Monthly Archives: July 2026
Assessing Joint Accounts
Many people believe that being listed on a parent’s bank account automatically means they inherit everything in that account. In some cases, that is true. But the legal outcome depends on how the account was established and the intent behind the arrangement. Some accounts are created with rights of survivorship. In these situations, ownership… Read More »
Did the Parent Intend a Gift, or Is There More to Know?
Disagreements can arise when someone claims that an asset was meant to be a gift. Whether the asset is money, jewelry, a vehicle, real estate, or another valuable possession, questions surrounding intent can quickly lead to estate disputes. In Florida, determining whether something was truly intended as a gift or should remain part of… Read More »
Hidden Financial Abuse Inside Guardianships
Guardianships are designed to protect vulnerable individuals. Whether due to age-related conditions, disability, or incapacity, the person under guardianship relies on a court-appointed guardian to act in their best interests. Most guardians take this responsibility seriously and work diligently to safeguard the assets and well-being of their loved one or ward. Unfortunately, not every… Read More »
Was the Account Truly Joint Ownership?
Not all jointly held accounts are created equal. In Florida estate litigation, determining who actually owns a financial account after someone passes away may require a close examination of account documents, the account’s purpose, and the intentions of the individuals involved. What appears straightforward at first glance can quickly become a complicated legal issue…. Read More »
Suspicious Last-Minute Will Changes Before Surgery or Hospitalization
Revisiting estate plans before a major surgery or hospitalization is not uncommon. Facing a significant medical procedure often prompts individuals to ensure their affairs are in order, and updating a will or trust may be a perfectly reasonable decision. But when substantial changes to an estate plan occur during periods of serious illness, heavy… Read More »
Was There Really a Favorite Child?
Few estate disputes are more charged than those involving a so-called favorite child. After a parent passes away, it’s not uncommon for one sibling to believe another received preferential treatment, especially if that child became heavily involved in the parent’s financial affairs during the final months or years of life. Sometimes those suspicions are… Read More »
Mark R. Manceri, P.A. is a boutique law firm that specializes in Estate, Trust and Guardianship litigation. These matters include Will and Trust contests involving lack of capacity, undue influence, forgery, improper execution and tortious interference...