Articles

Raise your hand if you know what the word probate means. Few of you probably raised your hands. Legal-speak is sometimes hard on the ears. Technical terms may intimidate or bewilder those outside the profession. But, nonetheless, matters of the law are vitally important. Sometimes for the sake of precision, legal analysts employ what may appear as complicated words. But the definition of probate is relatively simple. It initiates the legal process of managing the estate of someone who has died. The process of probate helps resolve legal claims against the person and dictates how property and resources are distributed both under a will and when no will is in place. A lifelong resident of Marion County, Florida, Stanley Plappert specializes in…Read More

When is the best time to start planning your estate? The answer is: now. Most people wouldn’t think of planning their estates when they are young, but it doesn’t matter what point you’re at in your life, you can plan your estate. As we go through life’s ever-changing situations it’s a good rule of thumb to revisit your estate planning with your attorney and adjust it as needed. There are many circumstances in life that affect our estates. As an Ocala attorney specializing in probate, estate planning, and real estate, Stanley Plappert is happy to share this helpful information with our clients and readers of this blog. Life Events That Affect Your Estate Include: Marriage Birth of first child Custodian named in your will…Read More

Most lawyers are willing to provide a free or low cost consultation for their services. The perfect time to ask a potential lawyer questions is during the initial consultation. During this time you will be able to give a general overview of your case as well as ask some basic questions that will help you decide whether you would like to move forward with hiring the lawyer to represent you. Make sure you are comfortable with the answers you receive and feel at ease. Remember the lawyer you choose is going to represent you throughout your case, and you need to feel confident you are in good hands before you pay a retainer. HERE ARE THE TOP 3 QUESTIONS TO…Read More

Where can you get reliable answers for legal questions? Finding answers to legal questions can be challenging. However, there are several online resources where you can research a topic prior to speaking with a professional to gain some insight. Find answers to your legal questions using these online resources. Here Is Online Legal Resource: American Bar Association The American Bar Association website is one of the largest associations in the United States composed of lawyers, judges and law students. This website has a public resources section dedicated to helping you find legal resources in your area. Each website also offers directories to find local attorneys with their areas of specialty listed. Just keep in mind all of these resources are…Read More

A well-planned and thought-out will can protect your family in the event something happens to you. It can ensure that your requests are fulfilled and your property, finances or anything of sentimental value is handled according to your wishes. What you don’t know about the planning process could hurt your family in the long run. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way The best way to handle your estate is to plan in advance. Having a probate lawyer prepare a will can prove to be invaluable because it will assure that upon your death, your assets are distributed as you have instructed in your will. You don’t want a family member to say, “There is no will,” because the next question will usually be,…Read More

Death comes to all of us. For some, it may be expected – after a long life or a protracted illness – but with others, maybe not so. It is life’s great uncertainty principle. But nonetheless it never fails to come – as the consistently unwelcome intruder on life. That’s why planning the proper transfer of your property and your assets is so important. In short, good estate planning makes good sense. Stanley Plappert specializes in the legal details of estate planning and can assist you in making sure your estate is in order. A lifelong resident of Marion County, Florida, Stanley Plappert also administers probate. Legal experts say establishing a plan is key to ensuring your estate is distributed according to your…Read More

Doing a jigsaw puzzle involves concentration, dedication and commitment. You have to force yourself to examine the big picture and attempt to overlay the box image with each piece as the puzzle begins to take shape. It is the same way in many legal matters, including wills – one piece goes missing and the task isn’t quite right. Creating a Will Demands Close Attention to Legal Issues and Details Although wills and probate fall under the dictates of state laws and regulations, they are subject to inquiries of a judge – and if something’s missing, you may have to go back to square one and start again. However, you may not be afforded that opportunity when you’re in the final stages of…Read More

They are inevitable: Death and taxes, as Mark Twain reportedly said. But it wasn’t Mark Twain who coined the expression: “The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.” It was Edward Ward in 1724 in “Dancing Devils”: “Death and Taxes, they are certain.” But the deeper point embedded in this truth alludes to something considerably more profound: We will all eventually die and the government may get involved in distributing our estate – unless of course we have a will (this exception only applies to the latter point). That is why drafting a will is so important to an accurate and binding distribution of your assets. Without a will, a judge will probably end up making those decisions.…Read More

Finding reliable and trustworthy legal help – in stressful times, when dealing with difficult situations or when facing complicated matters – can be one of the most trying experiences of your life. You set your requirements – and your trust level – purposely high; you need a legal counselor who has depth of experience, a wide breadth of understanding, a deep grasp of the judicial system and the ability to empathize and respond to your concerns and your desires. After all, you’re investing an integral part of your life; you have to make the right decision. About Stanley Plappert and His Services A lifelong resident of Marion County, Florida, Stanley Plappert has been providing excellent legal advice and representation since…Read More