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Probate
Guardianship
Personal

Mar 9
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...

11 views

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Aug 24, 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...

2 views

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Aug 11, 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...

1 view

5 Steps to Help Your Assets & Your Family Avoid Probate

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...

18 views

Do Life Insurance Proceeds Have to Pass Through Probate?

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Jun 8, 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”

0 views

Is a Power of Attorney Valid After Death?

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

May 7, 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...

0 views

This Free and Easy Step Will Save Your Family Time and Money.

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Apr 14, 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?

0 views

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...

1 view

What are My Minor Child’s Inheritance Rights When a Parent Dies After a New Marriage?

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?

0 views

Do You Inherit Your Parents' Debt? Spouse's Debt?

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...

2 views

Florida Probate: What is Florida's Homestead Exemption?

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...

4 views

Does the Money in a Bank Account Have to Pass Through Probate?

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?

3 views

What are the Different Types of Probate and Estate Proceedings in Florida?

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.

3 views

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