One of the most common things we hear from families is: “My loved one had a Will, so we don’t have to go through Probate, right?” Unfortunately, that is one of the biggest misconceptions about Probate. In reality, having a Will does not necessarily avoid Probate. In many cases, a Will actually serves […]
The Biggest Misconception About Probate in Florida Read More »
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
What Is Probate in Florida? A Simple Guide for Families Read More »
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
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
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
How to Find a Loved One’s Bank Accounts, Stocks, and Insurance After They Pass Away Read More »
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
When You Have a Trust, Do You Still Need Probate? Many people create trusts to avoid probate and ensure a smooth transfer of assets after death. However, what many trustees don’t realize is that just because assets are in a trust doesn’t mean you can immediately distribute them without risk. Florida law allows creditors to
Do You Need Probate If You Have a Trust? Read More »
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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When someone passes away, one of the first questions that comes up is who has the right to bring a probate case. In Florida, this is referred to as “standing,” and it determines who has the legal authority to initiate the probate process. Whether the decedent had a will or passed away without one, Florida
Who Has Standing to Bring a Probate in Florida? Read More »
Handling mass tort or wrongful death cases can get complicated when a claimant has passed away. Without someone officially appointed as the Personal Representative (PR) or executor, cases can stall, leaving families waiting and firms unable to move forward. The Law Office of Lori Vella specializes in these situations, providing efficient and reliable probate solutions
Efficient Probate Solutions for Florida Mass Tort and Wrongful Death Cases Read More »
