Recent Blog Posts
Types of Undue Influence Evidence That Strengthen a Claim
Sudden, out of character, changes to an estate plan can lead to tough questions. In Florida, one of the most common grounds for challenging a trust or will is a situation where someone exerts pressure over a vulnerable person to benefit themselves. While the concept may sound straightforward, proving it requires evidence. Talk to… Read More »
Trust Amendments and Litigation
Trusts are created to make estate planning smoother, protect assets, and reduce family conflict after a loved one passes away. But even with careful planning, disputes can still happen, especially when trust amendments enter the picture. In FL estate litigation cases, trust amendments are a common source of confusion, frustration, and legal action. A… Read More »
Can Social Media Be Evidence in an Estate Dispute?
Text messages, emails, Facebook posts, online banking activity, and other electronic records are increasingly becoming important pieces of evidence in Florida probate and estate disputes. These digital records may reveal whether someone experienced undue influence, lacked mental capacity, or whether assets were hidden or improperly transferred. Uncovering this type of information can feel overwhelming… Read More »
Estate Litigation and Unequal Gifts to Children
Few things create tension in estate administration faster than unequal inheritances. When one child receives substantially more than another, or when someone is unexpectedly excluded altogether, surviving family members often begin asking difficult questions. Unequal gifts do not automatically mean something improper occurred. Parents generally have the legal right to distribute assets however they… Read More »
5 Common Trust Accounting Mistakes Under Florida Law
Serving as a trustee is a major responsibility. Many people accept the role because they want to honor a loved one’s wishes and help family members move forward after a death. But trustees in Florida are held to strict legal standards, especially when it comes to trust accounting and financial disclosures. If you have… Read More »
My Brother Hasn’t Seen Our Parents in Years, Does He Still Inherit Assets?
Family estrangement is more common than many people realize. Over time, disagreements, divorces, financial issues, addiction, long-distance moves, or unresolved emotional conflicts can create deep separation between parents and children. In some families, years pass without communication. When a parent passes away, these strained relationships often resurface during the estate administration process. Surviving family… Read More »
Digital Forgery and Estate Recovery
As estate administration becomes increasingly digitized, new risks are emerging. Navigating probate or trust disputes, forged electronic documents, altered signatures, and manipulated digital records can significantly impact how an estate is distributed. If you have questions about digital forgery, partner with a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer. Attorneys know how to protect your rights… Read More »
Cronyism and What Families Need to Know
Allegations of undue influence are common, particularly when one individual appears to have gained an unfair advantage over others. A factor that can play a role in these cases is cronyism, a dynamic where a close associate, friend, or insider leverages a personal relationship to influence decisions for their own benefit. For Florida families,… Read More »
What Are the Carpenter Factors?
When a will or trust is challenged on the basis that someone improperly influenced the decedent, courts rely on a set of legal criteria known as the Carpenter factors. Understanding these factors is critical for anyone involved in a will contest, particularly in high-stakes probate disputes. An experienced Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer can… Read More »
5 Steps to Seeking Removal of a Guardian in Florida
In Florida, guardians can be removed for serious misconduct. A Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer can share with you how to move through the process. In many situations, there are five key steps involved. 1. Identify Grounds for Removal The first step is determining whether there is sufficient legal cause to remove the guardian…. 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...