Probate is the court-supervised process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to his or her beneficiaries and the decedent’s debts, if any, are paid. 

 

If the deceased person had a valid Last Will & Testament, the deceased person’s probate assets will be distributed according to the terms of the Will. If the deceased person did not have a Will, the deceased person’s probate assets will be distributed to the decedent’s heirs in the order of priority set forth by Florida law.

 

The types of probate administration under Florida law are as follows:

 

Formal Administration Many estates require formal administration, which involves the appointment of a Personal Representative to identify and gather the deceased person’s probate assets, to locate and notify creditors, and distribute the deceased person’s probate assets, among other tasks.

 

Summary Administration Some estates are eligible for this expedited form of probate. In summary administration, there is not a Personal Representative appointed.

 

Ancillary Administration An estate being administered in a state other than Florida, but which includes property located in Florida, is subject to ancillary administration to address the distribution of the Florida assets.

 

Do you have questions about probate in Florida? At Karen Sunnenberg, P.A., we have experience helping with probate in Florida. Call us at (850) 432-3112 today or submit your contact information online to learn how we can help you.