Articles
What Assets are Probate Assets?
Assets that the decedent owned in his or her name only at time of death are probate assets. Assets that were owned by the decedent and another person and lacked any stated provision for ownership after death are also considered probate assets. For example, a bank account or investment account that is only in the […]
Read Article >>Where are Probate Papers Filed?
The documents required in order to begin the probate proceeding will be filed with the clerk of the circuit court. This usually happens in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death. A filing fee needs to be paid to the clerk. The clerk will assign a file number and then maintains […]
Read Article >>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 […]
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