A health care surrogate designation lets you decide, in advance, who will speak for you if you cannot make or communicate medical decisions. For Boca Raton families, this single document often does more to prevent confusion at a hospital bedside than any other part of an estate plan, and this guide explains how Florida law treats it, how to sign it correctly, and how to choose the right person. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help clients throughout Palm Beach County build estate plans that cover health care decisions as carefully as property, so you can move forward with confidence that your wishes will be respected. What a Health Care Surrogate Actually Does in Florida Chapter 765 of the Florida Statutes governs advance directives, and it gives every adult a practical…

When a loved one passes away in Florida, someone has to gather their assets, pay their debts, and make sure the right people receive what was left behind. Probate administration in Boca Raton gives that process a legal structure, but the rules, deadlines, and court filings can feel overwhelming when you are already grieving. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help personal representatives and families throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County move through probate administration step by step, so you can protect the estate and move forward with confidence. What Probate Administration Actually Means in Florida The Court Supervises the Transfer of Assets Probate administration is the court-supervised process that transfers a deceased person’s property to their beneficiaries or heirs. In Boca Raton, these cases are handled by the circuit…

A will is one of the most important documents you'll ever create, yet many Florida residents put it off or skip critical steps. Without a proper will, Florida state law decides who gets your assets and who raises your children-not you. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC have helped countless Boca Raton and Palm Beach County families avoid costly mistakes. This guide covers Florida wills planning tips that protect your wishes and your loved ones. Why Your Will Matters in Florida Florida law sets strict requirements for wills, and violations invalidate your entire document. Your will must be written, signed by you at the end, and witnessed by at least two people who sign in your presence and in each other's presence. Florida Statutes § 732 governs these execution rules, and…

Most Palm Beach residents 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 probate delays and costly legal battles. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen firsthand how the right Palm Beach estate planning strategy protects what matters most. This guide walks you through the essential components you need and the mistakes to avoid. Why Estate Planning Protects Your Palm Beach Legacy Probate Costs Drain Your Estate Quickly Without an estate plan in place, Florida probate courts decide who manages your assets and how they're distributed. Probate in Florida typically takes nine months to two years, and court fees, attorney fees, and administrative costs consume 3% to 7% of your estate's value…

Your pet depends on you for everything-including what happens if you're no longer able to care for them. Without pet trust planning in Florida, your beloved companion could end up in an uncertain situation. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen too many pet owners leave this critical decision to chance. A proper plan protects your pet's future and gives you genuine peace of mind. Why Florida Law Doesn't Automatically Protect Your Pet Florida Treats Pets as Property, Not Family Florida law treats pets as property, not as family members deserving special legal consideration. This means that without a formal pet trust, your pet has zero legal protections if something happens to you. When a pet owner passes away or becomes incapacitated, Florida courts have no mechanism to automatically assign guardianship…

Estate planning for families isn't something you can put off. Without a clear plan, your loved ones face confusion, delays, and unnecessary expenses when they need stability most. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've seen firsthand how families in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County benefit from taking action now. This guide walks you through what matters, what mistakes to avoid, and how to get started. Why Estate Planning Matters for Boca Raton Families The Cost of Inaction Without an estate plan, your family faces a harsh reality. According to the American Academy of Estate Planners and Councils, nearly 60% of American adults lack a will or trust. When you pass away without clear documents, Florida law decides who receives your assets, who raises your minor children, and who manages your…

Probate in Florida doesn't always require a lengthy court process. If your estate qualifies, summary administration Florida offers a streamlined path that saves time and money. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC help Palm Beach County families navigate this faster alternative. This guide walks you through what summary administration is, who qualifies, and how to avoid costly mistakes along the way. What Summary Administration Actually Is The Legal Definition and Framework Summary administration is a Florida probate process for smaller estates that bypasses most court procedures. Under Florida Statutes Section 735.201, an estate qualifies if the total value of property subject to administration doesn't exceed $75,000, or if the estate consists only of a homestead, exempt property, and allowances for the surviving spouse and minor children. The legal framework treats summary…

When someone passes away in Florida, their estate enters a legal process that can feel overwhelming without guidance. The Florida probate timeline overview varies significantly depending on the complexity of the estate and whether simplified or full administration applies. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Palm Beach County navigate this process from start to finish. Understanding what to expect at each stage helps you prepare for the months ahead. How Long Does Florida Probate Really Take The timeline from death to final discharge in Florida probate ranges from four months for streamlined cases to two years or longer for complex estates. Summary Administration, available when an estate's value is under $150,000 or the decedent died more than two years ago, typically closes within four to six months under…

Life changes fast, and protecting your family's future requires planning ahead. Boca Raton guardianship planning ensures your loved ones have legal protection if they can't make decisions for themselves. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families navigate guardianship options and establish the right protections for their situation. What is Guardianship and Why It Matters in Boca Raton Guardianship is a court-ordered relationship where one person gains legal authority to make decisions for another who cannot do so themselves. This differs from a power of attorney or a trust because guardianship involves court oversight and ongoing judicial review. In Florida, guardianship cases require filing a petition with the court, and a judge must approve the arrangement. Florida Statutes Chapter 744 imposes strict duties on the guardian, including annual accountings and court…

When someone passes away in Florida, their estate typically goes through probate-a legal process that can feel overwhelming without guidance. The Palm Beach probate process involves multiple steps, from filing initial paperwork to distributing assets to beneficiaries. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC help families navigate this journey with clarity. This guide walks you through each stage so you know what to expect. What Happens in Palm Beach Probate and Why It Costs What It Does Probate in Florida is the court-supervised process that validates a will, identifies heirs, settles debts, and transfers property to beneficiaries. It matters because without it, no one has legal authority to access bank accounts, sell real estate, or distribute assets. Florida law requires probate for most estates with property or assets in the deceased person's…