Legacy Under Threat? A Guide to Handling Contested Wills in Central Florida

Life in Melbourne, Florida, offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant community. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and put off thinking about the future – especially when it comes to something as seemingly daunting as estate planning. However, avoiding this crucial step can have significant and often devastating consequences for your loved ones and your hard-earned assets. At Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, we understand that planning for what happens after you're gone isn't always easy. But as Attorney Dee Sibley, Founding Attorney of Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, and one of Melbourne, Florida's Top Estate Planning Lawyers, often says, "Planning For Life...Building For Legacy." Without an estate plan, you leave your legacy and your family's future to the unpredictable nature of state law and the often-costly process of probate. The Unintended Consequences of Dying Intestate in Florida When a person passes away in Florida without a valid Last Will and Testament or other estate planning documents, they are said to have died "intestate." In such cases, the state of Florida, through its intestacy laws (Florida Statutes Chapter 732), essentially writes a will for you. This default plan rarely aligns with an individual's true wishes and can lead to a multitude of complications. Who Inherits Your Assets? Not Always Who You'd Expect One of the most immediate and impactful consequences of dying without an estate plan is losing control over who inherits your property. Florida's intestacy laws follow a strict hierarchy: If you are married with no children, or all of your children are also the children of your surviving spouse: Your surviving spouse inherits your entire estate. If you are married with children from a previous relationship: Your surviving spouse inherits one-half of your estate, and your descendants (children) from all relationships inherit the other half, equally. If you are not married but have children: Your children inherit your entire estate, divided equally among them. If any children have passed away, their share may go to their descendants (your grandchildren). If you are not married and have no children: Your parents inherit your estate. If only one parent is alive, they inherit everything. If you have no spouse, children, or parents: Your siblings inherit your estate, equally. If you have no close living relatives: The inheritance can extend to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and their descendants. In extremely rare cases where no heirs can be found, your property could "escheat" to the state of Florida, meaning the state takes possession of your assets. This rigid formula often overlooks modern family dynamics, such as blended families, step-children, or long-term unmarried partners. The Plight of Unmarried Couples For unmarried couples in Florida, the lack of an estate plan is particularly perilous. Florida law does not recognize common law marriage, and intestacy statutes only consider legally recognized spouses and blood relatives as heirs. This means: Your long-term partner, no matter how committed, has no automatic legal right to inherit your property or make medical decisions on your behalf. Shared assets not jointly titled could go to your blood relatives, leaving your partner without access or even their home. Without a Durable Power of Attorney or Health Care Surrogate designation, your partner may have no legal authority to manage your finances or make critical medical decisions if you become incapacitated. The absence of a plan can leave your partner vulnerable, financially insecure, and facing significant legal battles with your family members. The Costly and Time-Consuming Probate Process Even if your loved ones eventually inherit your assets under intestacy laws, they will likely have to navigate the Florida probate process. Probate is a court-supervised legal procedure that validates a will (if one exists), identifies and inventories the deceased person's assets, pays off debts and taxes, and finally distributes the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. Increased Expenses and Delays Without a will, the probate process can become significantly more complicated, time-consuming, and expensive: Court Supervision: The court must oversee every step of the administration, which can be a lengthy process. While some simple estates might be resolved in a few months, more complex ones, especially those with disputes, can drag on for a year or more. Legal and Administrative Fees: Attorney and executor fees are often set by Florida state law, typically as a percentage of the estate's value. These fees can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller estates to tens or hundreds of thousands for larger, more complex estates. These costs are paid directly from your estate, reducing what your loved ones ultimately receive. Bond Requirements: The court may require the personal representative (the person appointed to manage your estate) to secure a bond, which adds another expense to the estate. Family Disputes: Without clear instructions in a will, disagreements among family members are common. Siblings or other relatives may argue over who should be the personal representative, how assets should be distributed, or who deserves specific sentimental items. These disputes often lead to litigation, further increasing costs and emotional strain. Lack of Control Over Asset Distribution Beyond who inherits, dying intestate means you have no say in how your assets are distributed. You cannot: Designate a Personal Representative: The court will appoint someone, often a family member, who may not be your preferred choice or have the necessary skills to manage your estate efficiently. Leave Specific Gifts: You cannot leave cherished heirlooms to particular individuals, designate funds for a favorite charity, or ensure a specific pet is cared for. Provide for Minor Children: If you have minor children, the court will appoint a guardian for them, which may not be the person you would have chosen. You also lose the ability to establish trusts to manage their inheritance, potentially leaving them with direct control of a large sum of money upon reaching adulthood, regardless of their maturity. Protect Assets: Without a trust, assets may be vulnerable to creditors, divorces, or poor financial decisions by beneficiaries. Protecting Your Legacy with Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC The good news is that these undesirable outcomes are entirely preventable. