Probate

If a loved one has died and you have been named as the executor, personal representative or executor of your loved one’s estate, you may be uncertain as to what your responsibilities are for settling the estate through the probate court. The probate of an estate is the process of collecting the deceased person’s assets, identifying liabilities, and distributing the remainder of the property in the estate to the heirs or beneficiaries designated by will or by statute. There are various forms of probate that may or may not be a good fit for your situation, and all of them have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Going through the probate process can be an overwhelming process, so it is important to understand all of your rights and obligations. The attorneys at the Murphy Law Group will handle all aspects of the probate process, from the preparation of an inventory of assets to the payment of all debts and taxes of the estate, to the distribution of assets according to the decedent’s wishes. We will make certain that any claims to the estate are legitimate and that the process is carried out in a timely manner. This entails filing all required documents with the probate court and appearing on your behalf at all hearings or proceedings. We will also collect all required information in order to prepare and file an Estate Tax (706) return where required.

Depending on the size of the estate and other factors, we will recommend the most appropriate form of probate to you and make sure that you are prepared for the probate administration process. Our review and analysis will include explaining the pros and cons of all available options, which include:

Formal Administration: Florida estate with assets of $75,000 or more.

Summary Administration: Limited to estates containing less than $75,000.

Ancillary Administration: The probate of property in a state other than the state where the decedent lived is called an ancillary probate.

Disposition Without Administration: Used rarely, but appropriate in situations in which the value of assets is very low.