Under most circumstances, you will need to hire an attorney to assist you in the probate process. First, you will know you have to probate an asset when it is in the decedent's own, individual name. This includes bank accounts, stocks, bonds, land and more.
However, although attorney representation is not required for a Florida summary administration, hiring an attorney may be necessary in order to know the correct documents to file related to the creditor and homestead process.
If the filer is an attorney the documents should be filed electronically filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Pro-Se filers may file court documents in the Probate division.
While it is possible to settle an estate without an attorney, whenever an estate is disputed or complex, you should consult an estate planning and probate litigation attorney. At The Levy Firm PLLC we have over 10 years of experience in South Florida.
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.
Probate Statutes of Limitations Creditors have two years from the decedent's death to bring claims against the estate. Otherwise, you generally must raise estate-related claims during administration. Objections to the appointment or conduct of the personal representative must be filed before the estate is closed.
For creditors who only received notice via publication: These creditors have up to 3 months from the date of first publication to file a claim. For known or reasonably ascertainable creditors who did not receive any notice: These creditors have up to 2 years after the date of death to file claims.
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.
Answering the lawsuit can be as simple as drafting a document and writing 'admit' or 'deny' or “without knowledge” in correlation to each numbered paragraph in the summons. Your answer to the lawsuit must address every allegation individually.