Attorneys For All Types Of Probate Administration

In Florida, there are three types of probate administration: formal administration, summary administration and disposition without administration. Whether you need to administer an estate or just need to understand what, if anything, needs to be done, our kind and compassionate probate attorneys will gently guide you through this process.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., assist clients in Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and the surrounding areas.

Formal Probate Administration

Formal probate administration is the process that people are most familiar with. Formal administration is required when the decedent’s estate is valued at more than $75,000. The probate estate is made up of assets that were owned by the decedent and no one else, i.e., bank accounts, retirement accounts with no named beneficiary, or a house in the decedent’s name, etc. Jointly owned property and property with a named beneficiary do not go through probate.

The formal administration process begins with a request to open the estate and name a personal representative. Next, a notice to creditors will be printed in a local newspaper. The creditors of the decedent’s estate have approximately 90 days to file their claims. Once this period lapses, the debts of the estate can be paid, and the remainder of the estate can be distributed. Upon completion, a petition for discharge must be filed, and the estate is closed.

As your lawyers, we will work closely with the personal representative of the estate, guiding him or her through the process and resolving any issues that may arise.

Summary Administration

If an estate is valued less than $75,000, a summary administration will likely be applied. Summary administration is a different administration in that a Personal Representative is  not appointed and after all required documentation has been submitted to the Court, a Judge will sign an Order of Summary Administration for the particular asset or assets, valued under $75,000.00.

Arrange A Complimentary Consultation Today

Our Pompano Beach probate attorneys understand how difficult it is to have to deal with the probate process while coping with the death of a loved one. Whether you need to administer an estate or just need to understand what, if anything, needs to be done, contact us online, or call us today at 954-372-2062 or 866-776-0102 to schedule your free 30 minute consultation.