Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Probate in Florida Formal administration typically takes 12 to 15 months to complete. Summary administration can take less than a month. However, the probate process can take longer if disputes or other difficulties arise.
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.
You can file the original will in person at any of our courthouse locations or by mail, to the attention of our probate division at P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. You must include a certified copy of the death certificate, or other document that will confirm the date of death, when filing the will.
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.
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.
A: The 10-day rule for probate in Florida is in reference to the will being filed in the court. The will of a deceased person must be filed with the probate court within 10 days of their death. The rule applies to both formal and summary administration proceedings. To avoid delays, the executor should file promptly.
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.
The formal probate administration usually takes 6-9 months under most circumstances - start to finish. This process includes appointing a personal representative (i.e., the "executor"), a 90 days creditor's period that must run, payment of creditor's claims and more.