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Florida Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How to get reimburse for estate related expenses after Summary Administration order?

Florida. Will directs all estate related expenses to come from estate, not from me alone (I am one of two beneficiaries and the PR named in the will). I paid 100% of all estate-related expenses totaling around $50k and my sibling (the other beneficiary) paid nothing. The only "asset" in... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Oct 22, 2024

You can ask the closing agent to include all the estate expenses to be put on the closing statement when the house is sold, and if your sibling doesn't sign the closing statement, then the closing cannot take place. That is your leverage. The closing statement is the last opportunity for you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can Trustee of family trust act as pro-se in law suit against tenant for unpaid rent/damages, without lawyer?

I filed eviction of tenant, as trustee of the family living trust. I was told I could do the simple eviction as a trustee of the family living trust, but I am not allowed, as pro se, to file for an additional complaint demanding unpaid back rent and damages. It said I need a lawyer to do the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 18, 2024

Apparently you have already filed for possession and went to Court. The Judge is not going to let you sue for monies. Right or wrong, you are already in the middle of it. Get a Judgment for Possession at the next Court date, and get that occupant out of the Trust's property. I doubt... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
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Jacqueline Alicia Salcines pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 13, 2024

Have an attorney review the deed. That way we can see who is on there as title holder and who would need to sign in order to sell the property. If another sibling does not want to sell, then it will turn into a Partition action and court forced sale but you can still use your own realtor, etc.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Oct 14, 2024

Maybe, probably not. If the property is in your sister's name alone, then some version of probate will be required and for this you will need a probate attorney. Your starting point is to have the current deed reviewed to see if there are any survivorship interests or other joint ownership... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Anthony Pinizzotto
Anthony Pinizzotto pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 14, 2024

I am very sorry for your loss. If title to the property was in your sister's name alone, then a probate would be required in order to sell the property. If your sister was not married and did not leave minor children, then the property would pass to the beneficiaries under her will or to her... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: Can my Florida lawyer be my executioner for a will if I become a RI resident?
Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Oct 2, 2024

This is a question that would need to be answered by a Rhode Island attorney as it is the law of the jurisdiction where the testator resides at time of death that would be applied. As an example, Florida law states that a personal representative (executor) must either be related by blood or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How can I be reimbursed for estate and inherited property-related expenses if probate has been closed?

I am the named PR/executor in a will. There are two beneficiaries, myself and a sibling. The terms of the will are that everything is to be split 50/50 and that all estate-related and inherited property-related expenses are to be paid by the estate, not by me only. The will was admitted to probate... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Oct 2, 2024

If the summary administration is closed and the order determining homestead status or other order distributing the property out of the estate was already signed by the judge (meaning that the real property is no longer in the estate), and the real property was the only asset, it does not make sense... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How can I be reimbursed for estate and inherited property-related expenses if probate has been closed?

I am the named PR/executor in a will. There are two beneficiaries, myself and a sibling. The terms of the will are that everything is to be split 50/50 and that all estate-related and inherited property-related expenses are to be paid by the estate, not by me only. The will was admitted to probate... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Oct 2, 2024

If you've incurred expenses related to the estate and inherited property after probate has been closed, there are pathways to seek reimbursement, either through reopening the probate or directly addressing the division of assets.

If there are discovered assets or if further...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: If a personal representative in Florida misappropriated funds/commits fraud against disabled beneficiary

We're removing PR and resending Letters of Administration due violations under 733.609. Beneficiaries are close blood related. One is permanently disabled. Is there a criminal code for defrauding - intentionally & knowingly, a disabled adult. Under 733.609 PR has violated every aspect of... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 1, 2024

The PR is required to be represented by an attorney if there is more than one beneficiary to a Will. Since there are more than one beneficiary, the PR is required to have an attorney. First, why have not mentioned what conversations you've had with the PR's attorney? Second, chapter 733... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Florida on
Q: Family member has died. Family member named one person as beneficiary. Advice appreciated.

A close family member has died. Only one person was named beneficiary of the estate. The beneficiary truly loved the family member that died and took care of that family member with good intentions for a long time. Other people in the family did nothing to help the grantor when he was very sick and... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 14, 2024

There is nothing the toxic family members can do, but if they keep it up, the person being slandered can consider getting a civil litigation attorney and filing suit against them for these behaviors, at best it may be to just ignore them if possible and hopefully they will tire, if not, then... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: After a mortgage holder has died, what happens to the mortgage? Thank you.

