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What You Need to Know About Probate

Last Will and Testament Probate Attorney

Contact a Melbourne Probate Attorney to Get the Help You Need

Probate refers to a court-supervised process used to determine who will inherit from a deceased person’s estate. Once an individual dies (the decedent) with a Will (also known as dying testate), the decedent’s Will needs to be admitted to the probate court. The Will will be reviewed by the court to determine its validity. Once the Will is admitted to probate, the estate administration process will occur through the court to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed to the correct heirs according to the Will.  

A probate attorney specializes in handling matters related to the distribution of a deceased person’s assets and settling their debts. They have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding probate in Melbourne, Florida, and can provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the entire process.

The probate process can be complicated and stressful. When a loved one passes away, dealing with the grief is a lot to handle. On top of such loss, the stress of dealing with the probate process can be a significant burden for many families. A Melbourne probate attorney at Lacey Lyons Rezanka can explain the probate process to you and walk you through it to administer your loved one’s estate and take some of the burden off you and your family. We will stand by your side every step of the way so you can focus on what is most important — grieving the loss of your loved one.

Formal vs. Summary Administration in Florida

Each state’s laws dictate what the probate process is to administer an estate properly. In Florida, there are two primary forms of probate — formal administration and summary administration. Formal administration is used when the total value of a decedent’s estate is valued at $75,000 or more. Summary administration is available for estates that are valued at less than $75,000. Summary administration is a more expedited probate process. A Melbourne Probate Attorney can help you with both types of probate.

Questions About Probate? Contact a Melbourne Probate Attorney  Today

The probate process can be complicated. After a loved one passes away, the stress of administering an estate can be overwhelming. The good news is that help is available for you and your family so you can focus on grieving the death of your loved one. An experienced Melbourne probate attorney at our firm will explain the entire process to you and help you through every stage of the process from the very beginning to the very end.  We can: 

  • Help you do an initial determination of what assets are a part of the probate estate 
  • Determine what the best approach is to administer the estate 
  • Prepare and file the necessary documents with the court 
  • Assist you with the inventory and appraisals of assets 
  • Pay debts, taxes, and other liabilities of an estate 
  • Distribute assets 
  • Close the estate at the end of the process  

Whether you are an executor of an estate or a beneficiary seeking your rightful inheritance, a probate attorney can assist you in various ways. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, prepare necessary legal documents, handle any disputes or challenges that may arise during the probate process, and ensure that everything is done according to the law.

If you have any questions about the probate process or need assistance with estate planning in Melbourne, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted probate attorney today. They will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help alleviate any concerns you may have about navigating this often complex area of law.