If you have recently been appointed as the successor trustee of a family trust in Florida—usually following the passing of the trust’s creator, or grantor—your first instinct might be to honor their wishes immediately by distributing money to the beneficiaries. Stop right there. Simply handing out trust funds without following the proper legal steps can make you personally liable for mistakes. atCause Law Office in Clearwater, FL, helps clients across the entire state of Flor

Quick Answer: Starting July 1, 2026, Florida probate law introduces two massive updates. First, the asset threshold to qualify for a faster, less expensive summary probate has doubled from $75,000 to $150,000. Second, personal representatives can now sue banks that refuse to honor valid Letters of Administration, and if the bank loses, it must pay your attorney's fees. If you are dealing with an estate in the Sunshine State, recent legislative changes are completely shaking u

If you are searching for clearwater probate lawyers in Clearwater to help protect your family's assets, you might be wondering about the best ways to keep your estate out of the court system. atCause Law Office is based locally in Clearwater and serving the entire Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida, we frequently help clients avoid a sticky, expensive, and time-consuming probate process. A common question we hear as experienced probate attorneys in clearwater is: "If

If you are thinking about estate planning, you likely have one major goal in mind: keeping your family out of probate court. Avoiding probate means saving your loved ones from extra legal fees, wasted time, and unnecessary headaches. When it comes to bypassing the court system, there are two common methods that come up: creating a living trust or using beneficiary designations. But which one is right for you? Here is a breakdown of how each option works and why you might want

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

If you are looking to pursue a probate in Florida, you likely have questions about where to start and what documents are legally required. Whether you are facing a Formal Probate or a Summary Probate , gathering the right information upfront is crucial to avoiding delays. This guide breaks down exactly what is needed to open an estate in Florida, from necessary documents to identifying heirs. 1. Determine Which Type of Probate You Need Before gathering documents, it helps to

Probate is the legal process of transferring assets from a deceased person (known as the decedent) to their beneficiaries or heirs after death. It involves identifying all assets in the estate, collecting information on creditors and claims, paying debts, and distributing what's left. This process is often lengthy, expensive, and stressful for loved ones. Beneficiaries vs. Heirs: Key Differences Understanding who inherits your assets is crucial for effective planning: Benefic

You’ve worked your entire life for your home. You don’t want your kids fighting in probate court. So you think: “I’ll just put the deed in my favorite child’s name now and write in my will that when they sell it, they have to split the proceeds with their siblings.” Stop right there. That plan will almost certainly fail – and your family could lose everything you intended for them. Here’s the harsh truth most people discover too late: A deed beats a will – every single time.

During an estate planning consultation I ran into a situation I’ve seen many times over the years—one that I suspect happens far more often than people realize. Because so many families face the same dilemma, I wanted to break it down in a way that can help others who are weighing similar choices in their estate planning. Meet “Bob” and His Two Estate Planning Goals For privacy reasons, we’ll call today’s client “Bob.” Bob came in with two very common goals: Keep costs as low

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