Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and assets are transferred to heirs or beneficiaries. This process, governed by the Florida Probate Code, can often be complex and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with its intricacies. Court oversight is typically required to ensure the proper distribution of assets, payment of debts, and resolution of any claims against the estate before property can legally pass to the heirs.
As an executor or administrator of an estate, you may face numerous challenges, such as managing real estate sales, resolving creditor claims, addressing tax concerns, and dealing with dissatisfied beneficiaries who may contest the probate process. At Armenteros Law, P.A., we understand how overwhelming these tasks can be, especially during an emotionally challenging time. Our experienced team is here to guide you through each step, ensuring that the probate process is handled efficiently and in compliance with Florida law.
From filing the necessary petitions to managing court-mandated requirements, we handle all aspects of the probate court process to ensure that the estate is administered according to legal standards.
We assist in identifying, valuing, and distributing assets in accordance with the decedent’s will or Florida’s intestacy laws when no will is present.
If the estate includes real estate that must be sold or transferred, we provide legal support to facilitate these transactions, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
We help resolve any claims made against the estate by creditors or other parties, protecting the estate from unnecessary liabilities.
Estate planning is essential to safeguarding the financial security of your loved ones and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Proper estate planning not only allows you to control how your property is handled after your death but also provides peace of mind for your family and beneficiaries, reducing the risk of future conflicts.
At Armenteros Law, P.A., we offer comprehensive estate planning services tailored to meet your personal and financial goals. Whether your focus is on providing for family members, supporting charitable organizations, or minimizing tax liabilities, we can help you craft an estate plan that secures your legacy. Our legal guidance covers all aspects of estate planning, including asset management, forms of ownership, and the creation of essential legal documents.
a legal document that outlines your final wishes regarding the distribution of your property and assets after your death. It allows you to specify how your estate will be managed, who will inherit your assets, and who will be responsible for carrying out your instructions. The will can also address other important matters, such as guardianship for minor children and charitable donations.
a legal entity created to hold and manage your assets during your lifetime, and to distribute those assets after your death. It is called “revocable” because you, as the creator (or “grantor” or “settlor”) of the trust, retain the power to change, amend, or revoke the trust at any time while you are alive. This flexibility makes it a popular estate planning tool for those seeking control over their assets while also planning for the future.
is a legal document that grants someone you trust (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters. What makes this document “durable” is that it remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, meaning that your agent can continue to manage your affairs if you are unable to do so yourself due to illness, injury, or diminished mental capacity.
A living will is a legal document that clearly expresses your wishes about medical care in situations where you have been diagnosed with a terminal condition and there is no reasonable medical likelihood of recovery or cure. It provides specific instructions on whether you would like life-prolonging treatments, such as artificial life support or other medical procedures, to be administered, withheld, or withdrawn in order to honor your preferences. This directive empowers your loved ones and healthcare providers to make decisions confidently, ensuring that your end-of-life care aligns with your personal values and choices.
A Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate is a legal document that allows you to designate someone, known as a surrogate, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to illness, incapacity, or other circumstances. The surrogate will have the authority to speak with your health care providers, access your medical information, and make choices about treatments, medications, surgeries, and other health care matters based on your preferences. In Florida, this designation also allows you to appoint an alternate surrogate in case your primary surrogate is unavailable or unable to serve. You can include specific instructions in the document, such as your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments, organ donation, and other care preferences. The form must be signed and witnessed to be legally valid in Florida, and it is recommended to keep a copy on file with your health care providers and give one to your chosen surrogate.
A living will is a legal document that clearly expresses your wishes about medical care in situations where you have been diagnosed with a terminal condition and there is no reasonable medical likelihood of recovery or cure. It provides specific instructions on whether you would like life-prolonging treatments, such as artificial life support or other medical procedures, to be administered, withheld, or withdrawn in order to honor your preferences. This directive empowers your loved ones and healthcare providers to make decisions confidently, ensuring that your end-of-life care aligns with your personal values and choices.
A Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate is a legal document that allows you to designate someone, known as a surrogate, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to illness, incapacity, or other circumstances. The surrogate will have the authority to speak with your health care providers, access your medical information, and make choices about treatments, medications, surgeries, and other health care matters based on your preferences. In Florida, this designation also allows you to appoint an alternate surrogate in case your primary surrogate is unavailable or unable to serve. You can include specific instructions in the document, such as your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments, organ donation, and other care preferences. The form must be signed and witnessed to be legally valid in Florida, and it is recommended to keep a copy on file with your health care providers and give one to your chosen surrogate.