Probating 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.
A will is a handwritten or typed declaration of a person who is over 18 and of sound mind. For the will to be valid, it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and submitted to the court.
Finding a Personal Representative
When you create a will, thought should go into selecting the proper personal representative to administer your estate. Your personal representative will have a daunting task locating and collecting information to probate your will. In Florida, a personal representative needs to be a Florida resident, over 18, and never convicted of a felony.
Finding the Right Probate Law Firm in Tampa
Although a personal representative can probate a will without the help of an attorney, the tasks involved are quite intricate and time-consuming. A will and probate attorney will make the process much easier. Finding the right law firm is important also. If there is an error during the preparation or execution of the will, the attorney who prepared the will can be sued by the beneficiaries.
Steps to Probate a Will
The personal representative with the help of a will and probate attorney, will administer the estate according to Florida inheritance laws. The personal representative will:
- Identify and collect the decedent’s assets;
- Place a "Notice to Creditor" in the local news;
- Serve a "Notice of Administration" which announces the administration of the estate in case someone wishes to challenge the will;
- Searches for creditors;
- Files tax returns;
- Pays claims, expenses, and taxes; and
- Distributes the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries.
Probating a will shouldn't be done without the help of a professional. At Fuentes & Kreischer, we have provided professional and thorough legal help to personal representatives. We also are skilled litigators should a problem arise and the will is challenged. Contact us through our web form or call us at 813-933-6647.
