Florida Probate
If you need to begin a Florida probate or trust administration, we have a short list to get started:
- Order at least two certified copies of the death certificate. In some cases, you may need more than two copies.
- Contact relatives and friends, and the Funeral Home and persons involved in the service to begin planning.
- Contact the SS administration, VA, and any employers a pension might have been administered through.
- Obtain bank statements, creditor statements, safe deposit box contents, investment records, tax returns, asset titles, and insurance policy records.
- Schedule a consultation with us, or if the decedent had an estate attorney, their office. Retain a probate attorney to open probate proceedings. Your attorney will guide you during the proceedings, and in the preservation of the estate.
If I’m the Personal Representative, and/or in charge of Funeral Arrangements, what do I need to do?
What kind of fees should I expect for a Florida Probate?
Whether you have a summary or formal probate, fees can vary. See the video below for more information on the difference between the two.
Some firms charge a percentage of the estate to administer a probate, but we will never do this. Read more about our probate experience and philosophy here.
What is the difference between a summary and formal probate administration in Florida?
What is the process for formal probate in Florida?
The decedent was your client; do you have all of their documents saved? What do I need to bring to my appointment with you?
During this difficult time, we are here to guide you.
Rest assured, we have guided your loved one in putting the documents in place that will make this process as easy and kind as possible.
Please contact our office as soon as possible. 407-622-1900
First, we can only speak with those named in charge; either the Personal Representative (Executor), or the Agent named in a Durable Power of Attorney.
We do have copies of their estate plans, but our law firm does not hold originals! Please bring all of the originals with you.
Probate and Trust Administration Resources
We hope that these blog articles may answer some of your initial questions about probate.
A will is always subject to probate. Here are a few of our most popular articles that discuss this:
Yes Virginia, Your Uncle’s Will Must Be Probated
Top 10 Blunders in Probate and Trust Administration
Merrell Bailey writes about Coping with an Unexpected Death in Your Home
This video discusses authority to make funeral arrangements.
Finally, we hope that you will find this Settling the Estate – Roles and Stages for Florida Probate infographic helpful. It will give you an idea of what to expect when you work with us.
My loved one wasn't your client.
There is a tremendous amount of paperwork to be completed when someone you love has died. Knowing where to start can be daunting, especially for those who are still in the grieving process. We are here to help you navigate through the process by providing competent and caring legal services. We can help with probates and trust administrations throughout the state of Florida, and have extensive experience with Central Florida probate courts.
If your loved one had a will-based plan, we help you with the probate.
If your loved one had a trust-based plan, we help you with the trust administration.
If your loved one passed away intestate (meaning had no written estate plan or will at all), the State of Florida dictates to whom the assets go; we help you with the intestacy proceedings.
Both probate and intestacy proceedings involve the court stepping in to make sure that the bills are paid and the assets are distributed properly. At Your Caring Law Firm, we will assist you throughout the court proceedings or trust administration. We also represent beneficiaries, helping to enforce your rights under the trust.
