Recent Florida Cases That Shaped Estate Litigation

The law is constantly evolving, particularly in a state like Florida where a large retiree population often leads to disputes over Wills, Trusts, and Guardianship. In recent years, a few high-profile Florida cases have had a significant impact on how courts interpret undue influence, guardianship authority, and fiduciary duties.

Have a conversation with a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer about your situation and how settled law could impact the outcome of your case. Recent decisions not only set precedent but also highlight how important skilled legal guidance is when navigating emotionally charged estate disputes.

Undue Influence and Caregiver Inheritance

In 2021, there was a case involving a caregiver who received a large portion of the decedent’s estate, leading to a Will contest by the decedent’s children. The Court found that the caregiver had a confidential relationship with the decedent and unduly influenced them during a period of declining mental health. Because the caregiver could not rebut the presumption of undue influence, the court invalidated the Will.

This case reinforced a burden-shifting standard, and illustrates how important it is to challenge suspicious Wills with legal representation experienced in uncovering improper influence.

Guardianship and Overreach

A contentious guardianship case in 2022 had a brother appointed guardian over his elderly sibling, despite family objections. When he began making financial decisions that favored himself, the court removed him for breach of fiduciary duty. The case went up on appeal, where the appellate court upheld the decision and clarified that guardians must prioritize the ward’s interests, even in close family relationships.

The ruling emphasized that guardians are fiduciaries first, not beneficiaries. Families facing guardianship disputes should consult legal professionals early, especially when money and autonomy are at stake.

Trustee Mismanagement and Beneficiary Rights

Johnson v. Townsend in 2023 centered on allegations that a trustee misused funds and failed to provide accountings to beneficiaries. The court found that the trustee had breached several fiduciary duties and ordered restitution, setting a stronger precedent for holding trustees accountable.

Beneficiaries have enforceable rights. A skilled estate litigation attorney can compel transparency, enforce accountings, and recover misused assets.

In all these cases, the outcome largely hinged on how well each party presented their claims and navigated complex procedural rules. Individuals who secured favorable outcomes typically did so with experienced estate litigation counsel who understood how to build a compelling narrative, marshal evidence, and comply with statutory deadlines.

Those who lost often failed to meet legal burdens or underestimated the weight of fiduciary duties under Florida law. Estate litigation isn’t just about right and wrong, it’s about proving your position under the law, which is why representation matters.

If you’re involved in a will contest, guardianship dispute, or conflict over trust management, don’t face it alone. A knowledgeable Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer can protect your rights and help you secure a fair outcome. The Florida legal landscape is changing, and having the right advocate can make all the difference.

What estate law concerns do you have? Connect with the attorneys at Mark R. Manceri, P.A. Schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.