What Is Probate and Why Might You Need It?

Probate is the court-supervised process that oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. It ensures debts are settled, taxes are paid, and assets are transferred to the correct beneficiaries—either according to a Will or, if no Will exists, under Florida’s intestate succession laws.

In Florida, Probate is required in most cases unless the estate is particularly small. If you’ve been named the executor (known legally as the personal representative), you're responsible for initiating the process and ensuring that all steps are handled correctly.

You May Need Probate If:

• The deceased left assets solely in their name
• There is no valid or updated Will
• The estate includes property or accounts that require court authority to transfer
• Family disputes or creditor claims are likely to arise

A lawyer well-versed in Probate and Trust Administration can guide you through the preparation of the necessary documents, represent you in Probate Court, answer your questions and help you deal with any disputes brought by a beneficiary. Contact our Probate legal team for your free consultation today!