Category: Estate Planning

Without a guardian named in your will, Florida courts decide who raises your children. This uncertainty can create conflict and delay when your family needs stability most. Guardianship planning in Florida protects your children by letting you choose their guardian, manage finances, and create clear legal instructions. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Boca Raton build plans that reflect their values and priorities. What Guardianship Planning Actually Means Guardianship planning in Florida is the process of legally designating who will care for your minor children and manage their finances if you cannot. It goes far beyond simply naming someone in your will. Florida courts recognize guardianship as a protective arrangement for incapacitated persons, whether minors or adults, with the goal of interfering as little as possible with their…

Probate in Florida doesn't always require court supervision at every step. Florida independent administration offers a streamlined path for settling estates when certain conditions are met. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families navigate this process and understand whether it's the right choice for their situation. This guide walks you through what independent administration is, how it works, and the real benefits it delivers. What Independent Administration Actually Means Independent administration under Florida Statutes Section 733.601 grants the personal representative authority to settle and distribute an estate without needing court approval for routine decisions. The personal representative can sell assets, pay debts, and distribute property to beneficiaries without filing petitions or waiting for court orders, as long as the will authorizes it or all beneficiaries and creditors consent in writing.…

Probate in Florida can take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the complexity of your estate. Understanding the probate timeline Florida 2026 helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've guided countless families through this process. This guide breaks down what to expect and shows you how to protect your assets before probate becomes necessary. How Long Does Probate Actually Take in Florida Summary Administration vs. Formal Administration The timeline for probate in Florida splits into two distinct tracks, and the difference between them matters far more than most people realize. Summary administration finishes in four to eight weeks for estates with probate assets under $75,000 or when the decedent died more than two years ago, according to the Florida Bar. Formal…

Navigating probate after losing a loved one is overwhelming. Florida probate court procedures involve multiple steps, strict deadlines, and complex legal requirements that catch many families off guard. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've guided countless families through this process in Palm Beach County. This guide walks you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect. Florida Probate Court Procedures in Boca Raton: What Happens at Each Stage Selecting the Right Probate Path for Your Estate Florida offers two distinct probate routes, and selecting the correct one saves time and money. Summary administration works when non-exempt assets total $150,000 or less, or when the decedent died more than two years ago regardless of estate size. This streamlined process typically wraps up in two to three months. Formal administration handles…

Most Florida families put off estate planning because they think it's only for the wealthy or complicated. The truth is that without a plan, your family faces probate delays, unexpected costs, and decisions made by the court instead of you. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC help families in Palm Beach County create clear, legally sound plans that protect what matters most. A Florida estate planning attorney can guide you through wills, trusts, and other documents that keep your wishes front and center. Why Estate Planning Matters in Florida Florida probate costs families between $2,000 and $6,000 on average, even when there are no disputes. Without a plan in place, your family enters a court-supervised process that delays access to your assets, exposes your finances to creditors, and removes privacy from…

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without navigating complex legal procedures. When someone passes away in Florida, their estate typically enters the probate process-a court-supervised system that can feel overwhelming for executors handling it for the first time. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC have guided countless families through this journey in Boca Raton and throughout Palm Beach County. This guide breaks down each step so you understand what to expect and how to fulfill your responsibilities as an executor. Understanding Florida Probate and When It's Required Probate in Florida is a court-supervised process that validates a will, identifies assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining property to beneficiaries. The Florida Probate Code governs this process through Chapters 732 and 733 of the Florida Statutes. Not every asset owned…

Probate disputes in Florida can tear families apart and drain resources quickly. When disagreements arise over wills, asset distribution, or executor decisions, the stakes feel impossibly high. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC serve Palm Beach County, Florida, helping families navigate probate litigation with clear strategies and practical solutions. This guide walks you through the most common disputes and the paths forward. Common Types of Probate Disputes in Florida Will Contests and Validity Challenges Will contests represent one of the most destructive probate disputes families face. These challenges attack the validity of the entire will or specific provisions within it. A will can be contested on grounds including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud in execution, fraud in inducement, duress, improper execution, or insane delusion. Testamentary capacity requires the testator…

Navigating Palm Beach probate can feel overwhelming when you're grieving and managing an estate simultaneously. The process involves specific local requirements, strict timelines, and potential pitfalls that cost families thousands in unnecessary delays. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we've guided countless families through probate in Palm Beach County. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to protect your interests. How Florida's Probate Framework Works in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Three Paths Through Florida Probate Florida's probate system operates under Chapters 732 and 733 of the Florida Statutes, creating a structured process for transferring assets after someone dies. The state recognizes three distinct paths: Formal Administration for larger or contested estates, Summary Administration for smaller estates under $75,000, and Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration for minimal…

Most Florida business owners focus on growing their companies but overlook what happens when they're gone. Without a solid plan, your life's work could face legal battles, tax penalties, or even forced sales. Florida business estate planning protects both your company and your family's financial future. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC in Boca Raton help business owners create plans that address succession, taxes, and asset protection. Why Business Estate Planning Matters for Florida Owners Probate costs money and time that your heirs won't have. When a business owner dies without a plan, their company becomes part of the probate process, which in Florida can drag on for months or even years. Court fees, legal expenses, and administrative costs eat into the assets your family should inherit. A 2019 National Association…

Florida has no state estate tax, but federal rules still apply to residents in Palm Beach County and throughout the state. Understanding this Florida estate taxes overview is the first step toward protecting your family's wealth. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help residents navigate these rules and avoid costly mistakes. This guide covers the strategies that actually work. What's the Real Estate Tax Impact for Florida Residents in Boca Raton Florida's lack of state estate tax is a genuine advantage, but it creates a false sense of security for many residents in Palm Beach County. The federal government still taxes large estates at 40 percent above the exemption threshold, and that threshold is shrinking. Starting January 1, 2026, the federal exemption drops to approximately $15 million per person, down from…