Recent Blog Posts
The Role of “Domicile” in a Florida Probate Proceeding
At Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace, we understand that estate administration is all about the legal details. For example, when it comes to administering a probate estate, the first thing that needs to be established is the deceased person’s “domicile.” In simple terms, domicile refers to a person’s legal residence. While many people have… 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 »
What Are the Legal Risks of Leaving Your House to More Than One Child in Florida?
If you are a parent of multiple children, one of your estate planning goals may be to ensure they each receive an equal share of your estate or trust. This can be relatively simple when it comes to liquid assets like checking or brokerage accounts–just split things down the middle. When it comes to… 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 »
From What Date Do You Measure Damages in Florida Construction Litigation?
Construction litigation often arises when one party accuses the other of breach of contract. For example, a contractor sues a customer for non-payment. Or perhaps the customer sues the contractor for defective work that failed to meet the agreed-upon quality standards. If you find yourself in either situation, the experienced Tampa construction litigation attorneys… Read More »
Alternatives to Guardianship in Florida: Protecting Your Loved One’s Future Without Full Court Oversight
When an aging parent, disabled adult, or minor child needs assistance managing their affairs, full guardianship may seem like the only option. However, guardianship is a significant legal step that involves court oversight and limits an individual’s rights. Fortunately, Florida law provides several alternatives that allow families to protect their loved ones while preserving… 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 »