Valrico, FL Probate Lawyer

The Florida probate process often overwhelms families who just lost a loved one and need time to grieve; working with a Valrico probate lawyer can help people who are mourning the loss of a family member simplify the way forward. Attorney O. Reginald “Reggie” Osenton understands how emotional bereavement can be and how difficult Florida’s legal procedures can be to navigate. He can make this hard time easier for you and guide you towards a fast, efficient resolution. Call his office today to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Probate?

When a person passes away, their assets usually will have to go through a Florida court process known as probate before their possessions can be divided amongst their heirs. Probate involves carrying out the contents of the will (if there was one; if there was not, Florida’s intestate laws will determine how the estate is administered) through a series of court-supervised steps.

Most people have never heard of probate until they have lost someone and are suddenly facing it. When you’re dealing with such intense emotions, sorting through the legalities is the last thing you want to be doing, and you don’t get much time in between – in Florida, probate proceedings begin 10 days after someone dies. 

How Does Probate Work in Florida?

There are several steps that need to be completed by the estate executor (person named in the will who is in charge of overseeing the process) before probate can be resolved in Florida, including 

• Sending the deceased’s will or estate plan to the Florida court system for legal approval
• Contacting beneficiaries and notifying them about the deceased’s passing
• Formally notify creditors and the public about the deceased’s passing
• Negotiating with creditors to settle final debts
• Finalizing tax documents and outstanding paperwork
• Distributing assets as requested in the deceased’s will or according to Florida law

Completing all of these probate steps can be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive, but working with a Valrico probate lawyer can actually save you money and trim the timeline by several months. Osenton Law, P.A., has decades of experience helping estate executors fulfill their legal obligations in probate. We know everything that needs to be done, and we can handle it all for you so you can grieve in peace. 

Why Hire a Valrico Probate Lawyer?

It’s easy when you’re grieving to miss things, and even easier to make mistakes when you have never gone through probate before. However, any errors on your part (such as missing deadlines) can incur additional legal fees, prolong the process, or even lead to lawsuits from creditors or disgruntled family members. A probate lawyer can ensure that all of your actions are strategic and legally compliant so you don’t have to worry about personal liability and can preserve your inheritance as much as possible. 

Probate lawyers are vital, impartial third parties that can help minimize stress. Osenton Law, P.A. knows how tough distributing belongings and saying goodbye to loved ones is, so we keep our clients’ emotions in mind. We don’t speak confusing legalese and communicate with you coldly; we are compassionate every step of the way. We will remain patient and understanding through this tough time, work toward satisfactory solutions, and settle everything as quickly as we can for your benefit. If any issues arise, our firm has likely encountered similar obstacles before, and knows how to overcome them.

Working With A Valrico Probate Lawyer From Osenton Law, P.A.

A Valrico probate lawyer can help you avoid probate’s pitfalls and have a better overall experience than you would have had without professional assistance. If you’re navigating probate, call us today to learn how we can serve you. Our lead attorney, O. Reginald “Reggie” Osenton has been assisting clients with probate and probate litigation for over 33 years. He cares about what you’re going through, and his goal is to lift the heavy burden of probate off of you. You can trust that he will take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and do everything he can to simplify the way forward. Starting probate is time-sensitive in Florida; call Osenton Law, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.