Crystal River Florida Legal Blog

When it comes time to talk about what you will leave behind, everyone takes a different approach and for their own reasons. You may want to leave your estate plan a surprise, or you may want to have regular family meetings on the subject.

You may fear that if you have an open discussion about your estate plan, you will have to deal with family members arguing or trying to bargain with you about what they will get. With the right approach, however, you may be able to have a thoughtful discussion that will make it easier to plan and distribute your estate.

Estate planning that includes your digital assets is evidence of how quickly our world is changing. Over the last few decades and certainly in recent years, digital files and methods of storage have changed dramatically. Where you once had CDs and VHS tapes, you now have images, movies, and even more electronic and digital formats stored on your cell phone, computer, and in the "cloud". While we all appreciate the ease of access, it brings up the question of what happens to the electronic files and digital assets we possess when we pass away.

When you meet with an attorney to discuss your estate plan, it's possible that digital assets are part of what you want to pass on to the next generation. You may have imagined your great-grandchildren inheriting your collection of DVDs and music so they can enjoy them just as much as you did. In the interest of saving space you currently have them stored in online accounts.

Avoiding car accidents with summer road trip safety. We all know that one of the great things about summer is the opportunity to explore the country. Unlike vacations at other times of the year, the kids are out of school and there is no rush to get home so they don't miss class time.

With extra time on the road and many like-minded travelers speeding by, you are at a greater risk for a car accident. It's important to stay safe as you take to the open road on exciting adventures.

Estate administration begins with appointing the right personal representative. Remember this when you consider your Last Will and Testament. Along with creating a valid estate plan, naming a trusted personal representative is critical to ensuring your wishes are followed when you pass away because you will not be around to speak for yourself. 

The responsibility of the administration of an estate rests solely on the personal representative (someone appointed by the Court if there is no Will, the person named as the PR in a Will, or an alternate if the appointee is unable, unwilling, or not qualified to serve). The personal representative will act at the direction of a qualified attorney. The probate court oversees the administration process to ensure the estate is handled according to Florida law. If you create a valid estate plan, safeguards are in place so assets are distributed according to your wishes. If a person dies without a Will in Florida, a personal representative is appointed by the Court to handle the administration of the estate. You take the risk that this person may not be someone you would have chosen while you were alive.