In Florida, there are two types of probate administration: formal and summary. Both accomplish essentially the same objective of allowing the distribution of a decedent's assets. However, there are some significant differences between these two types of probate. This...
Complex Legal Challenges
Elder Law
Florida’s Spousal Elective Share and Life Insurance
Under Florida law, a spouse has the right to receive 30% of certain of his or her deceased spouse's assets. This is true notwithstanding whether the deceased spouse has excluded his or her spouse under his or her Last Will and Testament or Trust. So if the deceased...
The Do-it-Yourself Disaster!
In today's era of on-line forms, office supply stores, and software, it is becoming increasingly more common for people to try to prepare their own estate planning documents. Whether it is a simple Durable Power of Attorney, a Living Will, a Last Will and Testament,...
Medicaid Claim Against A Deceased Person’s Estate
A common question which we encounter in our Florida estate and probate practice is whether a person's estate will owe any money to Medicaid upon the person's death. Usually the reason for their question is that the person has received Medicaid benefits prior to their...
What does it mean to get a “step-up” in basis on assets when a person dies?
In our estate and probate practice, beneficiaries often ask whether they will have to pay taxes on assets that they inherit. The answer to this often depends on what type of asset is involved and whether there is a gain or a loss on the asset. When a person owns...
Contesting a Will: the Role of Undue Influence
More and more often these days, it seems that after a family member or loved one dies, those left behind are unhappy with the way the deceased's estate is to be distributed through their Last Will and Testament. Often, the persons feel that their loved one has been...
When an original Will is lost or destroyed…don’t panic!
Your father has passed away and after the funeral, you try to locate his Last Will and Testament. You find a photocopy but not the original. You do a quick search on Google and find that in Florida, you need to establish the original Will in order to file a testate...
Establishing a “See-Through Trust” for Your IRA
A traditional IRA is what is considered a "qualified" account. In essence, this means that the account gets special tax treatment---in particular, allowing you to defer taxation until a later date. With these types of accounts, you do not have to withdraw the money...
The Dangers of “Do-It-Yourself” Estate Planning
With all of the resources available today online and elsewhere, many people are tempted to try to do their own estate planning. They may find online forms or software at the local office supply store. Alternatively, they might use one of these online services. But is...
The Dangers of “Do-It-Yourself” Estate Planning
With all of the resources available today online and elsewhere, many people are tempted to try to do their own estate planning. They may find online forms or software at the local office supply store. Alternatively, they might use one of these online services. But is...