How to Avoid the Probate Process in Florida

Martin and Palm Beach County Probate, Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorneys

Probate is essentially the legal, court-led process of validating a deceased person’s Will, administering and settling their estate and distributing remaining assets to their beneficiaries.

The complications that may arise in the probate process often stem from the deceased having left no valid Will at all or if their existing Will is challenged for a legitimate legal reason.

The Florida probate process can be complex, lengthy and expensive. The best means of minimizing or even avoiding the probate process tomorrow is to develop a comprehensive estate plan today and update it as life’s events dictate (births, marriages, divorces, deaths).

Among the documented steps in your estate plan that can specifically help avoid probate:

* Designating payment-on-death beneficiaries for financial accounts and life insurance policies where appropriate (and when not to do it)

* Establishing a Revocable Trust

* Creating a “Ladybird Deed” to transfer real estate directly to beneficiaries upon death

* Setting up Joint Ownership/Joint Tenancy of real estate

You should work with attorneys who are highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of estate planning, wills, trusts and probate to help you create the plan that offers optimal protections to avoid probate and potential estate-related legal challenges.

At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, our attorneys and paralegals provide decades of skilled experience in Estate Planning, Will & Trust creation and developing client-specific strategies to avoid probate and minimize the possibility of future estate-related litigation.

We Are Your Family’s Lawyers

Offices in North Palm Beach and Jensen Beach, FL