Category Archives: wills
Why You Should Update Your Will
You drafted a will, a durable power of attorney and a list of assets and liabilities five years ago. You’re finished with estate planning, right? Well, not quite. It is always a good idea to revisit your estate planning documents, including your will and list of assets and liabilities, on a yearly basis. Circumstances… Read More »
My Spouse Died Without a Will in Florida—What Happens Now?
When a person dies without a will in Florida, they are considered to be ‘intestate’ in the eyes of the law. This means that their remaining assets and property will be divided up by the rules set forth under state law. You may be wondering: What happens if my spouse dies without a will?… Read More »
Five Common Mistakes in a Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Will
Every adult in Florida should have a valid, well-drafted will in place. If you have a relatively simple estate, you may be wondering: Can I draft my own will? The short answer is ‘yes’—you have the legal right to draft your own will. That being said, in far too many cases, people who write… Read More »
What is a Holographic Will and is it Valid in Florida?
As defined by Investopedia, a holographic will is a handwritten will that is simply signed by the testator. A testator is a legal term that refers to the person who makes the will. In some states, holographic wills are not valid. In other states, holographic wills can be valid—but only if specific criteria are… Read More »
Will Interpretation in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Written language can be complicated. Even with professionally drafted legal documents, people may draw different meanings out of the text. Of course, in many cases, there is little or no doubt as to the meaning of a will. Still, there are plenty of exceptions. A court may be asked to step in and resolve… Read More »
Florida Estate Planning: Will My Children Inherit My Debt?
Finances are one of the primary worries of the majority of families in Florida. Indeed, debt is one of the leading causes of stress among adults in the United States. As a parent who is thinking about estate planning in Florida, you may be wondering: Will my child inherit my debt when I pass… Read More »
Updating Your Will and Trusts When You Get Divorced
Planning for divorce in Florida requires extensive work. It is extremely important to work with an experienced Tampa divorce attorney on your case, and then most divorces require the parties to make extensive and complete lists of property to ensure that all marital and separate property is classified accurately so that it can be… Read More »
Talking To Your Parents About Estate Planning
Estate planning is something every adult should do. However, that does not mean every adult does it. According to a survey conducted by Caring.com, only one in four American adults has a living trust or a will. If your parents are among the 60 percent of Americans who do not have estate plans in… Read More »
How Can I Leave Assets To My Alma Mater?
One of the primary goals of the estate planning process is to create direct pathways for your assets to transfer from your estate to your loved ones after your death. For some, deciding who will receive their assets is a difficult decision, especially if they have few relatives or no relationship with the relatives… Read More »
Are Your Estate Plans Complete?
Estate planning can be a complicated process. Part of what can make it complicated is that it involves multiple documents and plans, rather than being something that can be worked through in a single sitting. It also forces the planner to reflect on his or her life in ways that can be uncomfortable, especially… Read More »
