Probate

Probate can take time, create more expenses, and make certain aspects of an estate part of the public record. For that reason, many people look for ways to transfer real estate to their loved ones without requiring a formal probate administration. One tool that is used for this purpose is a Lady Bird deed. But…

Many times, families discover that a loved one had forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, or other abandoned assets after death. In Florida, these assets are classified as unclaimed property.  When the owner of the property has passed away, recovering those assets requires going through the probate administration. Here is what you…

When families begin reviewing financial records after the death of a loved one, there may be questions about how outstanding IRS debt is handled. Does IRS debt die with the deceased?  IRS debt does not automatically disappear when someone passes away. However, it also does not automatically become the personal responsibility of surviving family members,…

There is a common situation that happens all the time. A loved one passes, and you start looking for their will.  However, the original is nowhere to be found. Instead, you’ve got a copy. That might be a PDF, a photocopy, or something saved in an email. If you only have a copy, can you…

If you are starting probate, you may wonder what Letters of Administration are and what you can actually do with them. Letters of Administration are not just another document. These are the official court-issued authorization that gives a personal representative the authority to act on behalf of a decedent’s estate.  Without them, no one has…

Documentation is one of the most important parts of the probate. You need to collect the right documents, make sure every detail aligns, and submit everything in the proper format from the start. If something is missing, it can delay the appointment of a personal representative and slow down the entire probate administration process. What…

Managing utility bills and ongoing expenses is a duty of a personal representative during probate administration in Florida.  Mortgage payments, insurance premiums, property taxes, and utilities must continue to be paid while the estate is open. Failing to fulfill these obligations can result in unnecessary penalties and expose the personal representative to liability. Here is…

Selling property that belonged to someone who has passed away can be a complicated process. Sometimes, it becomes even more challenging when the property still has a mortgage. Fortunately, Florida probate law has specific procedures to guide personal representatives through the sale of real estate. With the right planning, selling a probate property when there…

If you are facing probate, one of the first questions you probably have is how long does probate take in Florida? The answer depends on several defined factors under Florida law, including the type of probate required, statutory creditor deadlines, the size of the estate, and whether any disputes arise.  Some estates can be resolved…