Category Archives: Estate Planning Wills Trusts
Trustees, Executors, and AI: How Technology Is Changing Fiduciary Administration
Technology is reshaping almost every aspect of our lives, and fiduciary administration is no exception. Trustees and executors in Florida are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to streamline tasks, reduce errors, and improve transparency. But as with any innovation, the use of AI in fiduciary roles raises important questions… Read More »
Estate Planning Is a Family Affair: Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Loved Ones in the Dark
When it comes to estate planning, many people assume it’s a private matter that should be kept confidential until after they pass. But that mindset can create more harm than good. Failing to include your loved ones in the planning process can lead to confusion, conflict, and even legal disputes during an already emotionally… Read More »
Planning for Your Art Collection: What to Do With Artwork in Your Estate Plan
For many collectors, artwork is more than an asset—it’s a personal passion, a legacy, and sometimes a significant investment. Whether you own a single valuable painting or a curated collection of fine art, it’s essential to include your artwork in your estate plan. Failing to do so could leave your heirs facing unexpected taxes,… Read More »
Can You Sell a Florida House Held Under a Life Estate Deed?
If you are looking to keep your home within the family after you die, a life estate or enhanced life estate (or Lady Bird) deed may be the answer. Such deeds can transfer property outside of the normal Florida probate process, but they also carry certain risks and restrictions. The Tampa estate planning attorneys… Read More »
Protecting Vulnerable Adults: How to Prevent Financial Exploitation in Florida
Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is a growing concern in Florida, particularly for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments. Exploiters—whether strangers, caregivers, or even family members—often take advantage of their victims through fraud, undue influence, or outright theft. Florida law provides several safeguards to protect at-risk adults, and Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace… Read More »
From Probate to Partnership: How Children Can Legally Operate Rental Properties After a Parent’s Death
When a parent who owns rental properties passes away, their children often find themselves facing two difficult realities: grieving the loss of a loved one while also managing valuable income-generating real estate. If there is no clear estate plan, the process can feel overwhelming. However, once the estate has been settled through probate, children… Read More »
How the Death of a Silent Partner Affects Business Operations and Dissolution
In many small businesses and partnerships, there may be one or more “silent partners”—individuals who have invested capital into the business but do not actively participate in its daily operations. While silent partners are often not visible in the business’s day-to-day activities, their legal and financial roles can be significant. When a silent partner… Read More »
2024 Updates to Probate and Trust Law: Key Takeaways for Florida Families
Florida’s probate and trust laws have undergone significant changes in 2024, impacting how families plan their estates and navigate the probate process. These updates aim to modernize legal procedures, enhance protections for beneficiaries, and provide greater flexibility in estate planning. Here’s a digestible guide by our Tampa Estate Planning Attorneys at Bleakley Bavol Denman… Read More »
How to Challenge a Will in Florida: Grounds for Contesting an Estate
When a loved one passes away, the distribution of their assets is usually carried out according to their will. However, in some cases, family members or other interested parties may believe the will is invalid or unfair. In Florida, contesting a will is a complex legal process that requires clear legal grounds and sufficient… Read More »
Protecting Vulnerable Beneficiaries in Estate Disputes
Estate disputes often arise when family members suspect that a vulnerable loved one was coerced into making changes to their will or estate plan. In Florida, undue influence is a legal doctrine that protects elderly or incapacitated individuals from manipulation by those seeking to benefit financially. This form of elder abuse can have devastating… Read More »