Tampa Law Blog
What is product liability law?
Each year, individuals in Florida and across the United States become injured by dangerous or defective products. Product liability law refers to a set of legal rules that determine who is responsible for creating a dangerous or defective product so the injured party...
Contesting a will in probate court
When a person dies without a will in Florida, that person’s assets will be passed to the person’s spouse and/or family members in accordance with Florida law. When someone does have a will, that will must be filed in probate court before any assets are distributed,...
The purpose of probate and how to avoid it
Assets that are left in a Florida resident's estate after he or she passes may be subject to probate. The goal of a probate proceeding is to validate a will or answer questions as to who has the strongest claim to receive some or all of a deceased person's estate. If...
The High Costs of Procrastination
Let’s face it, doing one’s estate planning isn’t something most people are excited about doing. It’s often easier to put it off and leave it for another day. Most people we talk to about their estate planning admit that it has been something about which they have...
Estate planning for dementia patients in Washington
As the population of Florida continues to age and the responsibility for the care and estate planning tend to fall on that population, their children, or their grandchildren, estate planning is necessary. Dementia-causing diseases result in the patient's inability to...
Florida tops the list for boating accidents and fatalities
Every year since 2015, Florida has ranked No. 1 when it comes to the number of recreational boating accidents and on-the-water deaths. The U.S. Coast Guard has also reported that the Florida Keys see the highest number of these incidents in the state. In its 2019...
Compensation for Administering a Probate Estate in Florida
When a person dies resident in Florida, a formal probate estate is often required. In a formal probate, the probate court appoints a “Personal Representative.” Some people refer to this person as the “Executor” but the correct name in Florida is Personal...
Mistakes to avoid with beneficiary designations
Beneficiary designations may be a part of many people's Florida estate plans. Retirement accounts and life insurance policies are the assets most commonly passed using this form, and they are filled out when people set up the accounts or purchase the policy....
Electronic Wills Become Effective on July 1 in Florida
Florida’s new electronic Wills provisions become effective on July 1, 2020. This will mean that individuals who wish to sign their Will electronically can do so and the Wills will have the same force and effect as a traditional Will. To understand the importance of...
Testamentary trusts within estate planning
With increasing age, there begins a keen awareness of estate planning, especially in parts of the United States with older populations, like Florida. Estate planning helps ensure that your child is financially well-cared for after your passing. Planning is especially...
