FLorida Estate and Trust Blog

When a Florida homeowner passes away, questions often arise about whether the Florida homestead property must go through probate. This article explains how homestead is treated under Florida law, what protections apply, and how probate attorneys guide families through the process.

Many people wonder if they can use a power of attorney after death in Florida. The answer is no—a power of attorney becomes invalid once the person passes away. This article explains why, what happens next, and how probate or estate planning takes over after death.

Many families ask about the Florida death tax. The good news: Florida does not impose a state death tax, inheritance tax, or estate tax. This article explains what that means, how federal estate taxes apply, and why probate planning is still important in Florida.

Many Florida seniors ask, “What is a qualified income trust?” Also called a Miller Trust, it allows applicants with income above Medicaid’s limit to still qualify for long-term care benefits. This article explains how qualified income trusts work, why they are essential for Medicaid planning in Florida, and how a Davie Medicaid attorney can help.

Many families wonder: can Medicaid take your house in Florida? While Medicaid cannot seize your home during your lifetime, the state may file claims against your estate after death. This article explains Medicaid estate recovery, Florida homestead protections, and how a Miami Lakes Medicaid attorney can help safeguard your home.

A codicil is a legal document that amends a will without replacing it completely. This article answers the question “what is a codicil,” explains when to use one, outlines Florida’s legal requirements, and shows why consulting a Weston estate planning attorney is essential.

In Florida, wills do not have to be notarized to be valid, but notarization provides important benefits. This article explains the requirements for a valid will, the role of witnesses, how self-proving affidavits work, and why consulting a Miramar estate planning attorney can give you peace of mind.

Contesting a last will is a serious legal matter. In Florida, wills can only be challenged on specific grounds, such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. This article explains the process of contesting a will, common legal grounds, and why working with a probate attorney is essential.

Probate is the legal process that oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. This article provides a clear definition of probate, explains why it’s necessary, and outlines how the process works in Florida.

In Florida, the executor of estate (legally called a personal representative) is responsible for managing the estate during probate. This article explains the duties, qualifications, rights, and challenges faced by executors in Florida probate cases.

Many Florida residents ask, “Do I need a trust to avoid probate?” While a trust is one of the most effective probate avoidance tools, it isn’t the only option. This article explains how trusts work, when they’re needed, and other strategies for keeping assets out of probate.

The cost of probate in Florida varies depending on the estate’s value, complexity, and whether disputes arise. This article explains typical probate expenses, from court filing fees to attorney and personal representative fees, so families can better plan for the process.

The Florida small estate affidavit offers a simplified way to transfer assets when a loved one dies without a large estate. This article explains who qualifies, how the process works, and why families often use this probate shortcut.

Florida law allows personal representatives—also known as executors—to receive compensation for administering an estate. This article explains how Florida personal representative fees are determined, statutory guidelines, factors that can affect fees, and what families should know about probate costs.

Gold Legacy Law provides flat fee probate services for qualifying summary administrations in Florida at a cost of $2,500. This article explains how summary administration works, what the flat fee covers, who qualifies, and why families across Florida choose Gold Legacy Law for affordable probate solutions.

Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a person’s estate after they pass away. This article explains the meaning of probate, how it works in Florida, and why legal guidance can help families save time, reduce stress, and avoid costly mistakes.

Trust litigation often arises when a trustee fails to meet their legal obligations. This article explores the most common trustee breaches in Florida, what they mean for beneficiaries, and how legal action can protect trust assets.

Probate in Florida can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the size of the estate, disputes, and court requirements. This article breaks down the typical probate timeline and explains how families can navigate the process more efficiently with legal guidance.

Probate lawyer cost in Florida depends on the estate size, complexity, and type of probate. This article explains typical attorney fees, factors affecting cost, and how families can plan for probate expenses.

After Giorgio Armani’s death in September 2025, the iconic designer left a detailed succession plan covering his business empire, real estate, personal collectibles, and preferred buyers. This article explores who will inherit what, how the Armani Foundation plays a central role, and what his will means for the future of the brand.

Florida does not take a percentage of your inheritance through taxes. However, federal estate tax, creditor claims, and rare cases of escheatment or unclaimed property may affect what heirs receive. A Florida probate attorney can help navigate these issues.

This article outlines the most important questions to ask during a Florida probate consultation. From timelines and fees to responsibilities and potential challenges, these questions help families choose the right Florida probate attorney and better understand the probate process.

This article explains when hiring a probate attorney in Florida is necessary. It covers the probate process, differences between formal and summary administration, situations requiring an attorney, limited cases where one may not be needed, and the key benefits of professional legal guidance.

Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Mediation offers a private, cost-effective, and relationship-preserving way to resolve disputes over wills, trusts, and inheritances.

Dying without a will in Florida means the state decides who gets your assets—often leading to delays, disputes, and court involvement. This article explains Florida intestate laws, who inherits when there’s no will, and why having an estate plan is critical for protecting your loved ones.