Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

My dad put me on his accounts, he was fully aware and capable at the time to manage his affairs, even having a "special" friend do his banking. When he became ill the family didn't want the "special" friend handling the banking for dad. I stepped in because I had power of attorney and made sure any of the accounts in Fl that didn't have a beneficiary listed (including the accounts dad put me as joint owner) had all of us listed. Dad has passed away, I took off a year of work to take care of Dad when he had a liver transplant, and took care of all the medical care he needed while he was alive. I believe Dad put me on the accounts as a way to repay me for the time I took care of him. He said "the person who takes care of me will inherit everything" I convinced him that it was not fair to my siblings and if he wanted my care he would have to make a Will. Which he did dividing the assets equally. If I had not taken the time to put our names as beneficiaries on his accounts we would have more to be probated. Should I be concerned?


Asked on 3/09/11, 2:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Gwaltney William W. Gwaltney, Attorneys at Law

Not sure what your concern is. Is it that your siblings are going to contest the Will? In any event, your father's estate needs to be probated and the Will entered into the court. An Administrator will be appointed by the court, hopefully the Will has at least one person recommended, but any of the siblings could petitiont to be named.

You need to contact an attorney to assist you with this process. Based on the information you provided a thourough answer is not really possible and there are several issues that could come up.

Read more
Answered on 3/10/11, 10:02 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Florida