In Florida, the assets of an estate can be transferred in three different ways upon the death of the estate owner. Some assets are transferred freely without a court’s approval by contractual terms. A court will also provide limited administration for an estate worth under $75,000. Finally, there is a formal administration for large estates without a valid will. A lengthy probate is not always necessary if the owner of the estate has a will that dictates how a person’s assets are to be distrusted upon his or her death.
Assets that Avoid Probate
There are some types of property that can be transferred to a new owner without a probate court’s approval. One of the most common types of non-probate property is property that is owned by multiple people in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship or as tenants by the entireties. This property is usually owned by married couples such as a car or house.
Assets held in a trust may also avoid the probate process. The other type of asset that can bypass the probate process is an asset for which the person has designated a beneficiary. A good example of this is a payable on death bank account or life insurance proceeds.
Summary Administration
When a person dies with very few assets, the executor of the estate may use a summary administration. A summary administration is a much quicker process than the formal administration. A summary administration can be used in Florida if: (1) the death occurred more than 2 years ago, or; (2) the value of the probate estate, not including the non-probate assets, is not more than $75,000.00.
To start a summary administration, the personal representative will file a petition for summary administration. The petition must be formally served to the beneficiaries, if they did not sign or consent in writing with the petition, If there is no executor, and the court determines that the estate qualifies for summary administration, the court will simply issue an order to release the property to the beneficiaries.
Formal Administration
If the estate does not qualify for a summary administration, formal probate may be necessary. The probate proceeding will usually take place in the county where the deceased person was living at the time of his death. The law in Florida requires anyone who has possession of a will to file it with the local circuit court within 10 days of receiving notice of the death.
The court will then issue a Letters of Administration, which gives the executor the authority to settle the estate. If a will exists, it must be filed with the court and proven valid. Most likely the will be deemed “self-proving.” Under Florida law, a will is self-proving, if the witnesses sign the will in front of a notary public.
The executor will be responsible for gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries. After the estate has been properly distributed, the executor files the receipts of his distribution with the court, and asks the estate to be closed. The court will then issue an order closing the estate and the executor will be relieved of his duties.
For more information on an estate is probated and how a will can prevent a lengthy probate process, contact the Law Office of David Goldman PLLC today at 904-685-1200.