The Dangerous Misconception: "I’m on the Mortgage, So I Own the House" One of the most common—and devastating—misconceptions in real estate and estate planning is the belief that being on the mortgage grants you ownership rights. If you are in a relationship or married, and both of you are on the mortgage but only one of you is on the deed, you are walking a legal tightrope. According to real estate law, ownership is determined strictly by what the deed says, not who is on t

Are you looking to open a probate proceeding in Florida but aren't sure where to begin? We frequently receive calls from individuals unsure if they need a formal probate, a summary probate, or what documents are actually required to get started. This guide clarifies the specific requirements for bringing a probate action in Florida, breaking down the differences in proceedings, asset exemptions, and the critical documentation you need. 1. Formal Probate vs. Summary Probate: W

A common question we encounter in estate planning revolves around flexibility: "Can an irrevocable trust be changed?" While the nature of an irrevocable trust is rigid, there is significant flexibility when it comes to creating  one using assets you already own. Specifically, many clients ask if they can change ownership from a revocable trust  to an irrevocable trust  at any time. The short answer is yes . Because a revocable trust allows you to maintain control of your asse