What happens if the deceased has a will?
If a will has been drafted, it will outline how the estate will be divided and distributed. If there is no will or it has been contested, the court will determine who the estate will be divided.
What happens during probate?
The probate process can be complicated and drawn out. At its core, however, it will first pay off debtors or obligations and then the estate will be divided and distributed.
Who is responsible for probate?
One person will be named the executor of the estate. This person is responsible for working with the probate court to execute the estate. The executor must first notify the public and all creditors of the death. He or she will then inventory the estate, including all property and assets. The executor will determine how much is owed to creditors and pay that amount. The remaining assets and property will be distributed to the heirs according to the will or the probate court’s final decision.
How long does probate take?
Probate can stretch on for a significant period of time with many roadblocks and delays. This could include having to conduct probate in several states or having to characterize certain pieces of property. With the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, however, you can greatly decrease the amount of time, as well as the fees you will owe.
At Kitroser, Lewis & Mighdoll, our estate planning and probate team works with each client to provide detailed guidance, as well as the information needed to carry out probate and the execution of a will as efficiently as possible.
For more information about how we can help, please contact our West Palm Beach, Florida, law offices today at 561-721-0600.
The North Palm Beach Estate Planning Lawyers of Kitroser, Lewis & Mighdoll, welcome clients from the cities of West Palm Beach, Stuart, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Singer Island, Lake Park, Hobe Sound, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Lake Worth, as well as all of Palm Beach County, Martin County and South Florida.
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North Palm Beach, FL 33408
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