Florida: If an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation — What You Can Do
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney. Detailed answer — how Florida law treats renunciation and what to do if a relative refuses In Florida probate, someone who has priority to be appointed personal representative can voluntarily […]
Read article →Florida: First Step to Determine Legal Ownership of a Portion of Your Grandfather’s Land
What’s the first step to determine who legally owns a portion of your grandfather’s land in Florida? Short answer: Start by locating the property in the county public records (property appraiser and county official records) and pull the recorded deed(s) to trace the chain of title. That initial search will often show the current recorded […]
Read article →Challenging Power-of-Attorney Transfers in Florida: What to Know
Overview If you suspect your grandfather lacked the mental capacity when transfers were made under a power of attorney (POA), you may have options under Florida law to challenge those transfers and seek recovery. This article explains how Florida law treats capacity and POAs, the common legal claims to challenge transfers, the types of evidence […]
Read article →Florida — Joint Accounts and Jointly Held Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How Joint Accounts and Jointly Held Property Transfer at Death under Florida Law Quick summary: Under Florida law, assets titled so a surviving owner has a right of survivorship (for example, joint accounts with survivorship, transfer-on-death/POD designations, or tenancy by the entireties for married couples) generally pass directly to the surviving owner outside probate. Assets […]
Read article →Florida Guide: Reimbursable Expenses for Maintaining Estate Property Before Sale
Detailed Answer Short overview: When someone dies, the person handling the estate (the personal representative) must protect and preserve estate property until it is sold or distributed. Florida law allows the estate to pay reasonable and necessary costs incurred to maintain and preserve estate property as administration expenses. Keep careful records, get receipts, and — […]
Read article →Florida — How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator
Disclaimer: This article explains general Florida probate procedures for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney. Detailed Answer — How appointment as an estate administrator or co-administrator works in Florida In Florida, the person who manages a deceased person's estate is called […]
Read article →Florida — How to Challenge a Suspected Forged Will
FAQ: What to do if you suspect a will is forged under Florida law Short answer: Act quickly. Preserve evidence, notify the probate clerk and interested parties, and file a timely contest or petition in the probate court where the estate is being administered. A successful challenge generally requires convincing evidence (often clear and convincing) […]
Read article →Avoiding Probate in Florida: Using Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Trusts
How to Use Wills and Beneficiary Designations to Keep Your Family Out of Probate in Florida Short answer: A will alone does not avoid probate in Florida. To keep assets out of probate so your spouse and children get what you want, combine correct beneficiary designations, ownership titling, and (when appropriate) a revocable trust. This […]
Read article →How to Submit an Original Will to Florida Probate Court When You Live Out of State
Detailed Answer If you live outside Florida and you need to submit an original last will to a Florida probate court, follow the practical, step-by-step process below. These steps reflect how probate typically works under Florida law and point you to official resources. This is a general guide only—not legal advice. For statutory background, see […]
Read article →Florida: Can an Estate Recover Money an Heir Withdrew After a Parent’s Death?
What happens when an heir withdraws money from a deceased parent's accounts — can the estate recover it? Short answer: Often, yes. If the money or charges came from assets that belong to the decedent’s probate estate (accounts titled only in the deceased’s name), a personal representative can usually recover unauthorized withdrawals or charges. Recovery […]
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