Estate Planning
Estate Planning Is Not Just for the Elderly & Wealthy
April is National Financial Literacy Month. We thought it would be the perfect time to talk about estate planning for those in their 20s and 30s. Many in this age range may assume, if they are not currently wealthy or have many assets, that they do not need to work with an estate planning attorney.…
Read MoreTips for Your Personal Representative From Your Probate Attorney
The personal representative you appoint to handle your affairs after your passing will have a lot of responsibility. Although it is never easy or enjoyable to talk about your final wishes, doing so can make the process easier for your loved ones in the future. Here are some tips to help you prepare your executor…
Read MoreHow to File Probate in Florida
As the personal representative (also known as the executor) of an estate, it is common to need to file probate for the deceased’s estate. Depending on the extent of the estate and other factors, the process varies slightly. However, no matter the size of the estate, probate can be time consuming. This is why hiring…
Read MoreHow Your Probate Attorney Can Help You Move Forward
Losing a loved one is never easy. Our compassionate probate team understands that your loss may even have been compounded by COVID-19 restrictions that prevented you from being there for them in their last days or by other pandemic-related factors. Our goal is to help you through the probate process with as little additional stress…
Read MoreWhy Estate Planning Matters Today
Having a Last Will and Testament is a good start for an estate plan; however, with the current coronavirus pandemic, everyone needs more than just a will. Although a will prevents your property from going into intestacy, you should also have a Health Care Surrogate, Living Will, and Power of Attorney. What Are All These…
Read MoreThings to Discuss Before Marriage
As attorneys who are experienced at helping families work through the divorce process, we notice many relationships encounter similar challenges and reasons for divorce. While not an exhaustive list, here are five categories which greatly influence marriage. Discussing these topics prior to getting married may help couples align their values and goals ahead of time.…
Read MoreBenefits of a Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement, also commonly referred to as a prenup or referred to in Florida as a premarital agreement, may be a good idea in many situations. A family attorney can discuss your unique situation and draw up an agreement that suits your specific needs. When it comes to protecting your estate in particular, there…
Read MoreSo Much More Than Just a Divorce Attorney
It is true that Wagstaff Law Office handles divorce settlements for our clients, but we also offer many other services. Sometimes families come to us with exciting news of a pending adoption; other times a parent or relative approaches us with a request for assistance with a custody issue. Whether you are choosing a divorce…
Read MoreHow to Choose the Executor of Your Estate
One of the most difficult decisions many of us will make as we draw up a will is choosing an executor. In Florida this person is called a personal representative. This carries much responsibility, so the selection of your personal representative should be discussed and agreed upon ahead of time as that person will handle…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions about Probate
The probate process almost always requires the assistance of a probate attorney. When someone close to you dies and leaves you as the personal representative (or executor), you will need the assistance of an attorney unless the assets that might need probate are under $75,000. Regardless of the estate value, however, it is often a good idea to…
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