Often referred to as a “last will and testament,” a will is a legal document that puts what you want to happen to your estate after you pass in writing. A will can also include other intentions you may have, the most common of which would be who you want to take care of your minor children, what you want to be done with your remains, and any other wishes you may feel are necessary. If you pass away without a will, all the decisions that would have otherwise been covered in the will are made according to a state statute by a judge. It’s unlikely that these decisions will be the same as the ones you would have made. And even if there are no disagreements among family members, this probate process can take a long time and cost a lot of money.

A trust is a legal tool based on a “trust agreement” that allows you to transfer assets into it and still have access to those assets while living. Upon your passing, these assets can be distributed to your heirs directly without going through probate. Plus, if you should become incapacitated due to an illness or injury, a beneficiary you choose manages the assets in the trust. Without trust, a court decides who will manage your assets. Another advantage of a trust is that it is considered a private legal agreement between two individuals, the grantor and the trustee, and avoids probate court, so it isn’t required to be included in public records. This means your family’s private financial information is kept private.

What if There is a Lien on the Property?

When you sign an agreement with a vendor to do a major project on your house, such as adding a room or putting on a new roof, that agreement usually says that if you don’t pay on time, the company can put a lien on your house. That means if you sell the house before you pay off the debt, the company will get paid out of the proceeds from the sale. However, sometimes when people pay off these types of debts, the vendor neglects to remove the lien, which shows up years later when trying to sell the house. More often than not, this is a simple matter of contacting the vendor and asking them to remove the lien. But what if the company has gone out of business? Those kinds of problems can take a title agent weeks or months to untangle and resolve correctly so that the sale can go through.

Divorced, and Your Ex-Spouse is Still Listed as a Co-Owner?

Even when a divorce settlement stipulates who gets the house, they are co-owned as a married couple, which doesn’t automatically make its way into all the paperwork with your county’s property appraiser. So, as far as they are concerned, you are both still owners of the house, which will be discovered with a basic title search. This is easily resolved in most cases by filing a quitclaim deed, which both former spouses sign, stating that one spouse now has complete ownership of the property. And if you parted amicably, this should be a relatively easy process. However, if the ex-spouse refuses to cooperate, that can cause delays. While there are legal remedies available in such cases, they can be complicated and time-consuming.

What if There’s a Hidden Boundary Dispute Involved?

Sometimes, surveys of adjacent properties conflict, which could lead a neighbor to claim that part of the property you own is theirs. Typically, a dispute like this is with another homeowner, but it could also involve a Homeowners Association or municipal government. Handled correctly, it can often be resolved easily, especially if it doesn’t involve a major overlap. It can get messy if a substantial piece of the property is disputed or a structure has been built in the area in question.

FAQs - Estate Planning Lawyer | Pathway Law, P.A.

What is a Will?

Often referred to as a “last will and testament,” a will is a legal document that puts what you want to happen to your estate after you pass in writing. A will can also include other intentions you may have, the most common of which would be who you want to take care of your minor children, what you want to be done with your remains, and any other wishes you may feel are necessary.

What is a Trust?

What is estate planning, and why do I need it?

Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have a lot of assets?

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

How often should I update my estate plan?

What is probate?

Is probate always required in Florida?

Throughout one of the most difficult tasks of my life, Cameron and Ashley have done an amazing job helping me resolve my mother's estate. Compassionate, Fair and Honest are words that describe them well.

Steven

We have worked with Cameron for a number of years. He is always very responsive and understands the urgency of time. He is well versed in the law and has been tremendous asset to us.

Chris

I had a great experience with Cameron White as my attorney. He was efficient, professional, and really made me feel valued. I'm very happy with his work and would highly recommend him to anyone needing…

Guy

We recently utilized the services of Cameron for our lease renewal and were very pleased with how prompt and communicative he was. He was referred to us by a colleague and we were happy with…

Patti

I have used the services of attorney Cameron White for over a decade. He is knowledgeable, dependable, trustworthy and dedicated to handling our legal needs. He is also a very nice individual. I highly recommend…

Gary

Cameron is the ultimate professional. He treats his clients with respect, communicates consistently and takes the time to explain things. I would highly recommend him for your estate planning, real estate or probate matters.

