Florida law provides for several alternate abbreviated probate procedures other than the formal administration process. “Summary Administration” is generally available only if the value of the estate subject to probate in Florida (less property which is exempt from the claims of creditors; for example, homestead real property in many circumstances) is not more than [...]
A circuit court judge presides over probate proceedings. The judge will rule on the validity of the decedent’s will, or if the decedent died intestate, and will consider evidence to confirm the identities of the decedent’s heirs as those who will receive the decedent’s probate estate. If the decedent had a will that nominated a [...]
A power of attorney is a legal document in which a person creating it (referred to as the "principal") delegates authority for legal decisions to be made by another (referred to as the "agent"). The power of attorney can encompass a wide range of acts to be delegated to the agent or only enable the [...]
A will is a written document that controls the disposition of a person's property at that person's death. Each state sets their own formal requirements in order for a will to be legal. A properly executed will allows a person to make decisions on who will receive property rather than the decision having been made [...]
The personal representative is the person, bank or trust company appointed by the judge to be in charge of the administration of the decedent’s probate estate. To qualify to serve as a personal representative, an individual must be either a Florida resident or, regardless of residence, a spouse, sibling, parent, child or other close relative [...]
