Clearwater, FL Probate Attorney

Anytime a loved one dies without a valid will or trust, their property has to go through the formal process of probate administration in court. Those who are unfamiliar with Florida’s legal system may find this procedure intimidating; it is definitely not something you want to deal with during a time of grief. We offer our condolences for your loss and are aware of how difficult death can be, particularly when there are legal complications. We are here to help you and your family if you live in or around Clearwater, Florida, and need help with probate administration. Our Clearwater probate attorney is well-versed in the intricacies of Florida probate law and will help you navigate them with compassion and understanding. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us right away so that we can set up a no-cost consultation and help you figure out what steps to take next.

Anytime a loved one dies without a valid will or trust, their property has to go through the formal process of probate administration in court. Those who are unfamiliar with Florida’s legal system may find this procedure intimidating; it is definitely not something you want to deal with during a time of grief. We offer our condolences for your loss and are aware of how difficult death can be, particularly when there are legal complications. We are here to help you and your family if you live in or around Clearwater, Florida, and need help with probate administration. Our Clearwater probate attorney is well-versed in the intricacies of Florida probate law and will help you navigate them with compassion and understanding. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us right away so that we can set up a no-cost consultation and help you figure out what steps to take next.

Fundamentals of Florida Probate Law 

The process of probate administration is a legal procedure that transfers the assets owned by someone who has passed away to their rightful heirs. This transfer can be made according to the instructions in the deceased person’s will or, if no will was left behind, according to Florida’s intestate laws. Unfortunately, administering an estate through probate can be a lengthy and expensive affair for family members.

In cases where the value of your loved one’s estate is less than $75,000, or if the person has been deceased for over two years, it may qualify for a simplified version of probate called summary administration. However, if the estate is valued at more than $75,000, you will likely need to follow traditional probate procedures. When your loved one passes away with a valid will in place, an executor or personal representative designated in that document takes on the responsibility of overseeing asset distribution. It is crucial for this individual to fulfill their duties in compliance with both Florida law and established probate protocols.

The Advantages Of Hiring A Clearwater Probate Attorney 

Handling the probate process on your own can significantly prolong its duration. It becomes challenging to concentrate on submitting legal paperwork and attending court hearings when you are still grieving the loss of a loved one. Furthermore, if you assume the role of personal representative, any errors or mishandling of responsibilities during estate probate could result in personal liability. Fines may be incurred if you miss important deadlines or violate Florida law while performing your responsibilities. 

Our highly knowledgeable and experienced Clearwater probate attorney is here to offer assistance in order to help alleviate the overwhelming nature of the proceedings associated with the probate process. At Osenton Law Offices, we can provide guidance and support for various aspects of probate, including:

• assessing the decedent’s estate for probate 
• submitting the will to the court 
• filing a petition for probate 
• answering any questions regarding probate administration 
• outlining legal choices 
• listing and valuing the decedent’s assets 
• notifying beneficiaries and creditors in writing 
• negotiating debts with creditors
• filing an estate tax return and paying estate taxes 
• transferring assets to beneficiaries 
• preparing a final accounting 
• And more

Many residents in Clearwater may not realize the benefits of having an estate plan, which can help their loved ones avoid the complicated and burdensome probate process. With our extensive knowledge of both estate planning and probate law, we are well-prepared to assist you in achieving your estate planning goals. By doing so, you can ensure that your family won’t have to go through similar difficulties after your passing.

Why Choose Osenton Law Offices To Represent You

Lead probate attorney Reggie Osenton of Clearwater’s Osenton Law Offices is recognized for his skill and experience in the field of estate planning and probate. For more than 15 years, Reggie has successfully guided many families through the complicated process of probate. He has assisted grieving families by providing them with the tools they need to move forward with their lives in the wake of a death in the family. His genuine concern for his clients is what sets Reggie apart. He gives each client his undivided attention and provides top-notch legal services that are specifically designed to meet their needs. 

Since probate matters are often time-sensitive, it is important that you act quickly.

By setting up a free consultation today, you can get answers to all of your questions and feel confident that your case will be handled quickly and correctly.