Has someone in your family died in Florida without a will? Do you need to control assets that were held in the decedent’s name? This can be a very confusing and upsetting situation, particularly if the person that died is someone that is special to you. You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of tackling such an overwhelming task. But there is a process to help you sort things out. You need to open an estate with probate court.
How Do I Know If I Need Probate?
If your decedent’s assets were held in their name only, without joint owners or beneficiaries, those assets will have to be distributed through probate. Without a will, probate will be essential to be sure that assets are passed on legally and to the correct people.
What Should I Do First?
The first thing you should do is call a Florida attorney who specializes in estates and probate. Who you call will depend on where the estate is located. For instance, in Volusia County, if you need help with the probate process Ormond Beach FL attorneys are ready to help you. Contacting a probate attorney in the county that your estate is located in is essential to resolving your estate quickly and efficiently, and hiring a lawyer for probate is a legal requirement in the state of Florida.
How Long Will Probate Take?
Each case may take a different amount of time to settle depending on circumstances, the size of the estate, whether there are disputes with creditors or potential beneficiaries. However, it is reasonable to assume that the probate process will take between six and twelve months.
What If There Is a Legal Dispute?
Disputes to an estate are also handled through probate court. Your probate attorney can help you handle any claims against your case and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.