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