Jennifer Marie Neilson

I am attorney Jennifer Neilson and I serve clients nationwide with matters throughout Florida. I meet clients by appointment in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. I assist my clients in matters of probate and estate administration, as well as estate planning, elder law and real estate. A large number of my clients reside outside the State of Florida and rely on me to efficiently administer the estates of their loved ones through probate and trust procedures. I attend to every detail of the estate including petitioning the court for homestead protection and facilitating transfer or sale of Florida real estate. As a lawyer, I understand and respect the difficulty of every client’s situation. I work with my clients to guide them through the legal process and settle their matters with ease. Trust matters to me as much as it does to my clients. I offer quality legal representation while communicating directly and clearly with my clients, treating them with professionalism and respect. I work personally with all of my clients. Initial conferences can be scheduled in my office, at a client’s home or by phone if the next of kin or personal representatives are not local. I am also willing to meet with clients evenings and weekends by appointment. During this conference, I educate clients on their respective legal matters and give them the right road map to prepare them for future meetings and situations. I have been practicing law for over sixteen years and understand the emotional issues that arise in probate cases as well as the estate planning and elder care planning process. Family is a priority in my life and my law practice. After practicing law in Illinois for ten years, I moved to Florida to spend time with my family and help care for my elderly grandmother.

The Florida Bar  # 0054986

Member

Current

Q. We asked the probate judge to remove a personal representative from the estate of our family member who died intestate.

December 20, 2019

A: You could file a Motion to Reconsider or appeal the ruling. You should obtain the advice of a probate attorney who can review the specific details of your case and advise you as to the best course of action.

Jennifer Neilson

NEILSON LAW, PA

Q. Does an attorney retain a copy of a will they have prepared? Can this be provided to "any" family member after death?

December 20, 2019

A: Florida law provides a will can be revoked by a subsequent inconsistent will. F.S. 732.505 In order for a will to be valid, the testator must have sound mind (or capacity). F.S. 732.501 If your grandmother had cognitive issues when she executed the 2016 will, it may not be valid. Additionally, a will may be contested if the testator received undue influence. Depending on your grandmother's niece's involvement with the 2016 will, the will may be challenged on this basis as well. As for initiating probate, a Personal Representative must be a Florida resident or a relative of the decedent. F.S. 733.304 A step-child would not be qualified, however you could retain an attorney to be appointed by the court. If you have been unable to locate the will(s) you can contact the county bar association to reach out to local attorneys who may have a copy of the will(s).

Jennifer Neilson

NEILSON LAW, PA ... Read More