Probate

Probate Milestone Meetings at the Law Office of Lori Vella, featuring Probate documents and a professional meeting space for guiding clients through the Florida Probate process.

Introducing Probate Milestone Meetings: A Better Way to Guide Families Through Probate

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For many families, Probate is unfamiliar territory. After the loss of a loved one, you’re suddenly faced with legal paperwork, court deadlines, creditor notices, and the responsibility of administering an estate, all while navigating a difficult time.   One of the most common questions we hear is:   “What happens next?”   At Law Office […]

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Calendar marking July 1, 2026, with Probate documents representing Florida Probate law changes.

Florida Probate Law Changes Coming July 1, 2026

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Florida probate law changes are coming on July 1, 2026. One of the biggest updates involves the threshold for summary administration. For many families, this may sound like good news. More estates may qualify for summary administration after the threshold increases. However, the probate process is still based on more than just the dollar value

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Family reviewing estate documents during a Probate consultation

What Is Probate in Florida? A Simple Guide for Families

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Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate court procedures and legal paperwork. Many families are surprised to learn that even after someone passes away, there may still be important legal steps required to transfer assets, pay debts, and carry out final wishes. That process is called Probate. At Law Office of

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Florida family receiving calls about unclaimed property after a loved one passes away

Getting Calls About “Unclaimed Money” After a Loved One Passes Away? Here’s What You Should Know

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Losing a loved one is difficult enough without unexpected phone calls from strangers claiming there is money waiting to be claimed. Lately, many families have been receiving calls from companies or “asset recovery vendors” saying that the State of Florida is holding unclaimed funds belonging to a deceased family member. These callers often promise to

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Florida Estate Planning: couple reviewing documents to plan their future and avoid Probate

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Florida? (And Why the Law May Not Do What You Expect)

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Many people assume that if they pass away without a Will, the State of Florida will simply “take everything.” Others believe their spouse or children will automatically inherit exactly what they want them to have. The truth is more complicated, and often surprising. If you die without a valid Will in Florida, your estate is

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Financial documents including a passbook, life insurance form, stock certificate, wallet, and keys arranged on a desk.

How to Find a Loved One’s Bank Accounts, Stocks, and Insurance After They Pass Away

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When someone passes away, it’s common for the family to suddenly realize they don’t actually know where all the money is kept. Maybe the Will mentions bank accounts or stocks… but there’s nothing in the house. No statements. No lists. No paperwork. If this is happening to you, take a breath — you can find

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Hulk Hogan’s $25 Million Estate

Locked Down or Legally Sound? What’s Really Going On With Hulk Hogan’s $25 Million Estate

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The passing of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) on July 24, 2025, has sparked not just grief—but also controversy. Within hours of his death, rumors began circulating about dramatic estate moves allegedly made by his widow, Sky Daily. Tampa-based radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on-air that Sky took three major steps within

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pretermitted spouse rights in Florida estate planning.

Navigating Pretermitted Spouse Rights in Florida

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A pretermitted spouse is a spouse who marries the decedent after the decedent has executed their will and is not provided for in that will. Florida Statutes §732.301 protects pretermitted spouses by granting them the right to inherit as if the decedent had died intestate (without a will). However, this right does not apply in

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