Probate

Key Takeaways Probate is a court process that can consume up to 6% of your estate in fees — on a $1 million estate, that’s $60,000 gone before your family sees a dollar. Florida offers three practical probate avoidance strategies: a revocable living trust, a lady bird deed, and beneficiary/ownership designations. A trust that isn’t properly funded is worthless for probate avoidance — retitling assets is just as important as creating the documents for probate avoidance. Simpler strategies like lady bird deeds and beneficiary designations work well for straightforward situations, but complex family dynamics almost always call for a trust. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right strategy depends entirely on your assets, your family, and your goals — which is why working with an experienced estate planning attorney matters. Why Probate Is Something Florida Families Want to Avoid For families across Orange, Lake, Osceola, and Seminole Counties — from…

Key Takeaways Florida’s probate process varies widely depending on estate size, asset type, and family cooperation. Executors (called personal representatives in Florida) carry significant responsibilities—and risks—if deadlines are missed. Homestead laws, creditor claims, and summary administration can all complicate settlement if not handled properly. Communication between family members is essential to minimize conflict, delays, and misunderstandings. A structured, 90-day roadmap can help keep the probate process on track from day one. Introduction Settling a loved one’s estate is a responsibility few people are fully prepared for—especially when it happens in a state with unique probate rules like Florida. Whether you’re a designated executor, now called a personal representative, or one of several heirs hoping for a smooth transition, understanding how the Florida probate system works is essential. In this episode of Life Legacy & Wealth, Cary Moss of Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. walks listeners through the estate settlement process with…