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How Does Formal Probate Work In Florida?

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Formal probate is the legal process that is used in Florida to administer a deceased person’s estate when they have passed away with a valid will, or when they passed away without a will (intestate). Here are the steps involved in a formal probate in Florida:

  1. Filing the Petition: The probate process begins when a petition is filed with the probate court. The petition is typically filed by the personal representative named in the will or appointed by the court if there is no will. The petition must include information about the deceased person, their assets, and the names and addresses of their beneficiaries.
  2. Notice to Creditors: The personal representative must notify the deceased person’s creditors of the probate proceeding, and they must also publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Creditors have a set period of time to make a claim against the estate, usually three months.
  3. Inventory and Appraisal: The personal representative is required to prepare an inventory of the deceased person’s assets and have them appraised. This is necessary to determine the value of the estate and to ensure that all assets are accounted for.
  4. Payment of Debts and Taxes: The personal representative must pay any valid debts and taxes owed by the deceased person or the estate.
  5. Distribution of Assets: After all debts and taxes have been paid, the personal representative can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or heirs at law if there is no will.
  6. Closing the Estate: Once all of the assets have been distributed, the personal representative can close the estate. This involves filing a final accounting with the probate court and obtaining approval of the accounting from the court.

The formal probate process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it’s important to work with an experienced probate attorney to ensure that the process is carried out correctly. An attorney can help guide you through each step of the process and can help you avoid potential pitfalls that could delay the process or lead to legal disputes.