When heirs do not receive the inheritance they are legally due because of an executor's neglect to file probate documents, they can even sue. Even worse, an executor who withholds a person's will from probate court intending to benefit financially is committing a criminal offense, and may experience jail time.
A: The 10-day rule for probate in Florida is in reference to the will being filed in the court. The will of a deceased person must be filed with the probate court within 10 days of their death. The rule applies to both formal and summary administration proceedings. To avoid delays, the executor should file promptly.
In Florida, assets that are held in a living trust pass to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings. These trusts must be created before your death, and all assets—including real estate, antiques, vehicles, and so on — must be transferred into the trust under the terms of the trust document.
If the estate's personal representative, or executor, does not file a will to initiate the probate process, they can face legal recourse. If the court finds that the executor was aware of the death and knew their duties but purposely avoided them, they could be personally responsible for all court costs.
Formal Administration: This main probate process will definitely need an attorney. The process is described in greater detail below. Summary Administration: The family will likely need an attorney due to the complexity. Disposition without Administration: This process is designed to operate without probate.
ALTHOUGH YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY FOR CERTAIN PROBATE PROCEEDINGS, ONLY AN ATTORNEY CAN GIVE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU CHOOSE TO PROCEED WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY, AT ANY TIME IN YOUR CASE YOU MAY OPT TO HIRE ONE.
If a valid will exists but was not filed with the state of Florida, the decedent's assets and property cannot be transferred to beneficiaries. In Florida and most other places around the country, certain administrative requirements exist for assets to be distributed after a person dies.
You'll need to file the necessary documents with the local probate court where the decedent resided in Florida. Once approved by a judge, they issue Letters of Administration certifying your role as estate administrator to third parties, including banks.
Initiating probate without a will in Florida If your loved one had left a will, you would be required to file it in probate court within 10 days of their death. Without a will, though, there is no deadline as to how soon you need to file for probate in Florida.
An executor is often named in a decedent's will, but they may also be appointed by a probate court after volunteering or being called upon to serve. If a decedent has not left a will, a probate court will appoint an executor if it finds that this is necessary.