Probate Services

What must be done when a loved one passes away? Questions concerning the payment of bills and assets are all issues that are dealt with in handling Probate. If you are going to be the Personal Representative (Executor) under a Will, I will explain the Probate process from beginning to end, your responsibilities, and your compensation. During the initial conference concerning the decedent I will review how the assets are titled to determine whether or not an estate proceeding is necessary. Most estates are not subject to estate taxes since the Federal Government has raised the estate tax limitation to over $11,000,000.00. The State of Florida does not have any estate taxes. There are primarily two types of estate proceedings, one is called a Summary Administration when the assets are valued at less than $75,000.00 and a provision is made to pay all creditors. The $75,000.00 does not include homestead property. If the assets exceed $75,000.00, or there are creditors, then a Formal Administration is necessary. I will explain who is to receive the homestead property of the decedent, particularly if the decedent is survived by a spouse or a minor child. If the decedent died without a Will, the Florida Statutes provides who will receive the decedent's assets.