Probate a Will in Tampa
Probate lawyers of the Fuentes & Kreischer, PA law firm in Tampa, represent clients on all matters of probate disputes and cases involving the administration of a will or trust.
Probate
Probate is the method of managing your will after your death. According to the Florida Bar Association, probate involves locating and gathering the deceased person’s assets, paying off any debts, and then distributing assets to the beneficiaries. It is necessary to probate a will to pay off any debts and to manage the assets of the deceased.
Will
A will is a written document by a person of sound mind, 18 years of age or older, signed in front of witnesses. A will lets the testator (the person who creates the will) specify who receives the remainder of the estate after the probate fees and debts are paid. If a person dies without a will, the court will determine how the estate is managed.
Probate Process in Tampa
Probating a will takes place in the Circuit Court of the county where the decedent resided at the time of their death. Title XLII governs the process of probate in Florida. This statute can be found at the Florida Senate website. As the probate process can be time-consuming and intricate, it is best to work with estate planning attorneys who understand the Tampa estate administration laws, and are familiar with how the Circuit Court operates.
Can an estate avoid probate?
Yes, an estate can avoid probate if the testator has a life insurance policy with a beneficiary, property that is jointly owned, and property in a living trust. An estate planning and probate attorney in Tampa can provide you with additional methods of avoiding probate.
The probate process can take months and even longer if someone chooses to contest or challenge a will. Plan ahead by having your will prepared by a will and probate lawyer. Call Fuentes & Kreischer in Tampa today for a free initial consultation to plan your will, or ask us any questions you have about probating a will in Tampa. We can be reached by email or by phone at 813-933-6647.
