Florida: Proving You Are Your Father's Child for Inheritance
Can you be recognized as your father’s child for inheritance if his name isn’t on your birth certificate? Short answer: Yes. In Florida you can establish legal parentage even if your father’s name is not on your birth certificate. Common routes are: a signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, DNA testing with a court order, or […]
Read article →How to Get Appointed Administrator of a Sibling’s Intestate Estate in Florida
Becoming the Personal Representative for a Sibling’s Intestate Estate in Florida This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, how someone can seek appointment as the personal representative (often called an “administrator”) when a sibling dies without a will and the law of Florida applies. It walks through the steps, priorities, and paperwork you will likely […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs and Beneficiaries When Opening Probate in Florida
Notifying Heirs and Beneficiaries When Opening Probate in Florida Purpose: This article explains what notices you generally need to send to notify heirs and beneficiaries when you open probate in Florida, how to deliver those notices, and practical steps to reduce disputes and meet statutory requirements. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is general […]
Read article →Florida: Finalize Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Obtain Authority to Sell Property
Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Estate Property This FAQ-style guide explains, under Florida law, how to complete probate when a will appears outdated and how to obtain the legal authority you need to sell real estate that is part of an estate. Short answer If the will may […]
Read article →Florida: Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Requests Renunciation Letters
What to do when a reverse mortgage lender asks heirs to sign renunciation letters Short answer: A lender can request renunciation letters to clear title or avoid delays, but you do not have to sign anything without understanding the legal effect. In Florida, common safe steps are: get a lender payoff statement in writing, confirm […]
Read article →Florida: If an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation — What You Can Do
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney. Detailed answer — how Florida law treats renunciation and what to do if a relative refuses In Florida probate, someone who has priority to be appointed personal representative can voluntarily […]
Read article →Florida: First Step to Determine Legal Ownership of a Portion of Your Grandfather’s Land
What’s the first step to determine who legally owns a portion of your grandfather’s land in Florida? Short answer: Start by locating the property in the county public records (property appraiser and county official records) and pull the recorded deed(s) to trace the chain of title. That initial search will often show the current recorded […]
Read article →Challenging Power-of-Attorney Transfers in Florida: What to Know
Overview If you suspect your grandfather lacked the mental capacity when transfers were made under a power of attorney (POA), you may have options under Florida law to challenge those transfers and seek recovery. This article explains how Florida law treats capacity and POAs, the common legal claims to challenge transfers, the types of evidence […]
Read article →Florida — Joint Accounts and Jointly Held Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How Joint Accounts and Jointly Held Property Transfer at Death under Florida Law Quick summary: Under Florida law, assets titled so a surviving owner has a right of survivorship (for example, joint accounts with survivorship, transfer-on-death/POD designations, or tenancy by the entireties for married couples) generally pass directly to the surviving owner outside probate. Assets […]
Read article →Florida Guide: Reimbursable Expenses for Maintaining Estate Property Before Sale
Detailed Answer Short overview: When someone dies, the person handling the estate (the personal representative) must protect and preserve estate property until it is sold or distributed. Florida law allows the estate to pay reasonable and necessary costs incurred to maintain and preserve estate property as administration expenses. Keep careful records, get receipts, and — […]
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