According to Florida law, when someone dies without a will in Florida, the disposition of their bank account depends on the type of account (i.e. Joint Account, Convenience Account, POD account, or a one owner account with no named beneficiary) and the designations...
What Assets Are Exempt From Probate In Florida?
According to Florida law, homestead property, payable on death accounts, life insurance proceeds, joint tenancy with right of survivorship property, assets in trusts, retirement accounts, and certain statutory listed property are all assets exempt from probate and/or...
How does a formal and summary administration differ?
According to Florida law, a Summary Administration and Formal Administration are two distinct probate administrations differentiated by their complexity, cost, and the size of the estate. The key distinction lies in the estate's value and the necessity for a more...
Who initiates probate in Florida?
In Florida, the initiation of probate can be done by a variety of parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the estate. Generally, the personal representative (P.R.) named in the decedent’s will initiates probate by petitioning the court for appointment as...
Can a P.R. sell property without beneficiaries approving?
In Florida, a personal representative (executor) can sell the property of the estate during a formal probate administration without the approval of all beneficiaries based on language that may be contained in the decedent's will or in accordance with Florida statutory...
How long does an executor (P.R.) have to distribute assets?
According to Florida law, an executor (a/k/a "Personal Representative") has a duty to promptly settle an estate and make distribution of the assets to the beneficiaries: It is contended that the law makes it the duty of an executor to promptly settle an estate and...
What is the purpose of a petition to determine homestead?
According to Florida law, a petition to determine homestead in probate is typically filed to change record title to the property or release the personal representative from any obligations related to the property: Generally, petitions to determine homestead are...
Can a Personal Representative run a decedent’s corporation?
According to Florida law, the affairs of a corporation, even if substantially owned by a decedent, cannot be administered by the decedent's executor as assets of the decedent's estate: The District Court of Appeal held, and we agree, the language of Central Farmers...
What assets must go through probate in Florida?
According to Florida law, the assets that must go through probate include all real and personal property of the decedent, except the protected homestead (see below), within Florida and the rents, income, issues, and profits from it. This includes any property a...
What Happens When Someone Dies Without Having A Valid Will?
According to Florida law, any part of the estate of a decedent not effectively disposed of by will passes to the decedent’s heirs as intestate property: 732.101 Intestate estate.— (1) Any part of the estate of a decedent not effectively disposed of by will passes to...