Filing for probate – 10-day deadline This specifies that the individual in possession of the deceased's last will and testament must file for probate within 10 days from the date of death of the deceased in the same county where the deceased died. The size of the estate to be probated does not affect these ten days.
If the decedent had no Will, probate might be necessary to pass ownership of the decedent's probate assets to those receiving them under Florida law. Some assets do not require a probate proceeding to transfer ownership. You should contact a probate attorney to provide specific guidance.
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.
In Florida, probate must usually be initiated a short time after death. The will, if there is one, must be filed with the court within 10 days of the death. Even though there is no legal penalty for missing this window, it's very important to file promptly to avoid unnecessary delays in the probate process.
Q: Who Becomes Executor if There Is No Will in Florida? A: If there is no will, the court appoints a personal representative based on Florida's priority system, typically beginning with the spouse. If the spouse does not wish to take on the burden, then adult children are prioritized, and then other family members.
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.
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.
A: There isn't a set timeline for probate without a will in Florida. It generally varies widely depending on the complexity of the estate. In some cases, probate can be completed in a few months, but more complex estates may take a year or longer, especially if disputes or legal complications arise.
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.