Get Probate Help in South Florida

Probate Attorneys for South Florida

When a relative dies in South Florida, it is important to contact a law firm experienced in the probate process. Death is a painful time for family and friends of the decedent. However, the loss of precious family assets left behind by the decedent can make it that much more difficult to cope. It is important to protect the future for you and your loved ones through adequate estate planning to avoid the chance of losing such family treasures due to a lack of preparation.

The decision to plan for the future of your estate will make the transferring of your assets to your loved ones a simpler transition. The transfer of ownership of a decedent’s estate is a legal procedure known as Probate. Probate is a term that inevitably familiarizes itself with survivors of decedents. It is essential that those survivors understand the probate process and its complex area of the law.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of transferring real and personal property in the estate of a deceased person to the appropriate heirs and beneficiaries. It is a procedural term that encompasses all that occurs from the time a person passes away to the time that person’s property transfers legally to its new owners.

How does Probate work?

- A standard probate procedure includes submitting a will, appointing a personal representative, paying creditors, paying tax returns, paying court costs and attorney fees, and ultimately the legal transferring of the decedent’s property to the beneficiaries and heirs.

- The probate process begins by presenting the decedent’s death certificate.

- The county where the decedent was domiciled determines which South Florida probate court will have jurisdiction over the estate’s property.

- Probate is necessary whether or not the decedent had a will. A will can be the main instrument used under Florida Law to facilitate the probate process; however, it does not substitute probate.

- The court appoints a personal representative, who receives legal authority to act on the decedent’s behalf and is responsible for the probate of the estate.

How long will probate take?

- The state encourages efficiency and is set up to bring resolution in a timely manner. While probate generally takes between six and eighteen months, the duration of probate depends on the complexity of the estate as well as other variables.

How Can Our Probate Attorneys Help?

Working with a South Florida Estate Planning and Probate attorney can help protect your loved ones from unwanted expenses and time consuming procedures. For example, a qualified attorney’s expertise can assure that your Will is properly drafted and executed; establish numerous types of Trusts; and advise you on gift giving and property transfers. The use of a competent Estate Planning attorney can help avoid many of the problems that are not easily recognizable to clients or unqualified attorneys. Have the foresight to work with an Estate Planning attorney on your estate plans and drastically reduce the pain and anguish of the probate process for your family.

For more information on successful Florida estate planning and probate techniques, please contact the South Florida law firm of Wild Felice & Partners, P.A. at 954-944-2855 or via email at info@wfplaw.com to schedule your free consultation. It’s a Wild world. Are you protected?