Florida’s Elective Share: Why a Surviving Spouse Can Claim 30% Even If the Will Says Otherwise

Florida does not let one spouse disinherit the other. A surviving spouse may claim a share of the estate regardless of what the will says, and the pool that share is measured against is far wider than most people expect.

Probate Fees in Florida: What a Jacksonville Estate Pays and What Is Negotiable

November 6, 2026
Bill O'Leary, Esq.
Probate

Most people assume probate costs are fixed by law. Florida's fee schedule is a presumption, not a requirement, and the statute gives the personal representative specific rights that are easy to miss.

When Mom’s Jewelry Disappeared: How Family Heirlooms Can Divide Relatives, and How to Plan for Them

The bitterest estate disputes rarely involve the bank accounts. They involve a ring, a watch, or a set of dishes. Florida law offers a straightforward way to settle those questions while you are still here to answer them.

Does Your Adult Child Need a Guardian? Why Florida Families Often Choose a Guardian Advocate Instead

When a child with a developmental disability turns 18, parents lose the legal authority they have always had. Florida offers a process that restores it without declaring your child incapacitated.

The Handwritten Note That Kept a Florida Estate in Probate Court for Six Years

A note in a desk drawer does not have to be a valid will to tear an estate apart. Florida sets strict rules for what counts as a will, and one narrow exception that most people misunderstand.

What Is a Family Limited Partnership? How Jacksonville Business Owners Pass Down Wealth Without Giving Up Control

A family limited partnership lets you move ownership of a business or property to your children over time while you continue running things. The structure is useful, but the reasons to use one have shifted.

Preneed Guardian in Florida: Naming Your Own Guardian Before a Court Does

If a Florida court ever has to appoint a guardian for you, it can choose someone you never would have picked. A preneed guardian declaration lets you make that choice in advance, while you still can.

What Is a Land Trust in Florida? Privacy, Protection, and Real Limits

Florida land trusts keep ownership off the public record and can simplify how property passes to the next generation. They also get oversold. Here is what they do, what they do not do, and who tends to benefit.

Does Your Spouse Automatically Have Power of Attorney in Florida? Take the 8-Question Quiz

September 18, 2026
Bill O'Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning

Marriage does not give your husband or wife legal authority over your accounts. Take this quick eight-question quiz to see whether your Florida documents would hold up if someone had to step in tomorrow.

Is a Revocable Living Trust Worth the Cost? The Real Pros and Cons for Florida Families

A revocable living trust costs more upfront than a will, and it is not the right fit for every household. Here is a straightforward look at what the extra cost buys you in Florida and when a simpler plan may be enough.