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Probate
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May 11, 2020
2 min

I Didn't Speak at My Mom's Funeral.

June 18, 2017, was Father’s Day. My parents were in the Florida Keys on their second vacation in probably 20 years. They were celebrating...

364 views1 comment

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 docume...

49 views0 comments

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

May 4, 2020
3 min

Our Three Failed Honeymoons.

I am a small-town Pensacola native. I’ve never been out of the country- not even for a cruise! I’ve dreamed of traveling to Europe ever s...

179 views0 comments

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Apr 27, 2020
2 min

I Beat My Husband in a Foot Race!

One night last week, my 8-yr-old bonus daughter, Reagan, challenged me to a race in the front yard. Reagan exudes confidence when it come...

155 views0 comments

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Apr 15, 2020
3 min

I Got Married During a Global Pandemic!

When I got engaged to my best friend late last year, we set April 11, 2020, as our date to marry. By February, I had the venues and the v...

310 views0 comments

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? 1...

89 views0 comments

Who Can Serve as Guardian of a Minor in Florida?

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Feb 24, 2020
1 min

Who Can Serve as Guardian of a Minor in Florida?

If a minor’s natural guardian becomes unable to serve as the custodian of a minor child, either as a result of death, disability, incarce...

28 views0 comments

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 Testame...

14 views0 comments

When Can I Become the Guardian Advocate for My Special Needs Child?

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Jan 16, 2020
1 min

When Can I Become the Guardian Advocate for My Special Needs Child?

Sometimes children with special needs or developmental disabilities need legal guardians throughout their adulthood. When is it time to a...

45 views0 comments

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?

29 views0 comments

How Do I Remain the Guardian of My Adult Special Needs Child?

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Dec 23, 2019
2 min

How Do I Remain the Guardian of My Adult Special Needs Child?

Sometimes our loved ones are born with special needs that require special care. All children need help from their parents caring for them...

14 views0 comments

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...

66 views0 comments

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 ("decedent's") home from creditors' claims when the property passe...

24 views0 comments

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?

22 views0 comments

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

Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.

Nov 20, 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.

41 views0 comments

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