Have You Been Named As A Personal Representative In A Will?

If you have been named Personal Representative, Administrator, Executor, Conservator, or Trustee, you should seek the advice of an experienced Probate Attorney. Many persons who are given these responsibilities have never been through this process before.

Imagine you’ve been named to represent a family member in how to divide his/her estate. Several other family members have differing opinions on how the will should be interpreted and are in contention over who receives what.

Are you confident in your understanding of probate?  Do you know how to probate a will? Are you specifically familiar with Florida Probate law?

You would understand your need for a Florida probate attorney if so. If not, your knowledge and understanding of this process would significantly increase having secured the services of an attorney.

So What Exactly Is Probate?

Essentially, probate is the process whereby a court transfers the estate of the decedent to his/her heirs.  This process includes notifying creditors and settling the debts of the decedent. This ensures that all assets and wishes seen to as the writer of the will would have it. If a will was left by the decedent, his or her estate would then be distributed according to their wishes.  The process continues until all debts have been settled, properties have been distributed appropriately, and taxes have been paid. Typically, a probate attorney will work with the executor of the will or the state’s administrator until the completion of the process. The entirety of the process can become tedious, so it is essential that you hire a probate attorney to help you or your executor during the process.

Do You Need Your Will Probated?

There are some who wish not to go through this taxing and burdensome legal process.  Maybe, you are wondering if you truly need to have your will or the decedent’s estate probated.  Whether or not you do is necessary for you to find out because the answer varies from one person to another.  This is why it is of the utmost importance that you consult with an attorney before you pursue legal action. You’ll have a greater understanding of your options, and be able to make a more informed decision.

Why do I need a Probate Attorney?

Most people remain entirely unaware of the procedures on how one can inherit or transfer property of the deceased. There are laws governing the probate process and it is always advisable to use an attorney when law is involved. A Probate Attorney will represent you in the interpretation and implementation of the Florida Statutes referencing Probate Law and how it directly affects your specific situation. An experienced attorney will provide the knowledge to expertly guide you through the probate process, no matter if it’s for a formal probate administration or a summary probate procedure. Summary probate procedures include small estate affidavits, spousal property petitions, and petitions to determine succession to real property.

Choosing A Florida Probate Attorney

It is imperative that you exercise caution in selecting a probate attorney.  Ensure that your prospective attorney is competent, reliable and honest. Along with these qualities, he or she should be someone capable of handling the entire process and familiar with Florida specific probate law.  Many things must be taken into consideration when undergoing the probate process; A great lawyer can help you sort through each of them. Having someone take charge of the probate process affords you the benefit of a healthy and relatively distraction-free grieving period.  Probate can become overwhelming, so the right attorney is a priceless asset.

To conclude, a Probate Attorney is essential to ensuring that each and every facet of a will is seen to and taken care. Proper legal counsel is always the best avenue for sorting through stressful times and challenging legal proceedings.

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We truly hope that you will consider Bullard & Mulkey, P.A. for your Probate Attorney needs. Bullard & Mulkey, P.A. have faithfully served the Ocala Florida and would love to assist you in your times of need. We are a two-attorney firm with a single office in Ocala, Florida. In addition to Probate Law, our office offers the following services: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business Law, Real Estate and Guardianship.