Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves proving in court that a deceased person’s will is valid, identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property, having the property appraised, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property as the will directs. This process can be complex and often confusing for those who are not familiar with it. That’s where Florida probate attorneys come in.
A Florida probate attorney is a lawyer who specializes in guiding personal representatives (also known as executors) through the entire probate process from start to finish. They assist with filing documents required by the court, providing notice to creditors, managing estate assets, paying any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the estate, distributing assets to beneficiaries according to instructions provided in a will or trust document, and closing out an estate.
Florida Probate Attorney
One of their most important tasks is helping clients navigate through Florida’s complex probate laws. These laws govern how estates must be administered after death and determine what happens if there isn’t a valid will. A knowledgeable attorney can provide valuable advice on these matters ensuring compliance with all applicable rules.
legal help from divorce attorneys in florida also play an essential role when disputes arise over a decedent’s estate. This could happen if there are disagreements about how assets should be distributed or concerns about whether proper procedures were followed during administration of an estate. In such cases, they represent their client’s interests in court proceedings making sure their rights are protected.
In addition to handling traditional probates involving larger estates subject to formal administration under Florida law, these lawyers also deal with summary administrations for smaller estates (those valued at less than $75k), which involve less paperwork and oversight from courts making them quicker and cheaper than regular probates.
Another significant aspect of their work revolves around drafting effective estate planning documents like living trusts which help avoid time-consuming expensive probates altogether while maintaining control over one’s assets during lifetime.
Lastly, they assist with ancillary probate proceedings which are necessary when a decedent owned real property in Florida but was domiciled elsewhere. This type of proceeding is typically more complicated than a standard probate due to the need to coordinate between multiple jurisdictions.
In conclusion, hiring a Florida probate attorney can be extremely beneficial for anyone dealing with the death of a loved one or planning their own estate. Their expertise and experience in this field can help streamline the process, reduce stress, and ensure that everything is handled correctly and efficiently. Whether it’s providing guidance through complex legal procedures or advocating on behalf of clients during disputes, these professionals play an invaluable role in managing end-of-life affairs.
The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm
2600 Douglas Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-384-1540
