What can a Florida family expect from probate?

The death of a loved one is an emotional and complex time for a family. After the initial pain that a death can bring, those left behind are faced with the potentially difficult process of closing the estate of the deceased and finalizing his or her affairs. In many cases, this means they will have to navigate the probate process. Probate is often a legal requirement that must be met before assets can be distributed to heirs.

The requirements of probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and ensuring that the estate has no outstanding balances or obligations. Even with simple and straightforward estates, the probate process can be lengthy and complex. Some of the steps involved with probate include:

• Location of the will and filing it with the court
• Notification of creditors and beneficiaries
• Valuation and safeguarding of all estate assets
• Payment of outstanding taxes and remaining debts
• Distribution of assets according to the will

Probate can take a long time to complete, especially if there are conflicts of the terms of the will, disagreements among heirs or other complications associated with the estate.

Protecting the interests of all involved

Due to the legal complexities of probate, it is beneficial to have the assistance and guidance of an experienced Florida estate law attorney before moving forward. This counsel can help an executor, heir or other party understand rights and potentially avoid complications. With assistance, it is possible to simplify the probate process.