From Amy Pittman's newsletter
What my neighbor said
Most neighbors have good intentions when they give you advice. However we always recommend you speak to a professional before acting on that advice. Here are a few examples of what we hear from clients:
My neighbor said that I must have a new Last Will and Testament since I moved to Florida. This is true in some situations but you really need to have an Attorney review your current Will to determine if it complies to Florida law as well as your current situation.
My neighbor said that Florida probate is extremely expensive. If you plan properly your heirs should not have an expensive probate. However, we encourage clients to speak to an Attorney to determine the best way to eliminate the need of probate or at least reduce the amount of assets that would go into probate.
My neighbor said that my health care surrogate and agent under my Durable Power of Attorney must be a Florida resident. This is not true. You can name whomever you want in the role as Health Care Surrogate as well as the agent under your Durable Power of Attorney. Your named Personal Representative (aka Executor) must be a Florida resident OR a relative. So if you name someone related to you then that person does not need to live in Florida.
Of course, if your neighbor says you must see Amy Pittman, then I agree with that advice. :)
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