or a trust as the principal means of disposing of your assets. Every person’s financial and family situation is different, so there is not a single correct approach. Indeed, while people sometimes speak of the… Read More »
Family Maintenance Allowances During Estate Administration
Your spouse has recently passed. You have two children and a house to keep up. You are not sure what to do about the bills, as half of the income that was used to pay bills stopped when your spouse passed away. You are dealing with the emotional toll that follows after a loved… Read More »
Contesting a Will in Florida
When a loved one dies, surviving family members and friends can be overwhelmed with grief. At the same time, they are often required to deal with a number of matters, including funeral and burial arrangements, life insurance, and estate administration. Dealing with estate administration for a loved one can be difficult under the best… Read More »