Harrison Estate Law

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Harrison Estate Law Gainesville law firm focusing in the area of probates, wills, trusts, and estates. Harrison Estate Law, P. A.

is proud to advise clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Asset Protection. Our team focuses on assisting clients with planning for the unfortunate realities of death and disability in order to make that process as painless as possible for loved ones. With experience preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, designations of health care surrogate, and living wills, we give you the peace of mind to know your affairs will be handled when you are no longer able to do so yourself.

Why Residuary Beneficiaries Matter in Estate PlanningWhen creating a will, it's natural to focus on who receives specifi...
10/19/2026

Why Residuary Beneficiaries Matter in Estate Planning

When creating a will, it's natural to focus on who receives specific assets, such as a home, family heirlooms, or financial accounts. But what happens to the property that isn't specifically mentioned? That's where residuary beneficiaries come in. A residuary beneficiary is someone designated to receive the remaining assets in an estate after debts, expenses, and specific gifts have been addressed. This can include property acquired after the will was written or assets that were unintentionally left out of individual distributions. October is a good time to revisit the details of your estate plan, including who will inherit anything not specifically accounted for. Without a clear residuary clause, some assets may pass under Florida's intestacy laws rather than according to your wishes. Addressing these details can help reduce uncertainty and make the estate administration process clearer for your loved ones.

Understand how residuary beneficiaries help ensure the remaining assets in your estate are accounted for. Link in the comments.

Understanding When Probate Is Necessary in FloridaNot every estate in Florida has to go through probate. Whether probate...
10/16/2026

Understanding When Probate Is Necessary in Florida

Not every estate in Florida has to go through probate. Whether probate is necessary often depends on how the deceased person owned their assets, whether beneficiaries were designated, and whether those assets can legally transfer without court involvement. For example, assets held solely in the deceased person's name without a designated beneficiary may require probate. On the other hand, certain jointly owned assets, accounts with valid beneficiary designations, and assets held in a properly funded trust may pass outside the probate process. Understanding these distinctions can help families know what to expect when settling a loved one's estate. As we move further into October, it's a good opportunity to consider how your assets are titled and whether your estate plan provides a clear path for transferring them.

Find out when probate is required in Florida and which assets may avoid the process. Link in the comments.

10/13/2026

What the J. Howard Marshall II Estate Reveals About Inheritance Disputes

J. Howard Marshall II’s estate became the center of a highly publicized legal battle involving his widow, Anna Nicole Smith, and members of his family. Questions over inheritance and Marshall’s intentions led to years of litigation that continued well beyond his death. His estate is a reminder that significant wealth can bring significant complexity when expectations and estate planning documents do not align. With October well underway, it is worth considering whether your own plan leaves room for questions that could later become disputes. Clear documentation and careful planning can help reduce uncertainty and better protect your intentions.

See what J. Howard Marshall II’s estate can teach us about inheritance disputes and the importance of clear planning. Link in the comments.

What Does It Take to Challenge a Will in Florida?A disagreement with the terms of a will is not enough to have it declar...
10/12/2026

What Does It Take to Challenge a Will in Florida?

A disagreement with the terms of a will is not enough to have it declared invalid. In Florida, a will contest must be based on recognized legal grounds, which may include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or problems with how the will was executed. Proving a will is invalid requires evidence and a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding its creation. When questions arise, addressing them promptly can be important to protecting your rights and determining whether the document truly reflects the decedent’s wishes. With October underway, it is a timely reminder that unresolved questions about an estate should not be overlooked.

Learn what may be required to prove a will is invalid in Florida. Link in the comments.

When Can a Personal Representative Begin Managing an Estate?Being named as a personal representative does not automatica...
10/08/2026

When Can a Personal Representative Begin Managing an Estate?

Being named as a personal representative does not automatically give someone the legal authority to manage an estate. In Florida probate, the court generally must first appoint the personal representative and issue Letters of Administration. These documents provide the authority to take important steps on behalf of the estate, such as accessing accounts, gathering assets, addressing debts, and handling other administrative responsibilities. As October gets underway, it is a good reminder that understanding the probate process before responsibilities arise can help prevent unnecessary delays and confusion.