If someone has extended and is holding a personal mortgage to another person for real estate, and receiving payment every month, and then they die, what happens to the mortgage? What is the process for that mortgage? Does it remain in the deceased persons name and still paid to them? Or Is the... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 14, 2024

If the payee of a mortgage dies, the mortgage is still enforceable. The personal representative of the estate has the right to collect the mortgage payments, foreclose on the mortgage, and otherwise take actions that they deceased would have been able to take until such times as the estate is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: After a mortgage holder has died, what happens to the mortgage? Thank you.

If someone has extended and is holding a personal mortgage to another person for real estate, and receiving payment every month, and then they die, what happens to the mortgage? What is the process for that mortgage? Does it remain in the deceased persons name and still paid to them? Or Is the... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 14, 2024

The mortgage stays with the property and the estate is responsible for it as part of probate, you to be sure should make a claim in the probate for what you are owed (statement of claim). In general, the estate will pay it, or the beneficiaries take it over and continue to pay it. Because this is a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Complicated probate

I have a very complicated situation involving probate. My mother passed and left everything to my father and then he passed and left everything to my brother and I. They passed so soon that money kept coming into the estate. Long story short, the probates were in two separate states, mo and fl,... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 12, 2024

Any assets or checks not probated will need to be probated in the state of the deceased, if this is Florida, you will need to speak with a Florida Probate Attorney and you will have to indeed open probate again with the help of an attorney. You will have to provide all the details to the attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mother's estate is currently in probate and my sister is trying to take over my share of the inheritance as well.

My mother died intestate leaving myself and my sister as the sole heirs. My sister,whom for the prior thirty years was estranged became the executer of her estate. She then somehow managed to get my mother's house retitled from my mother and deceased grandfather to now showing herself and my... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 10, 2024

Given the situation you're describing, here are some key points to consider:

Intestate Succession: Since your mother died without a will, her estate would typically be distributed according to Florida's intestate succession laws. If there's no surviving spouse, the estate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: I think I might have been cheated out of an inheritance. How do I find out?

My father passed in April ‘22. I’ve never been sure about what his will said, but the family deal was that we split proceeds x6. I suspect my stepmom changed her will to cut out my brother and I, dad’s only true blood. Stepmom passed this year, and I haven’t heard anything from anyone.... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 5, 2024

I am sorry for your loss and please accept my condolences for you and your family.

Generally, a family deal or promise or similar never works out, it has to be in the estate plan (Will/Trust/Pay on Death Designation or similar).

If there was a Will and probate with your Dad's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What is the process for transferring property in Florida? Thank you.

I appreciate advice about the transfer of a property. I was told a warranty deed is needed. I think it may be a new deed that is being prepared. How can I tell if it is done correctly? Thank you so much.

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

Transfer of property in Florida does not need to occur via Warranty Deed. In order to transfer property in Florida, there are three main types of deeds: i. Warranty Deed, ii. Special Warranty Deed, and iii. Quitclaim Deed.

i. Warranty Deed: Provides the highest level of protection,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Do I have to give my sister this money?

We’re currently going through probate and she’s demanding that I hand over half of the money I got from my utilities deposit checks even though she wasn’t a member of this house hold. The first check was made out to me, and the second was made out to both me and our father. Please note that... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You generally don't have to give your sister money from the utility deposit checks, especially if she wasn't part of the household. Since the first check was made out to you, it's yours. The second check, made out to you and your father, might be considered part of his estate, so it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mom passed away in May and now my stepfather has my personal belongings and family hairlooms. What are my rights

I just want some advice as to what my rights are

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

If the items in question belong to you personally, your stepfather should not withhold them from you.

You have the right to request the immediate return of your personal property. For items that belonged to your mother and were family heirlooms, the distribution depends on whether she left...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Sister is living in mom’s (deceased) home and she wants 2 other siblings that don’t live ther to pay 1/3 of the mortgage

My sister, her children and their father live in the home that our mother (deceased) owned. My sister wants our brother and I to pay 1/3 of the mortgage even though we don’t live there. She also wants us to be equally responsible for any and all repairs. What is fair in this situation? Should we... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Aug 30, 2024

The home needs to potentially be probated, the most recent deed needs to be reviewed, but likely a probate related to the home needs to be done. Anyone living in the home should be paying FMV rent and paying the expenses while living there, the potential taxes could be split into 1/3. Ultimately... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What happens to a mortgage after mortgagee has passed. Thank you

Thank you for reading my question. What happens when a mortgagee has passed? Is the mortgage paperwork redone so the beneficiary of the property becomes mortgagee, or can it be left as is, with the original mortgagee? Thank you for any advice.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 19, 2024

The death of the mortgagee doesn't really make any difference to the holder of the mortgage. As long as the payments are made on time, there should be no problem. If the mortgage note is not paid on time, the holder of the mortgage can foreclose.

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