By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Trust Attorney A. Domicile vs. Residence “Domicile” and Residence are two different legal terms, but often confused. A person can have only one domicile, but any number of residences in different states. Domicile is your actual residence in the state joined with your intention…
By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Trust Attorney Who is the first to greet you when you come home? For me, it used to be my young daughters or son. But now that my youngest daughter is a teenager (and too cool for such shows of affection) those days are past. …
By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Probate Attorney We have written about this issue in the past, but it is one that keeps popping up. Here are the relevant facts. Note: I have changed some facts to avoid disclosure of private information. Recently, we reviewed a New York will where…
By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Trust Attorney Quote: There are three things that are real – God, human folly and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third. – John F. Kennedy Here are five bad items of advice…
By Phillip B. Rarick, Esq., Miami Probate Attorney I. Determining Survivors The personal representative has a duty to bring an action for the wrongful death of the decedent. F.S. 768.20. The Act provides for damages for the estate and “survivors”. Survivors include the surviving spouse, “minor children” under 25 years…
By Phillip B. Rarick This summer my family had the opportunity to travel to France. It was a busy trip, and we saw many spectacular works of art and architecture by past generations of artists. The most special trip was our visit Normandy, where a generation of Americans representing…
By Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Asset Protection Attorney On occasion, I am invited to speak to small business groups regarding tips on how best to protect your business and investments from rogue lawsuits – or any lawsuit. Those who have heard my presentation know about the basketball that I bring…
By: Ruzy Behnejad and Phillip B. Rarick, J.D. Executive Summary In Florida, creditors have a two year statute of limitations period to file claims against the estate or trust of a decedent. However, upon opening a probate estate, a Personal Representative (“PR”) or Executor, can take action to shorten this…
By: Phillip B. Rarick, Miami Probate Attorney Executive Summary Failure to obtain court approval under Florida guardianship law of a pre-suit structured settlement exceeding $15,000 on behalf of a Florida minor child could result in the settlement being disaffirmed by the minor on reaching majority or within a reasonable time…
By Phillip B. Rarick Esq., Miami Probate Attorney The following documents are usually needed to open a testate Florida ancillary probate: Court-authenticated copy of: 1. Decedent’s last will 2. Petition for Probate 3. Order admitting the will to probate 4. Letters of administration Other documents: 5. Two Certified Death Certificates…