Learn how Letters of Administration are obtained in Florida and what they allow a personal representative to do. Link in the comments.

How a Revocable Living Trust Can Add Flexibility to Your PlanA revocable living trust allows you to maintain control of ...
10/01/2026

How a Revocable Living Trust Can Add Flexibility to Your Plan

A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime while providing instructions for how they should be managed and distributed in the future. Because the trust can generally be changed or revoked during your lifetime, it offers flexibility as your circumstances and priorities evolve. With October beginning the final quarter of 2026, it is a natural point to review whether your estate planning documents still reflect your needs. A properly structured revocable living trust may help avoid probate, provide greater privacy, and create a more organized approach to managing and transferring assets.

See how a revocable living trust may fit into your estate plan. Link in the comments.

09/30/2026

What Ernie Banks’ Estate Teaches About Documenting Your Wishes

After Ernie Banks passed away, a will leaving his estate to his longtime caregiver became the subject of a dispute involving his estranged wife. Questions were raised about Banks’ mental capacity and whether undue influence played a role in the creation of the will. His story highlights an important estate planning consideration: clearly expressing your wishes is only part of the process. When questions about capacity or influence could arise, the circumstances surrounding the preparation and ex*****on of estate planning documents may become especially important. As September comes to an end, Banks’ story offers a fitting reminder that thoughtful estate planning includes creating a clear record of your intentions. Careful documentation may help provide valuable context if those decisions are ever questioned.

Learn what Ernie Banks’ estate teaches about testamentary capacity, undue influence, and clearly documenting estate planning decisions. Link in the comments.

How a Pour-Over Will Fits Into an Estate PlanA trust may be an important part of an estate plan, but what happens to ass...
09/28/2026

How a Pour-Over Will Fits Into an Estate Plan

A trust may be an important part of an estate plan, but what happens to assets that were never transferred into it? A pour-over will is designed to address this possibility by directing certain remaining assets into an existing trust after death. While a pour-over will can serve as an important safeguard, assets passing through the will may still be subject to probate before reaching the trust. Understanding this distinction can help explain why properly funding a trust remains an important part of the planning process. As September enters its final days, it’s a fitting time to consider how the different pieces of an estate plan work together. A pour-over will can complement a trust, but careful coordination between documents and assets is an important part of creating a more complete plan.

Learn how pour-over wills work, how they complement trusts, and the role they may play in a comprehensive estate plan. Link in the comments.

What to Know About Estate Planning for NFTsNFTs may exist entirely in the digital world, but they can still represent as...
09/24/2026

What to Know About Estate Planning for NFTs

NFTs may exist entirely in the digital world, but they can still represent assets with financial or personal value. Including them in an estate plan requires consideration not only of who should receive them, but also how they can be located, accessed, and transferred. Digital wallets, private keys, ownership rights, and instructions for accessing digital assets can all become important considerations. Without appropriate planning, beneficiaries may know an NFT exists but still face difficulties gaining access to or managing it. As September moves forward, the growing role of digital property offers a reminder that estate planning continues to evolve alongside technology. Accounting for newer forms of ownership can help create a more complete picture of the assets you intend to leave behind.

Learn what to consider when incorporating NFTs and other digital assets into an estate plan. Link in the comments

09/23/2026

What Bob Marley’s Estate Teaches About Estate Planning

Bob Marley left behind a musical legacy that continues to generate significant value decades after his death. But when he passed away without a will, questions surrounding the management of his estate, intellectual property, and family interests contributed to years of legal disputes. His story illustrates how an estate can include much more than traditional financial assets. Copyrights, royalties, business interests, and other intellectual property may continue to produce value long into the future, making clear planning for their management and distribution especially important. As September moves into its latter half, Marley’s estate offers a reminder that the value of a legacy may continue to grow long after a person is gone. Thoughtful planning can provide clearer direction for how those assets should be managed and who should benefit from them.

Learn what Bob Marley’s estate teaches about intellectual property, inheritance, and planning for a lasting legacy. Link in the comments.

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7015 SW 24th Avenue
Gainesville, FL
32607

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+13525599828

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