If you are a beneficiary of a Florida Will, you have 5 important information rights: You have a right to secure a copy of the Will. The original will must be deposited with the court within 10 days of notice of death.
In Florida, almost anyone can get a copy of a deceased person's will from the state register of will. The custodian of the will (who may or may not be the same person as the personal representative of the estate) must submit the will to the state register of wills within ten days of finding out about the death.
Once the will is deposited in probate court, it becomes a matter of public record—and it can be accessed by anyone who is interested in its contents.
You, the plaintiff, must file a “Statement of Claim” form, available at your Clerk's office. This must be fully completed and signed to receive a pre-trial conference date. If your claim is based upon written documentation, attach a copy of the contract to the Statement of Claim form. You may file by mail or in person.
In Florida, the court does not keep a copy of the will. They are typically kept by the client or the attorney.
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.
The statement of claim should be typed or printed in black ink. Make certain you file your claim against the right party. Copies of contracts, notes, leases, receipts, or other evidence in support of your claim must be attached to your statement of claim, and copied to each person sued and the court.
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.
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.
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.