Category: Estate Planning

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…

Most people put off wills and trust planning because they think it's complicated or unnecessary. The truth is that without proper planning, your family could face months of court delays, unexpected taxes, and disputes over your assets. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Palm Beach County create clear, legally sound plans that protect what matters most. This guide walks you through the differences between wills and trusts, and shows you exactly how to build a plan that fits your situation. Why Wills and Trusts Matter Without a will or trust in place, your family faces real financial and legal consequences. Florida probate can take anywhere from six months to two years or longer, depending on the complexity of your estate and whether anyone contests the proceedings. During this…

Trust administration in Florida involves managing a deceased person's assets according to their wishes. Many trustees face confusion about their legal obligations and deadlines, which can lead to costly mistakes. We at Rubino Findley, PLLC serve Palm Beach County, Florida, and understand the complexities trustees encounter. This guide walks you through the process and shows when professional legal guidance makes a real difference. What Trust Administration Actually Means Understanding Your Role as Trustee Trust administration in Florida is the legal process you use to manage and distribute trust assets after the grantor's death or incapacity, governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 736. This isn't theoretical-it's a set of concrete, time-sensitive obligations that directly affect whether beneficiaries receive their inheritances on schedule and whether you avoid personal liability. Your primary job involves…

Probate administration in Palm Beach County involves specific rules and deadlines that differ from other Florida counties. The process can feel overwhelming when you're managing an estate while grieving a loved one. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help families in Boca Raton and throughout Palm Beach County handle probate efficiently and correctly. This guide walks you through the local requirements and common obstacles you'll face. What Makes Palm Beach Probate Different from Other Florida Counties Filing Requirements Unique to Palm Beach County Palm Beach County probate operates under Florida Statutes Chapters 731–735, but the local court procedures and filing requirements create a distinctly different experience than probate in Miami-Dade or Broward County. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Palm Beach County across five courthouses-West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens,…