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, you take control of your future and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. An estate plan isn't just about what happens after you're gone; it's about protecting your assets, expressing your wishes, and ensuring your family is cared for. At Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, we specialize in crafting personalized estate plans that reflect your unique circumstances and goals. We can help you create: Last Will and Testament: To clearly state your wishes for asset distribution and designate a personal representative. Trusts: To avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, provide for minor children, or manage wealth for generations. Durable Power of Attorney: To designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Designation of Health Care Surrogate and Living Will: To ensure your medical wishes are honored if you cannot make decisions for yourself. Conclusion Ignoring estate planning is not a benign act; it’s a decision that can inflict unnecessary financial burden, emotional stress, and conflict upon the very people you care about most. In Melbourne, Florida, and across the state, the default legal framework for those who die without a plan is rigid, impersonal, and rarely aligns with individual desires. Attorney Dee Sibley and the team at Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, are dedicated to helping you "Plan For Life...Building For Legacy." We believe that a well-crafted estate plan is one of the most profound gifts you can give your family. Don't leave your family's future to chance. Book Your Consultation Today with Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, and take the first step toward securing your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are protected. This article is a service of Sibley Law & Associates , a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm . We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™.

June Is Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Let’s Talk About How to Protect Your Loved Ones At Sibley Law & Associates , we often remind our clients that planning ahead isn’t just about passing on assets—it’s about protecting your dignity, your voice, and your peace of mind. And this month, Elder Abuse Awareness Month, brings that reminder into sharp focus with a high-profile case that has lessons for all of us. Priscilla Presley, age 79, is now in court alleging that she was defrauded of more than $1 million by a trusted associate. If someone with her resources, fame, and access to expert advisors can fall victim to financial elder abuse, it becomes painfully clear—this can happen to anyone. This case is more than tabloid news. It’s a wake-up call. Financial elder abuse isn’t rare, and it doesn’t always come from strangers. At Sibley Law & Associates , we see firsthand how devastating it can be for individuals and families, and we are committed to helping you stay protected. How Financial Elder Abuse Happens In Presley’s case, the allegations are chilling, but they’re not unique. Over the course of two years, her former business associate allegedly gained her trust, isolated her from longtime advisors, and convinced her to sign documents giving away control over her finances. This follows a tragically familiar pattern: Building Trust Abusers often begin by positioning themselves as helpful, caring, and irreplaceable—just as Presley claims happened to her. Isolation The next step is cutting off the victim from people who might notice red flags—family, trusted advisors, or long-time friends. Legal Control Once the abuser gains trust and eliminates outside interference, they push for powers of attorney or other legal authority to access and control finances. Once legal control is in place, it can be very difficult to intervene. That’s why prevention through planning is essential. Why Every Family Should Take This Seriously You don’t need to be famous to be at risk. Financial elder abuse is shockingly common. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, banks flagged nearly $27 billion in suspected elder exploitation between June 2022 and June 2023. The consequences are devastating: Loss of retirement savings or a home Emotional trauma and isolation Family conflict and broken trust At Sibley Law & Associates , we believe every client deserves protection that goes beyond basic documents. That’s why we use a more comprehensive approach: Life & Legacy Planning® . What Makes Life & Legacy Planning Different Unlike traditional estate plans that are created and forgotten, our Life & Legacy Plans are built to work in real life . Here’s what sets them apart: 1. Clarity and Communication We don’t just draft documents—we create plans that are clear, understandable, and known to your loved ones. That way, no one can step in unnoticed or twist your wishes. 2. Built-In Reviews Life changes. Relationships shift. We include regular check-ins so your plan evolves with you. These reviews can help identify manipulation or risk early—when it’s still preventable. 3. A Real Relationship With Your Lawyer As your Personal Family Lawyer®, we stay involved. If you or your family ever sense something is wrong, we’re a trusted resource to turn to—not a name you haven’t seen since you signed your Will ten years ago. Act While You're in Control The best time to create protection is before you need them . That means while you’re healthy, sharp, and surrounded by people you trust—not in the middle of a crisis. Here’s what you can do today: Talk to your family. Let them know your wishes and who you trust to act on your behalf. Stay connected to your professional advisors. At Sibley Law & Associates, we collaborate with your financial and tax professionals to form a network of protection. Listen to your instincts. If someone seems too interested in your finances or tries to distance you from others, don’t ignore those red flags. Let’s Build a Plan That Stands Guard for You Whether or not Priscilla Presley’s case ends in her favor, it highlights a sobering truth: elder financial abuse can affect anyone . What makes the difference is a plan that’s built to protect—not just assets, but your autonomy and your relationships. At Sibley Law & Associates , we help you create that kind of plan. During your Life & Legacy Planning Session , we’ll: Organize your finances, Explain what would happen if you were incapacitated or passed away, and Empower you to make decisions that protect your legacy and your loved ones. Let’s make sure your plan works before anyone else tries to work around it. 👉 Click HERE to schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation and start building your protection today. This article is a service of Sibley Law & Associates , a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm . We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™.