Philip

Cameron was excellent to work with, he actually came to our Orlando home to meet with us, turned around documents in super quick time, was always prompt in answering anything, so we got what we…

Janet

Where do I start? First being in a situation where a death in the family has happened a person is already over their head with funeral arrangements, travel, grief Ect. Then there becomes an even…

Dobson

Our friends recommended Cameron White for our estate planning needs and we were very happy they did! It was easy and he was very good when we had questions.

Tami

After procrastinating way too long about doing a last will and testament, the difference maker was a friend's recommendation to contact Pathway Law, P.A. We have been guided through the process with personal attention, expertise…

Johan

I was referred to Cameron White, to help me with administrative & representation pertaining to my mothers estate. Mr. Cameron was a pleasure to work with, he was very informative & helped me tremendously explaining…

Loreen

Have had a great relationship with Cameron. He is very professional and easy to talk with. He has the time and patience to explain everything to me in the way that I can grasp and…

Steve

Cameron White has helped me with estate planning. His expertise, ability to listen and inquire gave me confidence we created a great plan. Cameron is trustworthy and a great advisor. I would highly him for…

Jack

Cameron has provided professional guidance for a recent family issue. He has been great to work with for questions, updates, and thorough explanations about family law issues. His guidance made my difficult situation much easier…

Deborah

Cameron is Professional, patient, pleasant, and excellent at his craft. We worked together to get my parents Estate Planning in order for them and their postmortem desires. He helped them feel comfortable and gained their…

Vince

Cameron was very professional and knowledgeable, but also the nicest human being I've ever encountered, and endlessly patient with our questions. It was great working with him and I wouldn't go to anyone else with…

Michael

I have known Cameron for several years now and he is always very pleasant and kind. He explains complex issues in easy to understand ways but does not discourage you from asking clarifying questions. We…

Richard

Cameron was able to help my wife and I put together our estate planning documents and walk us through the process and which documents we needed to prepare. Cameron was easy to work with and…

Jared

Cameron has set up trusts and providing estate consulting for my family and my mother. The process was very smooth, and he took the time to explain the strategy to us. As a CPA, I…

Stewart

Cameron and team did an amazing job. The moment we stepped in we felt welcomed and well informed. He explained all steps and papers we had to sign. A 5 star experience through and through.

Ralph

A client for life! Cameron and his team walked us through several complex issues, ensuring that our family was protected today and for generations to come. We appreciated his prompt replies and the fact that…

Raymond

Cameron and his team provided great help and support preparing a Will for us. Prompt, professional and friendly. I would certainly recommend this company.

Mark

Amazing firm doing amazing work! We were in search of an attorney to help us with a probate matter and we are so grateful to find this team. It was our first time having to…

Rodriguez

Cameron was the best choice we could make for our Estate Planning needs. He is very knowledgeable and explained everything to us in a way we could understand. His team was professional and kind, and…

Kamila

Mr. White and his staff listened to what we needed. They were very willing to answer our questions during the process of adding our daughter to real estate deeds. We have also referred our daughter…

Lee Ann

My husband and I got our wills drawn up by Cameron and Gabriela. The process was super smooth and they explained everything to us to make sure our wishes were portrayed. Highly recommend!

Sydney

Great experience! Not only was Mr. White friendly, explained everything well and treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, but his services were a great value. He has a great staff and he’s incredibly…

Michael

Cameron White was extremely friendly and helpful with some documents that we needed advice about. He fit us into his busy schedule and gave us the professional advice that we needed. We will definitely use…

Gina

100% 5 star for this place. Cameron is very knowledgeable on many levels, and so open to answering questions and finding a solution for YOU! His assistant Gabriela is just as great! From the beginning,…

Tara

My wife and I set up wills and the usual set of legal docs that go with them with Cameron. He was very professional and pleasant to deal with. We would recommend him for your…

Hank

Cameron White was extremely friendly and helpful with some documents that we needed advice about. He fit us into his busy schedule and gave us the professional advice that we needed.

FAQs

Securing Legacies Empowering Futures

Schedule a Consultation

Practice Areas

Testimonials

Steven

Chris

Guy

Patti

Gary

Philip

Janet

Dobson

Tami

Johan

Loreen

Steve

Jack

Deborah

Vince

Michael

Richard

Jared

Stewart

Ralph

Raymond

Mark

Rodriguez

Kamila

Lee Ann

Sydney

Michael

Gina

Tara

Hank

Gina

Michael

Take the first step