Have you ever played a card game where you thought you had the winning hand… until someone slams down a trump card and takes the entire pot? That’s exactly what happens in estate planning more often than you realize — and most people never see it coming. In estate planning , a “trump card”  is any designation on an asset that automatically overrides everything else you’ve written in your will or trust. No matter how carefully you drafted your will, no matter how many hours yo

If you co-own a home or land in Florida and you’re worried about whether the other person can secretly create a new deed that takes you off the title without your knowledge or consent , you’re not alone. This is one of the most common estate questions Florida property owners ask. Short answer:  It depends entirely on how  you and the other person hold title on the deed. In many cases — especially if the deed is silent or says “tenants in common” — the other owner can  transfe

Many people call our office interested in pursuing probate in Florida , whether formal or summary. This guide explains the key requirements and documents needed to start the process, based on common questions we receive. Formal vs. Summary Probate in Florida Florida uses two main types of probate: Formal Probate : Required when assets subject to creditor claims exceed $75,000 or the decedent passed away less than 2 years ago. This process takes longer. Summary Probate : Avail

In Florida estate planning, one common question stands out: Why not just put real property in a trust to avoid probate?  While a revocable living trust is often the gold standard for transferring assets seamlessly, it isn’t always the most practical or cost-effective choice. Sometimes, adding heirs to a deed with rights of survivorship—or using a Lady bird deed —makes more sense depending on your financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term tax goals. This guide breaks

When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions families ask is what happens to the money left in their bank accounts — especially if the person wasn’t married and didn’t have a will. Let’s walk through a real-world scenario that illustrates how Florida law handles this situation and how to make sure your loved one’s money ends up where it should. The Situation: A Gift, a Bank Account, and an Unmarried Partner A mother gifted each of her children $13,000 . One of her