Here’s a frequently asked question that deserves a slightly more intricate answer: “I’m clearly a child of (the decedent). Why can’t I just sign a quit claim deed over to myself so I can sell this property?” Short answer: You do not (yet) have the legal authority to sign or otherwise transfer property on the decedent’s behalf. Additionally, you can’t …
Caution: “Probate Paralegals” on Craigslist
Yesterday, I received what was otherwise a routine call about a potential probate case: The caller told me she had hired a “probate paralegal” to prepare the paperwork that she, the caller, would then file the case herself. She thought she had found some magical loophole to avoid hiring an attorney, until the clerk noticed some errors in the filing …
Got Letters of Administration! What now?
This is a followup to my previous post on starting Probate in Florida, specifically Formal Administration. The initial push in probate is dedicated to convincing the judge to appoint you as the personal representative (PR) and then issuing Letters of Administration. Now that you’ve got your credentials, it’s time to get to work. Here are your initial responsibilities once you’ve …
How to Start Probate in Florida
Florida Probate administration can be relatively hassle-free with the right guidance and representation. It’s easy enough to say “hire an attorney” and frankly, it’s almost always your only choice. But, there’s no reason you should be in the dark about the process. During consultations, about the process, time frames, costs and pitfalls to watch out for once a probate administration …
Thoughts about Estate Assist, a “digital safe deposit box”
Does Estate Assist solve probate and estate problems for Florida residents? A brief look at Estate Assist and lingering questions.