Probate is the legal process by which property and assets are transferred after a person’s death. This process can be complex and can also involve high fees and lengthy litigation. When people speak of probate while talking about estate planning, they’re usually trying to figure out a way to avoid it. They often do this by making wills or by setting up trust funds of various kinds. This helps them to ensure that the assets they gathered during their lifetimes will be distributed the way they wish, and won’t be tied up in court for months or even years or go to the wrong parties against their last wishes.
How Does Probate Work?
The word “probate” is not a bad word, even though it often causes trepidation among those who wish to plan or administer an estate. Even when someone has the most well-written will in the world, a probate process is still needed to carry out the orders in the will. However, if a person dies without having made a will, the probate process then gets more complicated. The probate process then determines who will be entitled to the assets of the deceased under state law.
Why Everyone Should Have a Will
Everyone should have a will simply because without a will, the state may take a long, long time and charge a lot of money in fees to figure out where the assets left behind will go. This can cause conflict and grief for any surviving family members. Only by drafting a will can a person ensure that his or her wishes are honored after death. By following the legal guidelines in a will, assets can be distributed with a minimum of effort and expense, and heirs and beneficiaries can make use of their inheritance and move on with their lives.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Florida Probate Law Attorney Today
If you are the administrator of an estate or want to learn more about probate, call to schedule a free consultation with a Florida probate law attorney today. Although there seem to be many resources available online, you do not want to rely on a website template to write up your wishes for your assets after your passing. This is a time for the experts, and it is the most important time for your heirs, you would not want to let them down. The legal experts at the law firm of Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, P.A. will guide you through the probate process and help you each step of the way. Contact our Jacksonville, Florida office at 904-717-7747 and let us give you legal guidance you can trust.