Recent Blog Posts
Why Hidden Assets Are a Problem When Resolving an Estate
Probate is meant to be a fair and transparent process where an individual’s assets are identified, valued, and distributed according to a Will or Florida’s intestacy laws. Unfortunately, not all estates are handled honestly. Sometimes, heirs or Personal Representatives conceal or misreport estate property, either to reduce what others receive or to benefit themselves…. Read More »
Tax Implications of Personal Representative Compensation
Serving as a Personal Representative for a loved one’s estate in Florida is an honor and a serious responsibility. Many first-time Personal Representatives focus on the emotional and administrative aspects of the role (collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing property) but overlook an important detail, that executor compensation is taxable income. The best way… Read More »
What Does Isolation of a Testator or Grantor Look Like?
An emotionally charged and legally complex situation is possible when family members suspect that a loved one was improperly influenced or isolated before making changes to their estate plan. The isolation of the Testator or Grantor can be a red flag for undue influence, a key factor in many contested Wills and Trusts. A… Read More »
What Is a POD Designation?
A Payable on Death (POD) designation, is a simple and effective way to transfer assets after death without the need for probate. In Florida and throughout the country, individuals often use POD designations on bank accounts and other financial assets as part of their estate planning strategy. It’s essential to recognize that while it… Read More »
Late or Missing Distributions and Beneficiaries’ Rights
In Florida, beneficiaries of a Will or Trust have important legal rights, especially when it comes to receiving the property or funds they’ve been promised. While the estate administration process can take time, long or unexplained delays in distributions can raise red flags. If you’re a beneficiary facing unreasonable delays or missing distributions, have… Read More »
Is Mediation Worth It in Estate Disputes?
Should a loved one pass away, disagreements over Wills, Trusts, and distributions of assets can quickly turn emotional and adversarial. Unfortunately, estate disputes are not uncommon, especially when blended families or unclear documents are involved. While many people assume their only option is to fight it out in court, mediation offers an alternative that… Read More »
Why Estate Litigation Happens
Many Florida families discover too late that a loved one has poor or nonexistent estate plans in place. This lack of planning can lead to costly and emotionally charged court battles. Estate litigation can arise when a loved one passes without a clear, legally sound plan for how their assets should be distributed. Whether… Read More »
Legal Options When You’re Left Out of a Florida Will
Discovering that you’ve been left out of a loved one’s Will can be heartbreaking, especially when the omission feels unexpected or unjust. The good news is, under certain circumstances, Florida law allows a disinherited individual to challenge a Will and seek relief through the courts. Speak with a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer if… Read More »
Consequences of Failing to Provide Estate Accountings
Once a person passes away, the personal representative of their estate, or the trustee of a trust, has a legal duty to manage and distribute the assets in accordance with Florida law and the terms of the estate planning documents. A critical responsibility that often leads to estate litigation is the representative’s duty to… Read More »
Sibling Rivalries and Estate Battles
The loss of a parent can be emotionally overwhelming. Unfortunately, grief can sometimes be compounded by conflict, especially when siblings disagree over the terms of a will, trust, or estate administration. In Florida, sibling estate disputes are not uncommon and often lead to estate litigation. If you are in a situation involving conflict, talk… 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...