Life in Melbourne, Florida, is something special. We live where others vacation, enjoying the unique rhythm of the Space Coast, the beautiful beaches, and the vibrant community we call home. We meticulously plan for so many aspects of our lives here—from hurricane season and family vacations to retirement and our children’s education. Yet, one of the most crucial forms of planning is often overlooked: estate planning. Many Melbourne residents believe estate planning is a tool reserved for the ultra-wealthy or something to consider only in their golden years. This is a dangerous misconception. The reality is, if you are an adult with assets or loved ones who depend on you, you need an estate plan. It is the ultimate act of protection for your family and the foundation for your legacy. Without a comprehensive estate plan, you are leaving the most critical decisions about your assets, your health, and even your children's future up to the state of Florida and the Brevard County courts. At Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC, we believe every Melbourne family deserves the peace of mind that comes from taking control. This is what "Planning For Life...Building For Legacy" truly means. Let’s explore why this planning is so essential for your family. When You Don’t Make a Plan, Florida Makes One for You One of the most significant consequences of not having a Last Will and Testament is that you die "intestate." This legal term means the state of Florida, through its rigid intestacy statutes, will dictate exactly how your assets are distributed. This pre-set formula does not consider your personal wishes, the nuances of your relationships, or your family’s specific needs. How Florida’s Intestacy Laws Work: The state’s plan is based entirely on familial relationships. Here are a few common scenarios for Melbourne residents: Married with Shared Children: If you are married and all your children are descendants of both you and your surviving spouse, your spouse will inherit your entire estate. This may sound fine, but what if you wanted to set aside specific assets for your children immediately? Without a plan, you have no say. Married with Children from a Prior Relationship: This is where Florida's plan can be particularly surprising. If you have children from a previous relationship, your surviving spouse inherits only half of your estate. The other half is divided among all of your children (from both your current and prior relationships). This could create unintended financial strain on your spouse and potential conflict within your blended family. Single with Children: Your children inherit your entire estate, divided equally. Married with No Children: Your surviving spouse inherits everything. Single with No Children: Your estate will pass to your parents. If they are deceased, it goes to your siblings, and the line of succession continues down a prescribed path. Who Gets Left Out? Florida's intestacy laws make no provisions for unmarried partners, regardless of how long and committed the relationship. A beloved significant other, a cherished friend who is like family, or a favorite charity will receive nothing from your probate estate without being explicitly named in a Will or Trust. Effective estate planning ensures that the people and causes you care about most are the ones who benefit from your life's work. Protecting Your Most Precious Assets: Your Children For any parent in Melbourne, there is no greater concern than the well-being of their children. A comprehensive estate plan is the single most important tool you have to protect them if you are no longer there to do so yourself. The Critical Role of Naming a Guardian If you have minor children and pass away without legally nominating a guardian, the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in Brevard County will be forced to appoint someone to raise them. A judge, acting with the best intentions but without knowing you or your family, will make this life-altering decision. This process can be fraught with problems: Uncertainty and Instability: While the court deliberates, your children could be placed in temporary care, adding trauma to an already devastating situation. Family Disputes: Well-meaning relatives might disagree on who is best suited to be the guardian, leading to public and painful court battles that can permanently damage family relationships. An Unintended Choice: The judge may appoint someone you would never have chosen—someone with different parenting philosophies, religious beliefs, or financial habits. Your Last Will and Testament is the only legal document where you can nominate the guardians you want for your children. This is your voice, telling the court who you trust to provide the love, care, and stability your children deserve. You can also name alternate guardians in case your first choice is unable to serve. This single act provides immense clarity and protection. Managing Your Children’s Inheritance Leaving a large inheritance directly to an 18-year-old is rarely advisable. Without planning, that is exactly what could happen. A well-designed estate plan can establish a Trust for your children. This allows you to appoint a Trustee—a trusted person or financial institution—to manage the inheritance on their behalf. You can set the terms for distribution, ensuring the funds are used for important milestones like education, a first home purchase, or starting a business, and distributed at ages when they are mature enough to handle the responsibility. Planning