The Florida Bar recommends that a personal representative should always retain a qualified attorney to assist in the administration of a decedent’s estate. Many legal issues arise in probate administration that will be unfamiliar to non-lawyers.
What is Probate?
Probate is a process by which the court supervises the distribution of assets of an estate after a person dies (the decedent). The assets are used to pay probate costs and the decedent’s creditors. A circuit court judge governs probate proceedings and determines whether the decedent’s will is valid. If the decedent died without a will, the judge will determine the decedent’s next of kin who will inherit the estate.
What is a Personal Representative?
If the decedent’s will named a personal representative, the judge will determine whether that individual or institution is qualified to serve in that regard. The personal representative (P.R) is required to administer the probate estate in accordance with Florida law. If the decedent did not leave a valid will, the judge will appoint a personal representative, normally the surviving spouse, if any.
Experienced Probate Attorneys
The Tampa probate attorneys at Lieser Skaff Alexander provide comprehensive guidance and representation for personal representatives during probate estate proceedings. We have extensive knowledge of the probate courts and judges in the Tampa area. In the absence of a fee agreement between the personal representative and our firm, the amount of our fees is guided by Florida law and awarded by the probate court. You can rely on us to answer your probate administration questions and problems with accuracy and efficiency.
