Probate in Florida can take several months to over a year, depending on the estate's size and any disputes among heirs. Understanding the Florida probate timeline is crucial as the process begins with filing a petition with the probate court, followed by appointing a personal representative to manage the estate.
It takes a minimum of six months, but it generally takes 18 months, and, as in any state, complex and litigated estates can add a year or more to the timeline. In almost all cases, Florida law requires that a licensed attorney administer the estate. With summary administration, probate usually takes one to two months.
There are two main types of probate in Florida: a formal probate administration and a summary probate administration. There is also a disposition without administration that is available in very limited circumstances. The formal probate administration usually takes 6-9 months under most circumstances - start to finish.
How do you become executor of an estate after death in Florida? To become an executor, the decedent must name you in their will. If there's no will, or it doesn't name an executor, a Florida probate court appoints one selected by the beneficiaries if there is no surviving spouse.
Understanding Intestate Succession in Florida Filing the petition for administration. Appointing a personal representative. Identifying and securing assets. Notifying creditors and paying debts. Paying taxes. Distributing remaining assets. Closing the estate.
Unknown creditors must file their claims within the 90-day window following the publication of the notice. Note that all claims against an estate are barred two years after the decedent's date of death, regardless of whether a probate proceeding has been initiated or a Notice to Creditors has been published.
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.
If the decedent did not have a valid Will, the surviving spouse has the first right to be appointed by the judge to serve as a personal representative.