Author name: Attorney Lori Vella

New to Florida? Why Estate Planning Should Be A Top Priority

Who would inherit your assets? How would they get them? While it might not be pleasant to consider, have you ever thought about what would occur if something happened to you suddenly? Who would inherit your belongings? How would the process work? Without an estate plan, disagreements can arise among survivors due to unclear instructions […]

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Proving a Will in Florida: The Importance of Witnesses

Proving a Will in Florida: The Importance of Witnesses

When a loved one passes away, their last will and testament often need to be validated through a legal process known as probate. This process ensures that the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes. In Florida, like many states, having a self-proving affidavit attached to the will can streamline this process significantly. However,

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Shannen Doherty's Final Wishes: A Cautionary Tale About Funeral Planning

Shannen Doherty’s Final Wishes: A Cautionary Tale About Funeral Planning

The recent headlines about actress Shannen Doherty’s detailed funeral plans, including a list of people she didn’t want to attend, have sparked widespread discussion. While it may seem unusual or even shocking, Doherty’s actions highlight the importance of careful estate planning and making your final wishes known. Why Planning Matters Estate planning isn’t just about

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Protecting Your Trust with Marital Agreements in Florida

Protecting Your Trust with Marital Agreements in Florida

Understanding Marital Agreements in Florida Prenuptial Agreements These are contracts made before marriage that outline the division of assets and financial responsibilities if the marriage ends in divorce or death. Postnuptial Agreements Similar to prenuptial agreements, these are executed after marriage and serve the same purpose. Both types of agreements can include provisions to protect

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Defining Probate

The words “probate” or “court”, independent of each other, commonly cause anxiety and sometimes, even fear. Those emotions are heightened when you or a loved one is faced with having to go through the probate process after having suffered the loss of someone near and dear.  In the event you or a loved one is

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First Steps to Opening a Florida Probate

If you are interested in opening a Florida probate, your Florida attorney will follow these initial steps to open the estate. Deposit Original Will If the decedent (the person that passed away) had a Will, the person that possesses the original Last Will either sends it to the attorney, or files it with the county

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