10% discount for repeat clients and Veterans
10% discount for repeat clients and Veterans
The distribution of your estate after death, by a Will or without a Will is controlled by a formal legal process called Probate, It is administered via Florida Probate Court in the County in which decedent last reside. Our firm assists in the administration of estates of all types. We provide several ways of administering an Estate, by either Summary Administration or Full Administration. Also estates for non-residents who own property in Florida. Our office can review and advise you based upon your particular circumstances. We also represent Beneficiaries to assure their interest in an Estate is transferred properly.
A trust expresses your specific orders and directions regarding how your assets are to be handled and distributed. Unlike Wills, Trusts are private documents and are not filed with the probate court and are often used in estate planning as a way to avoid Florida probate. We can also help you establish and fund a revocable living trust, which allow you to name yourself as the trustee complete control over and access to the trust while you are living. We also assist the Successor Trustee in the Administration of the Trust & its assets after the death of the settlor. Other forms of trusts are available.
Our Office can enable you to arrange for the smooth transition of your assets after death and prevent assets from being tied up in court. This allows you to shield your estate and heirs from possible taxes. It also provides funds for your spouse, children and charities. Protection to allow for the continuity of the operations and ownership of a family business. Supplemental Needs Trusts may be established for beneficiaries under disability or age. Homestead property may be transferred in advance by using various Life Estate and/or beneficiary deeds.
While Florida probate is both expensive and time-consuming, it is truly easy to avoid in most cases.
Yet many people fail to take any of the steps necessary to avoid probate in Florida.
There are so many stories that probate proceedings are lengthy, costly, and frustrating, leaving many people to take whatever measures are required to avoid probate in Florida. Whenever possible there are good reasons to avoid probate which will be discussed in this article.
One of the most common ways of avoiding probate is to establish a living trust. Any assets you own, whether real estate, bank accounts, cars, or personal items, can be put into a living trust.
A living trust resembles a will, appointing a trustee to take over on your death. Initially, ownership of your property is transferred to you when you are alive, ensuring that you will have the power of your properties throughout your lifetime.
In Florida, there are other ways of avoiding probate. Even though most methods aren’t as flexible as living trusts, they may still fit the bill to meet your planning strategies. The aim is to work with a competent estate planning lawyer to ensure that all your planning goals are met in the most versatile, economical way possible.
A Last Will and Testament states how you want your assets and property to be distributed at death. A will can also be used to designate a preference for the guardian of any minor children you may have. Or create a contingent trust for minors or disabled heirs. Without a valid will, your estate becomes subject to Florida Intestate law, and may not be distributed as you would like.
As an attorney and member of the Attorney Title Fund Services, Inc (The Fund), we will provide a diligent search of the title history, previous title policy, municipal lien search, permit search, and survey (if applicable) to uncover liens, encumbrances, encroachments, easements, or other potential title issues. We also gather all necessary documents and thoroughly explain all calculations that are part of your real estate closing and transaction.
Florida title insurance is a form of insurance which can protect the lender and the owner against a loss resulting from defects in, or undisclosed liens upon, title to real estate. Lenders typically require a mortgagee title insurance policy, and buying an owner’s policy is almost always a wise decision. As members of a comprehensive title services and title insurance organization—the Attorney’s Title Fund Services, Inc. (The Fund)—we provide thorough attention to detail and outstanding personal service
We want to do all we can to make your real estate transaction as smooth and easy as possible. Also, unlike closings at most title agencies, you will have the piece of mind knowing that there will be a licensed Florida attorney involved at every step.
Corporate and Business Laws can be overwhelming. We consult on New Corporations, LLC Formation, and Non Profit Organizations. We prepare Shareholder Agreements, contracts for sale of businesses and transfers of corporations, when necessary. Proper Estate Planning includes an evaluation of how your corporation or business will transfer on death.
While most real estate negotiations in Florida involve only the parties’ real estate agents, hiring a Florida Real Estate Attorney not only serves to protect each party’s interests but also expedites the entire process and helps to streamline the contract negotiation, the closing process, securing title insurance and communicating with lenders.
Our firm also can prepare leases, contracts, and owner financing documents.