Ocala, Florida Estate Planning Law Firm Focuses on Probate
North Central Florida Estate Planning Attorneys Familiar with the Probate Process
The probate process provides for a supervised and orderly distribution of someone’s assets following their death. While many people think probate only applies in cases where a will is present, this is not the case. An estate will be probated whether or not the decedent had a will.
How and to whom an estate will be transferred during probate is usually determined by a will, but if no valid will exists, Florida law determines how the estate will be distributed. Probate law in Florida can be complex, but experienced probate lawyers such as those at Dean & Dean, LLP can help familiarize you with the process.
What is Probate?
Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It can determine several things:
- The validity of the will
- The value of the decedent’s property and how it will be distributed
- Debts and taxes owed
How Does the Probate Process Work?
After someone’s death, the person named as executor in their will or, in the absence of a will, the person appointed by a judge, files papers in the local probate court. The executor is asked to:
- Prove the validity of the will
- Present the court with a list of the decedent’s property, debts, and heirs
- Find, secure, and manage the deceased person’s assets during the probate process
Probate can take several months or up to a year, depending on the complexity of the will and size of the estate.
Contact Our Florida Estate Planning Attorneys Today
If you have questions about the Florida probate process, Dean & Dean, LLP provides assistance with a variety of estate planning, probate, and real estate matters. Contact our firm online or call (352) 515-9221 to set up your initial consultation today.
