http://statewideprobate.com/ en bamcdonald@pensacolalaw.com Copyright 2010 2010-08-25T13:27:51+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/another-change-for-the-florida-chameleon-homestead/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/another-change-for-the-florida-chameleon-homestead/#When:13:27:51Z No tears were shed this year when the Florida Legislature finally – after far too many years – revised that portion of the homestead law that competed for the “worst idea” among all Florida laws. Property Taxes, Property Value, Real estate, Wills 2010-08-25T13:27:51+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/title-insurance-what-you-need-to-be-protected/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/title-insurance-what-you-need-to-be-protected/#When:15:05:32Z Our firm recommends buying title insurance whenever you acquire real estate in Florida, by purchase or from a trust, and you may even need it when you inherit the property, so that you have the peace of mind knowing you have insurance to cure title problems that may surface many years from now. Executors, Homeowners insurance, Property Taxes, Property Value 2010-08-12T15:05:32+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/statewide-probate-presents-class-on-probate-and-real-estate/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/statewide-probate-presents-class-on-probate-and-real-estate/#When:20:25:34Z Join attorneys Bruce McDonald and Katie White for an informative class on probate and real estate, and learn how to use your knowledge of the process to avoid losing a contract. Open to Pensacola Association of Realtors members and affiliate members. 2010-07-23T20:25:34+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/federal-estate-tax-law-still-up-in-the-air/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/federal-estate-tax-law-still-up-in-the-air/#When:18:59:22Z For Mr. Steinbrenner, next year’s estate tax law won’t matter. To many of the rest of us, it does indeed matter. We’ll be covering the topic in the blog more in depth as the rest of the year unfolds. Executors, Personal Representative, Taxes, Wills 2010-07-22T18:59:22+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/top-five-mistakes-in-florida-wills/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/top-five-mistakes-in-florida-wills/#When:15:05:57Z Most Florida lawyers are, or should be, aware of the fact that you cannot leave your homestead to anyone if you have a spouse or minor child. Executors, Personal Representative, Wills 2010-07-08T15:05:57+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/taking-care-of-a-florida-home-during-probate/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/taking-care-of-a-florida-home-during-probate/#When:14:52:15Z Many estates involve the decedent’s home, which passes to their children or other relatives who live in different states. It often poses a challenge to the beneficiaries to now have an additional house to take care of, and we want to share some useful tips for the new owners. Executors, Homeowners insurance, Personal Representative, Property Value 2010-06-28T14:52:15+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/practical-tips-for-personal-representatives-of-florida-estates/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/practical-tips-for-personal-representatives-of-florida-estates/#When:15:04:27Z Here are a few tips for someone who finds themself suddenly faced with the overwhelming task of handling a probate estate in Florida: 1) Have the mail forwarded to your house; 2) Check the insurance overage if there is a home; and 3) Don't pay creditors right away. Creditors, Executors, Personal Representative 2010-06-07T15:04:27+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/original-wills/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/original-wills/#When:16:16:42Z Not only is it expensive and time-consuming if an original Will is lost and the contents must be “proven” to the satisfaction of the Florida Court, but sometimes it’s not possible. Wills 2010-05-24T16:16:42+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/dont-pay-creditors/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/dont-pay-creditors/#When:19:36:59Z We successfully negotiate settlements with many creditors that do file a claim. So paying your father's $5,000 in medical bills right away could be an overpayment of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Contact a probate attorney before you pay any creditors of the estate for more guidance on what to pay, when to pay it, and the limitation of your responsibilities as personal representative. Creditors 2010-05-12T19:36:59+00:00 http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/challenging-the-assessed-value-of-real-property-in-florida/ http://statewideprobate.com/blog/comments/challenging-the-assessed-value-of-real-property-in-florida/#When:21:56:00Z If you own real property in Florida, you know that tax bills are due every November. With the recent decline in real estate values around the state, and especially in South Florida, many people are asking this question of their county property appraiser: how is this property possibly worth that much in this depressed market? Property Value 2010-05-02T21:56:00+00:00