Recent Blog Posts
Guardianship and Families Disagreements
Guardianship is a legal arrangement designed to protect individuals who can no longer manage their own personal or financial affairs. This protection is often put in place due to age, illness, or disability. While guardianship can be a vital safeguard, it can also lead to serious family disputes. When families disagree, the stakes are… Read More »
When Trustees Go Rogue
Should we live in a perfect world, all estate matters would be to manage with care, transparency, and integrity. After all, trustees are legally bound by a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the trust’s beneficiaries. But when trustees act selfishly or fail to provide required information, beneficiaries have legal options…. Read More »
When to Consult Expert Witnesses in Geriatric Medicine or Forensic Accounting
Complex guardianship and inheritance disputes regularly occur in the world of estate litigation. When they do, expert witnesses can play a crucial role. Two particularly important types of experts in these cases are those in geriatric medicine and forensic accounting. Used effectively with support from a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer, these professionals can… Read More »
Things to Know About Payable-on-Death (POD) or Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Beneficiaries
When handling estate matters in Florida, it’s important to understand how different types of asset designations impact inheritance rights. Two common tools used to pass assets outside of probate are Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations. These forms of beneficiary assignments allow funds or property to be transferred directly to named individuals upon the… Read More »
Undue Influence Is Not Always an Aggressive Action
When people think of undue influence in the context of estate planning, they often imagine a dramatic scene, such as someone threatening or manipulating an elderly vulnerable person. While these situations do occur, the reality is that undue influence can be far more subtle. This is often true in cases where aging individuals rely… Read More »
Florida Law Has Strict Deadlines for Contesting a Will or Trust
Contesting a Will or Trust in Florida is a serious legal action, and one that must be pursued within very specific timeframes. Whether you’re concerned about the authenticity of a document or believe the person who created the Will or Trust lacked mental capacity, the clock starts ticking quickly after a loved one passes… Read More »
How Ambiguities Lead to Costly Florida Litigation
Vague and outdated estate planning documents frequently lead to expensive and emotionally draining litigation. This is because when it comes to estate planning, clarity isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Many families enter probate expecting a smooth process, only to find themselves embroiled in legal disputes due to unclear language, contradictory provisions, or do-it-yourself (DIY)… Read More »
The Role of a Curator in Florida Estate Disputes
After someone passes away in Florida, their Estate usually moves through the probate process under the guidance of a Personal Representative. But in certain complex or contested estate cases, the Court may appoint a Curator to temporarily manage the estate’s affairs. Understanding the role of a Curator can help families and beneficiaries protect their… Read More »
What Happens if a Guardian is No Longer Fit?
In Florida, Guardianship is a legal mechanism used to protect individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves. A Guardian is appointed by the court to act in the best interest of a Ward, this is true whether the individual is a minor or an incapacitated adult. While a Guardian may initially seem to be… Read More »
How to Fight an Inheritance Dispute Without Destroying Family Relationships
Inheritance disputes can stir up deeply rooted emotions and long standing family tensions. While it’s natural to want what you believe is rightfully yours, battling over a loved one’s estate through prolonged litigation can leave lasting damage, both emotionally and financially. Thankfully, a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer can share with you effective ways… 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...