Why Adding a Child to Your Assets is Not a Substitute for a Trust We all want to handle our affairs as economically as possible. When looking at the costs of estate planning , it is tempting to find a workaround to avoid probate without paying for a formal plan. A common scenario involves a parent trying to "DIY" their estate plan by simply adding an adult child as a joint owner to a business, a deed, or a financial account. The logic seems sound: If I add them now, they own

Quick Summary: Many property owners assume a standard deed protects their heirs. However, unlike a Lady Bird deed, a Warranty Deed is designed to protect a buyer's title, not to manage inheritance. If you only have a warranty deed, your property will likely go through probate, and your Last Will and Testament will determine who gets it—not the deed itself. The Common Confusion: "I Have a Deed, Do I Need a Will?" A frequent question we receive at atCause Law Office involve

Inheriting a home from a parent is a significant life event, but it often comes with complex questions—especially if the property is in a revocable trust and has an existing mortgage. If you are a beneficiary ready to make the home your primary residence, you might be asking: Can I just keep paying the mortgage? Do I have to refinance? This guide breaks down exactly how the situation works under Florida law and federal statutes based on expert insights. 1. How the Transfer of