Our Winter Garden Formal Probate Administration Lawyer Can Settle The Estate
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we provide comprehensive estate law services and representation to clients in the Orlando metro area. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, attorney Claire J. Hilliard can help you tend to all final affairs of the estate, including the often difficult process of formal probate administration. She has earned a reputation for her professionalism, knowledge and skill in this area.
What Is Formal Probate Administration And When Is It Used?
Formal probate administration is a court-supervised process to settle a deceased person’s estate in Florida. Because it can be both complex and time-consuming, most families would prefer to avoid it, which can sometimes be done through strategic estate planning. However, formal probate administration is necessary when:
- The value of assets subject to probate exceeds $75,000 and has been less than two years since the decedent passed away.
- The decedent owned real estate which will be sold.
Formal probate administration is what most people associate with the word probate. It is the most common type. In contrast, summary probate administration is a simpler, faster process suitable for smaller estates.
The Importance Of Working With A Skilled Attorney
There are numerous steps in the formal probate process, several of which come with court hearings. As an experienced probate attorney, Ms. Hilliard works with personal representatives (executors) as they tend to duties that include:
- Validating the will
- Locating and inventorying all estate assets
- Appraising estate assets
- Settling estate debts and tax obligations
- Working with other lawyers on ancillary probate matters, if the decedent owned real estate in other states
- Submitting court paperwork
- Overseeing asset distribution to named heirs and beneficiaries
Unfortunately, disputes among family members can add time, stress and expense to probate proceedings. As a skilled estate and probate litigation attorney, Ms. Hilliard can help you bring or defend against will contests and other legal disputes, as needed. She seeks efficient, cost-effective resolutions that preserve relationships and estate assets.
Let Us Help You Through The Probate Process
C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., is based in Winter Garden, Florida, and we serve clients throughout the Orlando metro area. To learn how our formal probate administration lawyer can assist you during this difficult time, call 407-255-7607 or reach out online.