Probate
There are three basic types of probate in Florida, formal administration, summary administration, and what I like to call administration without administration.
A formal administration is when the estate has more than $75,000.00 in assets. It is the most time consuming and costly type of estate in Florida.
Summary administration is utilized when there is less than $75,000.00 or the decedent has been gone for more than two years, and this form of probate can be quick and easy.
Probate without Probate (actually known as Distribution of Personal Property without Administration) is when there is less than $5,000.00 in personal property only, in an estate.
Regardless of the type of probate, it is best to hire an attorney. It is also best to have an attorney draft your will.
The probate court in your county also handles guardianship matters. Formal Guardianship is expensive and time-consuming. The guardian must prepare and submit an annual accounting and an annual plan, every year. There is a procedure for temporary custody by extended family for minor children, which is usually handled within the Family Division.
The hiring of an attorney is an important decision which should not be based upon advertising alone. Before you decide, ask us to send you free information about qualifications and experience.