Probate And Estate Administration

Probate is the process by which a court validates a person’s will and supervises the collection and distribution of estate assets. The key takeaway for out-of-state residents is that real property assets must go through the probate process in the state where they are physically located. For example, a deceased New York resident who owns properties in both New York and in Florida will need his or her representative to initiate the probate process in both states.

Florida probate proceedings can be subject to delays, will contests, disputes and added costs if they are not handled properly. To ensure that your loved one’s property and assets are efficiently distributed to heirs and that all possible claims against the estate are cleared, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced Florida probate and estate administration lawyer.

Representing Out-Of-State Clients In Florida Probate Matters

Many people who are residents of other states own homes in Florida. When a nonresident dies, there may be a need for two probate proceedings: one in the state where the person was a resident and another in Florida to distribute the Florida property. 

What Services Do I Provide?

I can provide probate administration services in two ways:

• I can work with your out-of-state attorney as his or her main point of contact in Florida. I will complete all necessary steps in Florida while he or she takes the will through the probate process in a decedent’s home state.
• I can represent the Executor or Personal Representative, which I can usually accomplish without the need for my clients to travel to Florida.
• I will work with your Florida realtor to create an efficient transfer and sale of any Florida real estate should you desire to sell the property.

Regardless of your preference, I will work quickly to settle your loved one’s estate by:

• Filing all necessary paperwork and documentation with the appropriate authorities.
• Inventorying and valuing all property located in Florida.
• Notifying creditors of the estate.
• Distributing assets according to the decedent’s will.
• Formally closing the estate process in Florida.

I can represent the family member named as the Executor or Personal Representative, or serve as a referral probate lawyer for a lawyer in your home state. In most cases, I can complete the probate proceeding without the need for you to travel to Florida. I will keep you informed of the status of your probate proceeding by telephone and email.

Helping You Plan For The Future

In addition to my probate and estate planning services, I can help you craft a comprehensive estate plan when you are ready. It is important to have a last will and testament in place, and I can help you with other documents, such as power of attorney designations and a health care directive. Regardless of your particular financial situation, a properly drafted will, durable power of attorney, designation of a healthcare surrogate and living will are important tools which can protect your family’s future. From proper distribution of property and assets to choosing someone to make critical health care, financial and end-of-life decisions on your behalf, careful estate planning can help avoid disputes between your beneficiaries and greatly simplify the final disposition of your estate.

Get The Help You Need And Reduce Your Stress

I offer an initial telephone consultation so you can learn more about Florida probate law and the services I can provide, or you may contact my law office online. I’m Christopher Mast, a probate and estate administration lawyer in Naples, Florida. I assist executors, personal representatives and their families in Collier County, Florida to efficiently distribute their assets to beneficiaries after death. I also represent families from other states and their attorneys when Florida property needs to go through the probate process.