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.
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.
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.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including car accident claims, was recently reduced from four years to two years. This means you now have only two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. For wrongful death cases, the time limit remains two years.
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.
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.
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.
Under § 733.304 of the Florida Probate Code, residents may only name an out-of-state executor if the person is related to the resident by blood, adoption, or marriage. Examples would include the resident's: Spouse. Biological child or grandchild.