In Florida, estate planning and probate laws govern how assets are distributed after a person's death. Grandchildren may have various reasons for claiming part of a grandparent's estate. Understanding these conditions is important both for grandparents planning their...
Serving Northwest Florida Families For More Than 20 Years
Probate Litigation
What is the cost to challenge a will in Florida?
Most people's estate plans only require that family members follow their instructions. They include enough detail and have proper review by a lawyer to ensure that the documents they leave behind when they die will hold up in court and properly manage the distribution...
What are your options if you inherit something you don’t want?
It’s one thing for a family member to leave you a piece of jewelry you’ll never wear. It’s quite another for them to leave you a significant asset like a home or even a car that you don’t need and don’t want to deal with. Maybe you believe someone else in your family...
Dividing the personal items of the deceased when there’s no specific plan
Nothing stirs up old resentments and rivalries among relatives than a significant death in the family. Before some relatives have even had a chance to process the information that their loved one has died, others may use their spare key to let themselves into the...
Why do wills end up being contested?
For the most part, contested wills arise out of an heir’s (or potential heir’s) sense that a deep injustice has been done. Estate fights commonly break out between siblings who have a longstanding rivalry or stepparents and their deceased’s spouse’s children from a...
3 major causes of conflict and probate litigation
While blended families can create a lot of love, they can also create issues when a loved one passes away. Unfortunately, many cases of probate litigation involve tensions and accusations between stepparents and stepchildren after a biological parent passes away. If...
Heirs, beneficiaries may engage in probate litigation
Following the death of a loved one, his or her will may be challenged in court. However, not everyone can challenge this document, which details the deceased person's expressed wishes. Only interested persons in Florida have the right to challenge wills, and even...