When Family Isn’t the Right Choice: The Case for a Neutral Trustee
Naming a trustee is one of the most consequential decisions in any trust. And the instinct is almost always the same: name a family member. A spouse, an adult child, a sibling, someone who knows the family and can be trusted to carry out your wishes. But that instinct, however natural, can put the person…
Will vs. Trust in Florida
Will vs. Trust in Florida: What They Mean After Someone Passes Away When a loved one passes away in Florida, families are often left with questions about wills, trusts, and what happens next. While both documents are created during estate planning, their biggest differences are felt after death, during estate administration and probate—which is where…
What to Bring to Your First Meeting with a Jacksonville Probate Attorney at BridgeTRUST
What to Bring to Your First Meeting with a Jacksonville Probate Attorney A Practical Checklist to Help You Feel Prepared Meeting with a probate attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming—especially when it follows the loss of a loved one. Many people worry they’ll forget something important or won’t know how to answer legal…
What is the 10-Day Rule for Probate in Florida?
In Florida, the 10-day rule is a requirement that the personal representative of an estate must file the decedent’s original will with the probate court within ten days after they are appointed. If no will is available, they must file a petition to open probate. This is a key part of starting the probate process….
How to Manage Debts and Creditor Claims in a Probate Estate: What You Need to Know
When someone passes away, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate must exercise due diligence to identify any unpaid creditors. In Florida, the probate process is key to settling these debts. We will explain how unpaid bills are handled pursuant to Florida probate law, including what steps are taken and what exceptions may apply. How…