Why do you need a probate lawyer to handle your relative’s West Palm Beach probate? If you are serving as the personal representative listen up. Besides the Florida Statutes requiring aresident agent you may also need a Florida licensed probate attorney to keep you off the hook for liability in your position as a personal representative.
When Do I Need a Probate Attorney?
- Florida law requires that in order to formally probate an estate you hire a resident agent.
- That is a fancy way of saying probate attorney.
- Technically you can hire any Florida licensed attorney to take care of it but you should trust experience.
- Do you know when something is considered a formal probate?
- Formal probate is the general category so if your probate falls into any other category you may be able to do it yourself although that is not recommended.
- Ancillary probate deals with property located in Florida for a foreign (outside of Florida) estate.
- Informal or Summary Probate may be an option if the testator has been deceased a long time or has less than $75000 in assets.
- Other than that you are going to need a probate attorney in Florida.
What Can a Probate Attorney Do For Me?
- A probate attorney can add a lot of value to any probate matter regardless of whether they are mandated by the law.
- For one thing did you know you may have to post a bond to be a personal representative?
- Did you know an experienced probate attorney may be able to get you out of it?
- You may also be subject to liability for your actions if you pay people to early or make other common mistakes.
- The probate attorney acts as a liason between you and the Court to ensure you understand the process and do not incur liability.
- They also help to move the probate along faster so that you can get that inheritance!
- Regardless of whether they make you get an attorney it is still recommended to ensure peace of mind and proper probate.