SmithLaw Attorneys Blog

What to Consider When Beginning Your Estate Planning

First and foremost, all estate-planning professionals recommend a detailed will. While there are kits available to make your own will, they will not come with seasoned professional advice. If you have numerous assets and specific desires for how they should be distributed, it is recommended you create your will with the help of an attorney. [...]

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Who Can Act as a Personal Representative in a Probate Case?

One question that may cross your mind as you prepare to make your will is, “who can I name to be my personal representative?”  Well, the answer to that question can, and does, vary by state.  A Florida Probate Lawyer can tell you that a personal representative can be anyone you decide to appoint to [...]

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Mediation in Guardianships

With most legal proceedings there are two sides, with each side fighting the other for what they feel is right. Whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, a civil suit, or disputing a will or trust, there is always someone who is seeking to see their rights validated by a jury or a judge. It is no different [...]

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Minor Guardianship vs. Custody of Minor: What are the Differences and Similarities?

When trying to figure out which proceeding is where, it is important to distinguish between the two. In the case of minor guardianship versus the custody of a minor, they sound pretty similar. But these two types of custody arrangements are actually handled in two different court departments and have different laws governing them. Guardianship is [...]

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Can You Pursue Guardianship or Probate Without a Lawyer?

What do guardians and executors have in common? Both are people placed in positions of great responsibility over others’ affairs, and both need expert legal advice. What Does a Guardianship Lawyer Do? A guardian is a someone who takes over the personal affairs, including finances, of a minor child or of an adult who is [...]

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Bankruptcy Information for the State of Florida

There are many misconceptions about filing for bankruptcy, especially in the state of Florida. Florida is one of the more liberal states regarding filing for bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy will enable you to do many things including saving your home and assets; eliminating credit card debt; stopping creditors from calling and harassing you; and it [...]

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Using a Florida Probate Lawyer in a Probate Case

The main reason for a probate case is to identify and gather the assets of a deceased person and pass them on to the beneficiary. This would include properties, personal items, and also deciding how debts will be paid. Under a formal administration of the probate law the decedents assets are used to first pay [...]

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