Filter by
When families begin reviewing financial records after the death of a loved one, there may be questions about how outstanding IRS debt is handled. Does IRS debt die with the deceased? IRS debt does not automatically disappear when someone passes away. However, it also does not automatically become the personal responsibility of surviving family members,…
There is a common situation that happens all the time. A loved one passes, and you start looking for their will. However, the original is nowhere to be found. Instead, you’ve got a copy. That might be a PDF, a photocopy, or something saved in an email. If you only have a copy, can you…
If you are starting probate, you may wonder what Letters of Administration are and what you can actually do with them. Letters of Administration are not just another document. These are the official court-issued authorization that gives a personal representative the authority to act on behalf of a decedent’s estate. Without them, no one has…
Documentation is one of the most important parts of the probate. You need to collect the right documents, make sure every detail aligns, and submit everything in the proper format from the start. If something is missing, it can delay the appointment of a personal representative and slow down the entire probate administration process. What…
Many stepparents love their stepchildren as if they were their own and oftentimes those stepchildren assume they will inherit from a stepparent just as a biological child would. This blog discusses whether stepchildren have inheritance rights in Florida and how to ensure that your stepchildren share in your inheritance if you so wish. Stepchildren Are…
Filing an initial guardianship inventory and care plan are among the first responsibilities of a guardian. The inventory gives the court an accounting of the ward’s assets and financial obligations, while the care plan explains how the guardian will address their medical, living, and day-to-day needs. These filings show the court that the guardian understands…
Managing utility bills and ongoing expenses is a duty of a personal representative during probate administration in Florida. Mortgage payments, insurance premiums, property taxes, and utilities must continue to be paid while the estate is open. Failing to fulfill these obligations can result in unnecessary penalties and expose the personal representative to liability. Here is…
Selling property that belonged to someone who has passed away can be a complicated process. Sometimes, it becomes even more challenging when the property still has a mortgage. Fortunately, Florida probate law has specific procedures to guide personal representatives through the sale of real estate. With the right planning, selling a probate property when there…
When a loved one cannot manage their own affairs, establishing a guardianship gives protection and structure. However, a guardian does not have unlimited authority. Courts will supervise how they manage a ward’s assets. Sometimes, certain expenses and financial decisions will require prior court approval. What expenses require court approval in a Florida guardianship? Here is…
Vehicles are assets, and like other property, they become part of a person’s estate when they pass away. Sometimes, a vehicle is owned jointly, but other times it is held in one person’s name. But what happens if the decedent owned a vehicle with no co-owner in Florida? As a family member, you may not…
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Copyright © 2025 The Law Office of Vivian Niebla P.A.
