Lauren A. Merritt
Is My Florida Will Self-Proving?
A self proving will is a last will and testament that can be admitted to probate without further proof of its authenticity. In this day...
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Lauren A. Merritt
- Mar 9, 2021
- 2 min
How Do I Get Letters of Administration?
I get calls all the time from clients who have been told they need “Letters of Administration.” The client is usually trying to access a...
36 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Aug 23, 2020
- 2 min
What is Formal Administration?
Formal administration is a type of probate proceeding used for administering larger estates when a person dies with probate assets...
10 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Aug 10, 2020
- 2 min
What is Exempt Personal Property?
When a loved one dies, certain personal property owned by that person at death can be classified as "exempt personal property" not subj...
12 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Jul 6, 2020
- 4 min
5 Steps to Help Your Assets & Your Family Avoid Probate
Spend Time Today, Save Your Family Money Tomorrow. Taking steps today to help your assets avoid probate tomorrow can save your family...
26 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Jun 7, 2020
- 2 min
Do Life Insurance Proceeds Have to Pass Through Probate?
Generally, no. Most of the time, life insurance proceeds pass outside of probate. Life Insurance Proceeds Are Typically Not “Probate Assets”
12 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- May 6, 2020
- 1 min
Is a Power of Attorney Valid After Death?
No. A power of attorney is not valid after the principal dies.What is a power of attorney? A power of attorney (“POA”) is a legal documen...
20 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Apr 13, 2020
- 3 min
This Free and Easy Step Will Save Your Family Time and Money.
Did you know that money in a bank account passes to a Payable-On-Death beneficiary outside of probate and free from creditor’s claims?
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Jan 29, 2020
- 2 min
Does a Will Avoid Probate in Florida?
Many people sign a Last Will and Testament to save their loved ones the trouble of opening a probate estate. Does a Last Will and Testam...
14 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Dec 30, 2019
- 3 min
What are My Minor Child’s Inheritance Rights When a Parent Dies After a New Marriage?
Divorce, remarriage, and blended families are common today. What are a child’s inheritance rights when a parent dies after remarriage?
34 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Dec 16, 2019
- 3 min
Do You Inherit Your Parents' Debt? Spouse's Debt?
If you inherit money or property from a loved one after his or her death, do you also inherit his or her debt? Who pays the debt if there...
27 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Dec 9, 2019
- 2 min
Florida Probate: What is Florida's Homestead Exemption?
Florida's homestead exemption generally protects the deceased person's home from creditors' claims when the property passes...
38 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Dec 3, 2019
- 2 min
Does the Money in a Bank Account Have to Pass Through Probate?
One of the most common assets a loved one leaves behind is a bank account. Does the money in a bank account have to pass through probate?
24 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
- Nov 19, 2019
- 2 min
What are the Different Types of Probate and Estate Proceedings in Florida?
Florida has several options for managing estates. The right option for your family depends on the assets in your loved one's estate.
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