Formal administration probate in Florida is a court-supervised process that handles most estates with significant assets or complex circumstances. The process protects creditors, beneficiaries, and heirs while ensuring the estate settles according to Florida law. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we guide families through each step of formal administration so nothing falls through the cracks. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to avoid costly mistakes. What Formal Administration Actually Means Court Supervision and the Personal Representative Formal administration is Florida's court-supervised process for settling most estates with substantial assets or complicated circumstances. Florida law requires an attorney to file the petition-you cannot handle this yourself. The court appoints a personal representative (PR) who gains authority through Letters of Administration, a court order that gives them power to…

Power of attorney is one of the most overlooked documents in estate planning, yet it gives someone you trust the ability to manage your finances and healthcare when you can't. Most people focus on wills and trusts but ignore the immediate protection a power of attorney provides during your lifetime. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we see families struggle with financial decisions and medical choices simply because they never set up this document. This guide walks you through how power of attorney works and why it belongs in your estate plan. What Power of Attorney Actually Does How a Power of Attorney Works in Florida A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone you choose, called an agent, to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters.…

Probate can feel overwhelming, especially when you're grieving. Summary administration in probate offers a faster, simpler path for smaller estates in Florida. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families navigate this streamlined process. This guide walks you through what summary administration is, who qualifies, and exactly how it works. What Is Summary Administration in Boca Raton Summary administration under Florida Statute 735.201 is a streamlined probate process designed for estates that meet specific financial or timing criteria. Unlike formal probate, which requires appointing a personal representative and navigating court supervision for six to eighteen months, summary administration cuts through red tape when conditions align. The process applies when the total probate estate is $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property), or when the decedent has been deceased for more…

Picking the wrong estate planning seminar wastes your time and leaves you with incomplete information about protecting your family's future. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we see people in Boca Raton make costly mistakes by attending sessions that don't address their specific situation or Florida's unique laws. This guide shows you exactly what to look for and what to avoid. What Makes an Estate Planning Seminar Worth Your Time The Instructor's Background Shapes Everything The instructor's background matters more than you might think. Look for attorneys licensed in Florida who actively practice estate planning, not someone who dabbles in it alongside other practice areas. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University requires instructors to have verifiable credentials and institutional affiliations, which signals serious content quality. When you review seminar…

Estate planning doesn't have to drain your bank account. The average cost for estate planning varies widely depending on your situation, but understanding what drives these expenses helps you make smarter financial decisions. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help clients throughout Palm Beach County, Florida navigate these costs without overpaying. This guide breaks down real pricing, shows you where to save money, and explains what you actually need. What Pushes Estate Planning Costs Up or Down Simple Estates Cost Less Your estate planning bill depends almost entirely on how much work your attorney needs to do. If you own a single home, have straightforward finances, and want a basic will, the cost stays low. According to the National Council on Aging, a simple will typically runs $250 to $350 in…

Probate administration involves complex legal procedures that many families handle incorrectly, leading to costly delays and family conflict. The right probate administration attorney guides you through Florida's requirements and protects your family's interests. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've helped countless families in Palm Beach County navigate this process smoothly. This guide shows you what to look for in an attorney and how to avoid the mistakes that derail estates. What Matters Most When Hiring a Probate Attorney Experience Handling Real Cases The attorney you choose will guide your family through months of legal work, court filings, and financial decisions. This decision deserves serious attention. Too many families hire the first attorney they find and regret it later when costs spiral or deadlines slip. Florida probate law is detailed and unforgiving-missing…

Many people put off estate planning because they think it's too expensive or complicated. DIY estate planning might seem like a quick solution, but it often creates more problems than it solves. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen families struggle with poorly drafted documents that don't hold up in court or miss critical tax savings. This guide walks you through what DIY estate planning involves and when you really need professional help. What Actually Goes Into an Estate Plan The Core Documents You Need An estate plan isn't a single document-it's a collection of legal instruments that work together to protect your assets and direct your wishes. A will specifies who receives your property and who manages your estate after you die. A trust holds your assets and distributes them…

Estate planning isn't one-size-fits-all. Your financial situation, family structure, and goals are unique, which means your estate planning package should be too. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Boca Raton and throughout Palm Beach County select the right package for their needs. This guide walks you through the key factors that matter when making this decision. What Should You Inventory Before Choosing a Package Start by listing everything you own. This sounds basic, but most people drastically underestimate their assets. Include your home, vehicles, bank accounts, investment portfolios, retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, life insurance policies, business interests, digital assets like cryptocurrency or online accounts, and personal property with real value. Don't forget accounts with beneficiary designations-these pass outside probate but still matter for your overall plan.…

Most adults put off estate planning because they think it's only for the wealthy or elderly. The truth is that without a solid plan, your family could face years of legal battles, unexpected taxes, and costly probate proceedings. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen firsthand how estate planning and asset protection can save families thousands of dollars and prevent unnecessary conflict. This guide walks you through the documents you need, the mistakes to avoid, and how to get started protecting what matters most. Why Estate Planning Matters for Every Adult Probate Drains Your Estate and Delays Your Family's Inheritance Probate costs money and time that most families cannot afford to waste. According to AARP, probate typically consumes 3 to 7 percent of an estate's value, and the process often stretches…

Most people put off estate planning because they don't know where to start. The truth is, having the right estate planning forms in place protects your family and gives you peace of mind. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Palm Beach County create the documents they need. This guide walks you through the forms that matter most and how to organize them properly. What Makes a Will Valid and Why Most People Get It Wrong Florida's Legal Requirements for a Valid Will A will is the foundation of estate planning, yet most people either skip it entirely or create one that won't hold up in court. In Florida, a will must be in writing, witnessed by two people, and notarized to be valid, according to The Florida Bar.…