How Probate Law works
People hear the words Probate Law and automatically get fearful of what they think it means.
Probate law is a court-supervised process where often the courts will appoint an administrator. They are responsible for administering the estate. This includes identifying and gathering the assets of a deceased person (decedent), paying the decedent’s debts, and distributing the decedent’s assets to his or her beneficiaries.
An example of distributing an asset might be where a decedent has a real estate asset that is granted to a family member. That family member will take legal possession of the real estate asset.
What is the purpose of estate planning?
Estate planning organizes for the distribution of a person’s estate once they pass away. Put simply, all of the assets owned at the time of death will be distributed based on the will, trust or estate plan. Assets in a person’s estate might include real estate such as houses and investment properties. Assets might also include personal property like stocks, bonds, bank accounts, cars, jewelry, etc.
Estate planning is a complex endeavor and is most appropriately handled by a professional, like an estate planning lawyer who will work collaboratively with financial advisors, insurance specialists, accountants, and other professionals in the planning of the distribution of assets.
Why is estate planning important?
Estate planning benefits people with estates of all sizes in that it allows the individual to decide exactly how their assets will be distributed upon their death. Regarding personal property, the individual can decide who should get specific assets, like a house or bank account. This makes everything very clear and prevents unnecessary arguments between the estate’s beneficiaries.
Further, estate planning can benefit the children of the decedent. With proper planning, the children of the deceased can be taken care of to ensure they maintain their quality of life.
More about the probate process
Typical questions that our probate lawyers hear include: Does probate mean I have to wait years for the distribution of assets? Does this mean I will be responsible for debts of my loved one? Will the courts make me do something I don’t want to do? Will this cost me even more money? I lost my loved one why do I have to go through this?
If a will does exist it may make probate run smoother. However, if a person dies in Florida without a valid will, all assets will have to be decided by the court and state laws once heirs are established.
What are claims against the estate?
A “claim against the estate” references a claim for money, assets, or other property that an individual has against the estate of a decedent. For instance, if the deceased person owes money to a person or entity, it is the responsibility of the executors or administrators of the estate to pa that debt.
Claims against an estate must be filed with United States Court that is handling the local probate or with the estate administrator.
What is the role of a probate attorney?
The attorney will file motions, guide and advise the client (Personal Representative) how to proceed. The attorney is the communicator to the court on behalf of everyone involved.
A probate attorney will need to assist with the following as well:
1. Collecting and managing life insurance proceeds.
2. Getting the decedent’s property appraised.
3. Finding and securing all of the decedent’s assets.
4. Advising on how to pay the decedent’s bills and settle debts.
5. Obtaining an Estate Tax id number and estate bank account.
6. Determining whether any estate taxes are owed.
If you die without having written and signed a will, you are said to have died “intestate.”
What happens if there is no will?
When there is no will your estate is distributed according to the intestacy laws of the state where the property resides, regardless of your wishes. The law does not always follow the path you would expect especially in situations where there are blended families.
Is it possible to avoid probate?
In some situations involving probate law, a probate is not necessary when there are IRA’s, 401 K’s, Life Insurance and other investments with beneficiaries. Some people also use Lady Bird deeds, trusts, accountants that are payable on death and other vehicles to avoid probate entirely.
In short, there are many different scenarios that go into an estate plan and probate, and each circumstance has exemptions especially in situations with blended families or extended families. It is wise to get your estate plan done by an attorney rather than getting forms on line so that you can look at all the scenarios and plan appropriately. Then at the time of probate, an attorney for the estate is required by the Court.
We highly recommend talking with a probate law and estate planning attorney to make sure the wishes you have for your estate should you pass away are fulfilled.
Last Updated on February 1, 2019 by The Orlando Law Group
