Jacksonville Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney Blog

What do I do if I lose or cannot find my Florida will?

Asset Protection Strategies for Seniors

Florida law generally wants to probate the original, signed, will.  That is why attorney love having you sign their documents in blue ink, so everyone knows which document is an original.  But there are ways to get a photocopy of a will into Florida probate – it will increase probate costs.  If you cannot find your will, […]

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How do I give my heirlooms/personal property/priceless family items upon my death in Florida?

Asset Protection Strategies for Seniors

The issue of personal items comes up often during estate planning and probate meetings.  The answer always points to the same Florida Statute: Section 732.515.  Under Florida law, you can attach a signed, handwritten list of personal items to a valid will in order to gift the listed items to your friends and family. 

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Should I use a notary or paralegal to prepare or execute a Florida will?

Asset Protection Strategies for Seniors

Ah, this is a question I posed with a bit of lawyer bias, but I’m glad you ran into my post before you consider trying to save yourself money by hiring a notary or paralegal to draft a Florida will for you.  At the very least though, I am glad you are making the decision […]

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Florida Intestate Succession Example: Mom’s $100,000 bank account.

Probate and Administration

Revised May 3, 2010 and April 4, 2012 It appears that my Florida intestate succession post may be pretty popular, so I want to give an example to illustrate.  It may be helpful for you to go through the intestate succession post and work through the example to figure out how much you would get […]

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Do I need a Florida will even if I’m in debt or I’m okay with Florida intestate inheritance?

Asset Protection Strategies for Seniors

Why do so many people tell you that you need to write a will?  Attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, doctors, legal zoom, and Staples will all have you believe that you need a Florida will no matter what your financial situation is.  I’ve explained before that if you don’t have a will that your personal property (furniture, clothes, bank accounts, stock) […]

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