Attorneys For All Types Of Probate Administration
In Florida, there are three types of probate administration: formal administration, summary administration and disposition without administration. Whether you need to administer an estate or just need to understand what, if anything, needs to be done, our kind and compassionate probate attorneys will gently guide you through this process.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., assist clients in Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and the surrounding areas.
What Happens If Your Loved One Dies With A Will?
Formal probate administration is the process that people are most familiar with. Formal administration is required when the decedent’s estate is valued at more than $75,000. The probate estate is made up of assets that were owned by the decedent and no one else, i.e., bank accounts, retirement accounts with no named beneficiary, or a house in the decedent’s name, etc. Jointly owned property and property with a named beneficiary do not go through probate.
The formal administration process begins with a request to open the estate and name a personal representative. Next, a notice to creditors will be printed in a local newspaper. The creditors of the decedent’s estate have approximately 90 days to file their claims. Once this period lapses, the debts of the estate can be paid, and the remainder of the estate can be distributed. Upon completion, a petition for discharge must be filed, and the estate is closed.
As your lawyers, we will work closely with the personal representative of the estate, guiding him or her through the process and resolving any issues that may arise.
Summary Administration
If an estate is valued less than $75,000, a summary administration will likely be applied. Summary administration is a different administration in that a Personal Representative is not appointed and after all required documentation has been submitted to the Court, a Judge will sign an Order of Summary Administration for the particular asset or assets, valued under $75,000.00.
Schedule A Complimentary Consultation.
Contact our lawyers to schedule your free consultation. Contact us online or call 954-781-8230. We are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and our office is located just before the intercoastal bridge in Pompano Beach. Off-site visits can be arranged.