Articles
How Long is the Probate Process?
The length of the process will vary from estate to estate. In a summary administration where the decedent has been dead for more than two years, the process could be completed in a matter of weeks. If the estate is more complex, it could take a year. If real estate needs to be sold by […]
Read Article >>Who May be Involved in the Probate Process?
Any or all of the following may be involved in the probate administration of a decedent’s estate: Circuit court judge Clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent was domiciled at the time of the decedent’s death Personal representative Attorney providing legal advice to the personal representative throughout the probate process Those […]
Read Article >>Do the Personal Representative and Attorney for the Personal Representative Receive Compensation?
Yes, the personal representative and the attorney for the personal representative are entitled to reasonable compensation by law. Florida law provides a schedule of what are “reasonable fees.” Typically this amount is based upon the value of the probate estate. As a general rule, 3% of the estate value is considered reasonable compensation. However, the […]
Read Article >>Should the Personal Representative Hire an Attorney?
A qualified attorney should always be hired by the personal representative in order to assist with the administration of the decedent’s probate estate. There are always issues that arise and most of these legal problems will be unfamiliar to non-attorneys. The personal representative will receive advice from the attorney regarding his or her duties and […]
Read Article >>Does the Judge Appoint a Personal Representative?
If the decedent had a valid will, the judge will appoint the person or institution named by the decedent in his or her will to serve as a personal representative, as long as the named person or company is legally qualified to serve. When the decedent does not have a valid will, the surviving spouse […]
Read Article >>Can anyone be a Personal Representative?
In order to qualify as a personal representative, an individual must be a resident of Florida, or a sibling, spouse, parent, child, or other close relative of the decedent. If the individual is not a Florida resident, and is not closely related to the decedent, he or she cannot serve as a personal representative. Any […]
Read Article >>What is the Role of a Personal Representative?
A personal representative is appointed by the judge to be in charge of the administration of the decedent’s probate estate. “Personal Representative” is also known as the “executor,” “executrix,” “administrator,” and “administratrix.” The personal representative has the legal duty to administer the probate estate in accordance with Florida law. A personal representative must do the […]
Read Article >>What if There is No Will?
If a person dies without a valid will, his or her probate estate is known as an “intestate” estate. When a decedent dies intestate, the probate assets are almost never turned over to the State of Florida. The heirs are the people who are related to the decedent. They are described in the Florida statute […]
Read Article >>Do I Need a Will?
A will is a legal document that is signed by the decedent and two witnesses according to Florida law. In the will, the decedent names the beneficiaries who are to receive the decedent’s probate assets. In essence, the will is a letter to the Court advising the judge on how the decedent wants his or […]
Read Article >>Why is Probate Needed?
In order to pass ownership of the decedent’s probate assets to the decedent’s beneficiaries, probate is necessary. When the decedent leaves a valid will, it will be ineffective to pass ownership of probate assets to the decedent’s beneficiaries until the will is admitted for probate in the court. Probate is still necessary to pass the […]
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