for Life's "What Ifs": The Importance of Incapacity Planning Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you die. It's equally about protecting yourself and your family if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself due to an accident or illness. Without proactive incapacity planning, your family may face what is often called a "living probate." The Alternative to Planning: Court-Ordered Guardianship If you become incapacitated without a plan, your loved ones would have to petition the Brevard County court to have you declared legally incompetent and have a guardian appointed. This process can be: Public: Your private medical and financial details become part of the public record. Expensive: It involves significant attorney's fees and court costs, all paid from your assets. Time-Consuming: The legal process can be slow and cumbersome. Stressful: It places a tremendous emotional burden on your family during an already difficult time. The Solution: Essential Incapacity Documents A comprehensive Melbourne estate plan includes critical documents to avoid this scenario: Durable Power of Attorney: This document allows you to appoint a trusted agent to manage your financial and legal affairs if you are unable to do so. This person can pay bills, manage investments, and handle property matters on your behalf without court intervention. Health Care Surrogate Designation: This lets you name a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate your own wishes. This ensures decisions are made by someone who knows you and your values. Living Will: This document outlines your wishes regarding life-prolonging medical procedures, providing clear guidance to your family and doctors and relieving them of the burden of making these difficult decisions on their own. Navigating the Brevard County Probate Process Probate is the formal court-supervised process of validating a Will, paying off estate debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In Florida, even if you have a Will, your estate will likely go through some form of probate. However, a well-drafted estate plan can make this process significantly smoother and more efficient. Without a plan, the probate process can become more complex and contentious, as the court must first identify legal heirs and appoint a Personal Representative. With a properly drafted Will, you choose your Personal Representative (Executor), streamlining the initial stages. The Power of Trusts to Avoid Probate For many Melbourne families, a primary goal of estate planning is to avoid probate altogether. This is most commonly achieved through a Revocable Living Trust . Assets titled in the name of your Trust during your lifetime do not have to go through the probate process upon your death. They can be managed and distributed privately by your chosen successor Trustee. This offers several key benefits: Privacy: Trusts are not public documents like Wills. Efficiency: Trust administration is typically much faster than probate, allowing assets to be distributed to your loved ones more quickly. Cost Savings: By avoiding court fees and minimizing legal expenses, more of your estate is preserved for your beneficiaries. Continuity: A Trust also provides for seamless management of your assets if you become incapacitated, as your successor Trustee can step in immediately without court involvement. Your Melbourne Family Isn't Cookie-Cutter; Your Plan Shouldn't Be Either Every family in Melbourne is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning is ineffective. A knowledgeable attorney can tailor a plan to your specific needs: Young Families: The focus is often on nominating guardians and establishing trusts for minor children. Blended Families: Planning is critical to clearly define how assets are distributed between a current spouse and children from a previous relationship, preventing disputes. Business Owners: A plan must integrate business succession strategies to ensure the company you built can continue to thrive. Retirees: The focus may shift to asset preservation, legacy planning for grandchildren, charitable giving, and planning for long-term care. Your Legacy is a Choice—Make It a Deliberate One Estate planning is one of the most profound acts of love and responsibility you can undertake for your family. It replaces uncertainty with clarity, chaos with order, and court control with your control. It ensures that your life's work creates a lasting, positive legacy for the people you care about most. Don't leave your family’s future in Melbourne to chance. Take the First Step Today Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a straightforward process when guided by an experienced professional. If you are ready to secure your family’s future and build your legacy with intention, we invite you to take the next step. Book Your Consultation Today . Contact a knowledgeable Melbourne, Florida estate planning attorney at Sibley Law & Associates, PLLC to begin designing a plan that provides true peace of mind for you and your loved ones. This article is a service of Sibley Law & Associates , a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm . We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Photo by Malone & Company Photography. "Tony Hsieh." May 24, 2010. www.flickr.com/photos/siliconprairienews/4636417133 Imagine this: you build an empire worth hundreds of millions, transform a city, and leave behind a legacy of innovation and generosity—only to have your loved ones spend years trapped in legal battles