An executor is a person who carries out the deceased’s wishes after death. They play a key role in estate planning and choosing one is an important part of the process. No one enjoys the process of planning for their death, but anyone can benefit from not only...
Year: 2022
Advance care directives are an important part of your estate plan
Managing your assets is a major part of estate planning. However, it is also important to make a plan for your future medical needs. If you become physically or mentally incapacitated, you may not be able to make crucial healthcare decisions on your own. In Florida,...
When may someone contest a will and who defends the estate?
Anyone who believes they may have an interest in the deceased's assets may contest a will in probate court. According to the Florida State Legislature, after the testator's death, an individual may dispute an entire will's contents or a portion of it. Wills must name...
5 Qualities to look for in the person who writes your estate plan
You need to hire someone to help you ensure your plans are adequately documented. However, not everyone has the exact skills and expertise necessary for this job. Here are the qualities you should look for when picking someone to write your estate plan. 1. Focus on...
Are you done with estate planning once you create a will?
A will is the backbone of a good estate plan, but creating it does not mean you are finished. Your estate plan is not final until you die. It should also change and adjust as your life changes. You cannot create this document and then walk away and never look at it...
What traits should you consider when choosing a guardian for your children?
Thinking about what could happen to your children when you die is difficult. No one wants to think about their children having to face the world without them, but if you want to ensure that your children have adequate protection and will continue to thrive even if...
What are fiduciary duties?
If someone names you as the executor of their will or the trustee of their trust, you become a fiduciary while serving in those capacities. What this means, as the Legal Information Institute explains, is that everything you do as a deceased person’s executor or as...
What happens if you die without a will in Florida?
If you have yet to find the time to make a will, you are not alone. Many people put off making a will because they assume they will not need one any time soon. Unfortunately, this assumption means many individuals pass away before they have time to plan. If you fail...
Does the probate process follow the will to the letter?
Probate is the process by which the court verifies the validity of a will and oversees the distribution of the deceased's assets. The process is usually legally necessary with the exception of certain cases in which a living trust is in place. An individual's will is...
Should you consider a special needs trust for your disabled child?
If you are the parent of a disabled child, you know the special care and attention he or she needs. You also know that a lot of this care is not only expensive but also requires your coordination and oversight. What happens if you become ill, injured or otherwise...