The word “probate” refers to the judicially supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s property. For many, this is easier said than done. A legal professional can assist during this process, but a Lake Mary probate lawyer at The Probate Pro also does much more.
Whether you need help after a family member died, you want to make plans regarding your property after your own death, or you need to ensure a vulnerable loved one is protected, The Probate Pro uses our years of education, experience, and excellent results for your benefit. In what is likely a difficult time for you, we can make things easier.
The property that a person owns when they die is called their estate, and estates must go through probate to be inherited. During probate, the deceased person’s assets are collected, their bills are paid, and any property remaining is distributed to the deceased person’s heirs.
Unfortunately, as you may imagine, probate can become a complex legal process. The person managing the estate, called the personal representative, may need legal assistance to ensure they comply with the law. They may even have to bring or defend lawsuits on behalf of the estate during the probate process.
Our Lake Mary attorneys can assist in all aspects of probate. We are masters in our field, are available to help personal representatives manage the process, and can represent any party in a contentious probate dispute.
An individual can spare their loved ones much of the expense and inconvenience of probate with thoughtful estate planning. A comprehensive estate plan includes a will, plus other tools to minimize the portion of their property that must go through probate.
But here’s the key: only property that is owned solely in the deceased’s name goes through probate. A Lake Mary attorney can devise a plan that moves many assets out of the probate estate. These can include, among others:
These strategies give the named joint owner or successor owner immediate access to the property upon the owner’s death.
Trusts are an invaluable tool for avoiding probate, and there are many forms of trust that can help a family accomplish various objectives. The top-of-the-line attorneys at The Probate Pro can help an individual choose the right trust to meet their goals, assist in administering the trust as necessary, and defend the creator, trustee, or beneficiaries in any dispute regarding the trust or its assets.
When a person is unable to manage their affairs, the law provides remedies that allow someone else to take over and make decisions for them. A knowledgeable Lake Mary attorney at The Probate Pro can help a family decide how to handle a loved one’s incapacity.
When a person disappears, is presumed dead, or is otherwise deemed unable to manage their own estate, Florida Statutes § 747.03 allows a family member to seek a conservatorship. Through the conservatorship, the family can make decisions regarding the person’s finances and property. A court will seek confirmation that an individual lacks the ability to make their own decisions, and then will appoint a conservator to make those decisions on their behalf. Courts will specify their authority and allow the incapacitated person as much autonomy as possible in the circumstances.
Probate law deals with sensitive, legally complex issues, and many people require professional assistance to manage it. You can rely on the largest probate coordination firm in the country to handle your matter with discretion and confidence. Probate and other matters of estates are all we do!
Our Lake Mary probate lawyers are ready to help you. Reach out to The Probate Pro today and learn why so many people have put their trust in us to guide them through the legal challenges of losing a loved one.