Avoiding probate, and when to use it
By Spiro Verras
A good estate plan makes life easier for the people you love. Sometimes that means arranging for property to pass through a trust or a beneficiary designation. Sometimes the structure and oversight of probate are exactly what a family needs. The useful question is how...
When Your Assets Are in More Than One State
By Spiro Verras
A home, business, or investment in another state can be part of a well-coordinated Florida estate plan. The key is to connect the ownership documents, local law, and people who will carry out your wishes.
Key TakeawaysHow Does the Florida Probate Process Work? A Step-by-Step Overview
By Spiro Verras
The Florida probate process is the legal procedure used to identify a deceased person’s assets, pay outstanding debts, and distribute property to beneficiaries or heirs. Depending on the estate and whether it meets Florida’s eligibility requirements, probate may proceed through either summary administration or...
Dealing with Missing Heirs During the Probate Process
By Spiro Verras
A missing heir requires careful handling, but does not automatically stop all estate work. The personal representative should document a diligent search, identify the notices required for the particular proceeding and seek appropriate directions about the missing person’s share.
When you are administering...
Transferring a Car Title After the Owner Dies
By Spiro Verras
A car can be one of the first estate assets a family needs to address after a death. It may be needed for transportation, carry an outstanding loan or be ready for sale. Florida provides several ways to transfer a deceased owner’s vehicle, and probate...
7 Reasons to Hire a Probate Attorney
By Spiro Verras
A personal representative has important responsibilities after a death: identifying and managing probate property, addressing claims and taxes, and distributing property under the will and applicable law. In Florida formal administration, the representative generally must have Florida legal counsel. Rule 5.030 includes limited exceptions,...
Probate for Non-Resident Property Owners in Florida
By Spiro Verras
Florida has long been a destination for retirees, investors, and vacationers. As a result, many non-residents own real estate here - whether it’s a beachfront condo, a rental property, or a seasonal second home. But when a non-resident property owner passes away, their out-of-state...
Who Does What in Your Florida Estate Plan?
By Spiro Verras
When my clients and I discuss wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, health care documents and guardian nominations, we also talk about the people who will carry out the plan. The titles can sound similar, but each role has a different source of authority...
How Long After Death Do You Have to File Probate?
By Spiro Verras
Contact Us TodayDealing with the loss of a loved one is emotionally challenging. In the midst of grief, family members...
How living trusts avoid probate
By Spiro Verras
A living trust can give your family continuity at a time of change. When the right assets are held in a revocable trust, your chosen successor can manage them after your death without first obtaining a probate transfer. The same arrangement can help if you...