because your estate plan was missing, outdated, or misunderstood. This isn’t fiction. It’s the real story of Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, who died unexpectedly in 2020 at just 46. For years, it was believed he had no will. Then—nearly five years later—a mysterious document surfaced. And just like that, everything changed. But the damage was already done. A Legacy Lost in Limbo Tony Hsieh’s fortune, once valued at over $500 million, has been tied up in legal fees, creditor claims, and emotional turmoil for his family and business partners. The recently discovered will, dated 2015, was found not by a lawyer or family member, but in the possession of a man suffering from Alzheimer’s who had recently passed away himself. The will allegedly includes: A no-contest clause threatening to disinherit family members if they challenge it Confusing instructions Unknown executors, including someone close friends say they’ve never heard of Even if this document is deemed legally valid, it may raise more questions than answers. It also raises a critical truth: Without proper estate planning—no matter your age or net worth—your legacy can unravel fast. Why Traditional Estate Planning Falls Short At Sibley Law & Associates, we often see how traditional estate planning fails families. A will alone, even when properly signed and notarized, is not a plan. It's a document. And documents, especially if they're hidden, outdated, or incomplete, can create more conflict than clarity. Here’s what often goes wrong with traditional estate planning: The plan exists only in documents, not in conversations or relationships. The will is not stored securely or is forgotten altogether. There’s no clear guidance for what loved ones should do when the unthinkable happens. There’s no connection between the documents and a complete asset inventory. There’s no system in place to update the plan as life, relationships, and assets change. These gaps are what allow confusion and conflict to creep in—just like they did in Hsieh’s case. The Cost of an Incomplete Plan Tony Hsieh’s family has spent five years managing uncertainty, litigation, and pressure—all while grieving a tragic loss. His businesses, properties, and philanthropic intentions have been caught in limbo. What should have been a well-protected legacy has instead become a cautionary tale. Here at Sibley Law, we ask every client: If something happened to you tomorrow… would your loved ones know what to do? Would they know who to call? Would they be protected from unnecessary stress, court battles, or infighting? Why Life & Legacy Planning® Is Different We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all documents. We believe in relationships, updates, and real clarity . That’s what our Life & Legacy Planning® process is designed to provide. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a will or trust. You’re creating a living, evolving plan that includes: A complete inventory of your assets—so nothing gets lost or overlooked Instructions on where to find your plan and who to contact Ongoing updates to keep your plan aligned with your life Guidance for the people you’ve named—so they’re not left wondering what to do A relationship with your Personal Family Lawyer®—so your family has a trusted guide A chance to share not just your assets, but your values and stories with future generations This is how we keep families out of court and out of conflict—no matter what. Planning for Life. Building for Legacy. At Sibley Law, our mission is clear: to help Florida families create strong, legally sound plans that protect what matters most. We believe that legacy isn’t just about wealth. It’s about clarity, continuity, and care. Let Tony Hsieh’s story serve as a powerful reminder: It’s not enough to write a will. You need a plan. And your plan needs to be living, reviewed, and connected to the people you love. This article is a service of Sibley Law & Associates , a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm . We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session™. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Without a Will as part of your Brevard County estate planning, you lose the power to direct your assets, potentially leading to unintended beneficiaries, family disputes, and emotional distress.

At Sibley Law & Associates, we believe in helping you protect what matters most. Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 ("DTRA") could eliminate the federal estate tax entirely. But what would these changes really mean for you and your loved ones?

At Sibley Law & Associates, we believe in planning for joy—but also for the unexpected. Responsible parents don’t shy away from hard conversations. They face them head-on. That’s where a Kids Protection PlanⓇ comes in.

When Gene Hackman passed away at 95, his $80 million estate faced complications no one expected. Despite a long-standing will naming his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as the sole beneficiary, unforeseen circumstances, including her tragic passing just seven days prior, left a cloud of legal uncertainty over the future of his estate.

Raising a child with special needs is a journey marked by profound love and unique challenges, particularly when considering their long-term security. Without a robust estate plan, children with disabilities face vulnerabilities: financial instability, inadequate medical care, and potential loss of essential government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.