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Probate: Navigating the Legal Process of Estate Settlement in Florida 

Probate is a legal process that takes place after the passing of an individual to settle their estate. It involves the closure and distribution of funds from financial accounts, division of personal possessions, handling of creditor claims, and estate valuation. As probate can be time-consuming, understanding your options as a beneficiary or personal representative is crucial. In Florida, there are two primary types of probate: summary administration and formal administration. To make informed decisions, it’s important to comprehend the nuances of each approach. 

Understanding Summary Administration 

Summary administration offers a simplified probate procedure designed for small estates. It is characterized by shorter timeframes and lower costs compared to formal administration. However, this process is only applicable to estates that meet specific criteria, outlined below: 

Qualifications for Summary Administration 

To qualify for summary administration, the estate must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: 

• The estate’s total value is under $75,000. 
• The decedent passed away over two years ago. 
• Creditors are legally prohibited from making claims against the estate. 
• The decedent’s sole assets are exempt from probate. 
• The decedent’s sole assets are exempt from creditor claims. 

For detailed eligibility guidelines, refer to Florida Statute 735.021. 

Summary Probate Procedure 

The steps involved in summary administration in Florida are as follows: 

1. Petition for Summary Administration: Any beneficiary or appointed personal representative can initiate a petition for summary administration during probate proceedings, provided the estate meets the specified criteria. The petition must include documentation verifying the estate’s value, encompassing financial accounts, real property value, and business assets if applicable. 

2. Creditor Search: To qualify for summary administration, creditors must be unable to file claims against the estate. As part of the petition process, comprehensive documentation demonstrating diligent efforts to identify potential creditors and eliminate valid claim possibilities must be presented. 

3. Asset Distribution: Upon confirming the estate’s eligibility for summary administration and completing the creditor search, a judge issues the summary administration order, effectively concluding probate. The judge’s order can then be presented to relevant institutions, such as banks and insurance companies, to facilitate the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. 

Formal Administration: A Comprehensive Process 

Formal administration is the predominant probate method, especially for executing a will. The timeline for formal administration typically spans six months to a year or longer, depending on the complexity of the estate. 

Qualifications for Formal Administration 

Formal administration is mandatory for estates with probatable assets exceeding $75,000. This form of probate is also required if the will is contested, even if the estate’s value falls below $75,000. 

Steps of Formal Administration 

The formal probate process in Florida encompasses the following steps: 

1. Petition of Administration: Formal administration commences when the estate’s personal representative provides necessary documentation, including the death certificate, financial statements, and the will, to a probate attorney. Subsequently, the attorney files a formal petition of administration with the probate court in the county where the decedent was a resident. 

2. Validation of the Will: The probate judge verifies the validity of the will and grants legal authority to the designated personal representative to execute the will. 

3. Beneficiary and Creditor Notification: The personal representative informs all beneficiaries listed in the will about initiating probate proceedings. Moreover, the personal representative is responsible for notifying potential creditors with claims against the estate. This notification process adheres to the formalities specified in Florida Statute 733.2121. Creditors are granted a 90-day window, starting from notification, to file claims against the estate. 

4. Estate Valuation: The personal representative gathers documentation and assets to assess the estate’s value and establish an estate bank account. Assets might need to be liquidated to settle valid creditor claims. The estate bank account funds the repayment of creditors. 

5. Probate Conclusion: After addressing all creditor claims, beneficiaries are entitled to the assets delineated in the will. Upon asset distribution, the attorney files a petition of discharge, marking the formal conclusion of the probate process. 

Legal Expertise for Smooth Estate Proceedings 

Navigating the intricacies of probate is essential to ensure a smooth estate settlement process. Whether you are a personal representative or responsible for handling someone’s estate, understanding your options can save both time and resources. If you are seeking expert guidance in estate planning and probate matters, contact the Boutty Law Firm at (407) 622-1395. Our dedicated team is here to assist Orlando and Central Florida residents, helping you make informed decisions during probate proceedings. 

Personal representatives have many roles during the probate process, including valuing the estate, notifying beneficiaries, and assisting in distributing assets. Another crucial responsibility personal representatives have during probate is to notify creditors that the estate has entered probate and to settle debts. There are specific requirements personal representatives and creditors must follow to ensure valid claims are paid. Below, we discuss what you need to know about handling creditor claims during Florida probate proceedings.  

What is a Creditor Claim? 

Creditor claims are formal notices against the decedent’s estate, indicating that a debt is owed. Valid claims are paid from the estate’s value before assets and funds are distributed to beneficiaries listed in the will. 

Types of Creditors 

Anyone the decedent borrowed money from and didn’t pay in full could have a valid creditor claim against the estate. Creditors can be individuals, companies, or organizations. Types of creditors may include:  

• Mortgage lenders  
• The IRS 
• Plaintiffs in open lawsuits against the decedent 
• Individuals who were promised payment from the estate upon death 
• Funeral service providers  
• Credit card companies  
• Home-related service providers  
• Medical facilities  
• Ex-spouses who are owed back child support 
• Business owners

How to Notify Potential Creditors 

Personal representatives must follow specific guidelines to formally notify creditors that the decedent’s estate has entered probate, as stated in  Florida Statute 733.2121. Personal representatives must publish a Notice to Creditors once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper located in the county where the estate is administered. If there isn’t a local paper, the notice can be published in any newspaper in general circulation in the county. The notice must include the following: 

• The decedent’s name 
• Court address 
• Estate file number 
• The personal representative’s contact information 
• Date of first publication 
• Creditor claim period dates  

The personal representative must provide proof of the public notice to the probate court within 45 days of publication.  

In addition, personal representatives must locate potential creditors and send the notice directly to them. Personal representatives must conduct proper research to find and notify potential creditors. However, they aren’t liable for failing to inform creditors as long as a reasonable effort is made.  

Creditor Claim Distribution 

Creditor claims are paid from the value of the estate. Creditors must show proof of the money the decedent owed by referencing a contract, providing a promissory note, or supplying a transaction history of other payments. According to Florida Statute 733.705, creditors have three months after the notice publication to make claims against the estate. If the creditor was contacted directly, they have 30 days to file a claim. In most cases, claims are paid out five months after the first notice was published. 

Florida laws dictate the hierarchy used to determine how creditor claims are paid off. Claims related to probate administration and attorney’s fees are paid off first. Next are funeral service providers. Then, any federal claims to the estate, such as back taxes, are paid.  

Objecting a Claim  

Personal representatives or any beneficiary with a vested interest in the estate can object to a potential creditor claim. They must file a formal written objection within four months after the notice was published or 30 days after the creditor filed the claim — whichever was later. 

Navigating the Complexities of Probate with the Boutty Law Firm  

Probate is a time-consuming process with many formal parts. To ensure probate proceedings are handled effectively and efficiently, it’s important to work with an experienced Florida probate attorney, like our team at the Boutty Law Firm. We’ll help guide you through the probate process and help assess issues, such as handling creditor claims. Call us at 407-710-0461 to schedule a consultation.