Lauren A. Merritt
Is My Florida Will Self-Proving?
A self proving will is a last will and testament that can be admitted to probate without further proof of its authenticity. In this day...
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Lauren A. Merritt
Mar 9, 20212 min read
How Do I Get Letters of Administration?
I get calls all the time from clients who have been told they need “Letters of Administration.” The client is usually trying to access a...
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Aug 23, 20202 min read
What is Formal Administration?
Formal administration is a type of probate proceeding used for administering larger estates when a person dies with probate assets...
53 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Aug 10, 20202 min read
What is Exempt Personal Property?
When a loved one dies, certain personal property owned by that person at death can be classified as "exempt personal property" not subj...
33 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Jul 6, 20204 min read
5 Steps to Help Your Assets & Your Family Avoid Probate
Spend Time Today, Save Your Family Money Tomorrow. Taking steps today to help your assets avoid probate tomorrow can save your family...
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Jun 7, 20202 min read
Do Life Insurance Proceeds Have to Pass Through Probate?
Generally, no. Most of the time, life insurance proceeds pass outside of probate. Life Insurance Proceeds Are Typically Not “Probate Assets”
42 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
May 6, 20201 min read
Is a Power of Attorney Valid After Death?
No. A power of attorney is not valid after the principal dies.What is a power of attorney? A power of attorney (“POA”) is a legal documen...
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Apr 13, 20203 min read
This Free and Easy Step Will Save Your Family Time and Money.
Did you know that money in a bank account passes to a Payable-On-Death beneficiary outside of probate and free from creditor’s claims?
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Jan 28, 20202 min read
Does a Will Avoid Probate in Florida?
Many people sign a Last Will and Testament to save their loved ones the trouble of opening a probate estate. Does a Last Will and Testam...
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Dec 29, 20193 min read
What are My Minor Child’s Inheritance Rights When a Parent Dies After a New Marriage?
Divorce, remarriage, and blended families are common today. What are a child’s inheritance rights when a parent dies after remarriage?
113 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Dec 15, 20193 min read
Do You Inherit Your Parents' Debt? Spouse's Debt?
If you inherit money or property from a loved one after his or her death, do you also inherit his or her debt? Who pays the debt if there...
40 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Dec 8, 20192 min read
Florida Probate: What is Florida's Homestead Exemption?
Florida's homestead exemption generally protects the deceased person's home from creditors' claims when the property passes...
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Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Dec 3, 20192 min read
Does the Money in a Bank Account Have to Pass Through Probate?
One of the most common assets a loved one leaves behind is a bank account. Does the money in a bank account have to pass through probate?
43 views
Lauren A. Merritt, P.A.
Nov 18, 20192 min read
What are the Different Types of Probate and Estate Proceedings in Florida?
Florida has several options for managing estates. The right option for your family depends on the assets in your loved one's estate.
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