Probate Lawyers In Fort Lauderdale, FL

The passing of a loved one brings not only emotional turmoil but also a whirlwind of legal and financial concerns. The daunting probate process in court may exacerbate these worries. But with the legal advice and guidance of dedicated Florida probate attorneys from Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC, you can navigate this journey quickly and easily, saving both time and money when probating a loved one’s estate .

What is Probate?

At its core, probate is the legal validation of a person’s Last Will and Testament (or simply, a will). Imagine probate as a big checklist that the court uses to make sure a person’s final instructions (what they wanted to do with their possessions and assets after they’re gone) are followed. If they left a will, the probate administration process helps make sure what’s in the will happens. If there isn’t a will (also known as dying “intestate”), probate helps decide who gets what from that person’s estate.

Throughout this process, if not already named in the will, a trustworthy individual, often the spouse, parent, adult child or sibling of the person who died (also called a decedent), is appointed by the probate court to oversee the estate’s distribution. This person (known as the personal representative in Florida) ensures the decedent’s wishes, as outlined in the will, are fulfilled.

When there is no will or if family members don’t agree on what the will says, the probate process can be quite complicated. That’s when you need an experienced probate attorney to help guide you through the process.

What Are the Different Types of Probate in Florida?

When a person dies in Florida, is probate always necessary? Probate is needed if the person who died owned something just in their name, like a solo bank account, regardless of how much money is in it. Even if there’s only $2,000 in their account, the family or heirs of the decedent will need some help from the probate court to have access to that account.

The kind of probate needed largely depends on how much the estate (everything the person owned when they died) is worth. In Florida, there are generally four types of probate processes. Each type of probate has its own rules and steps, so it’s often helpful to have an experienced probate lawyer, such as the probate attorneys at Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC, guide you through whichever type of probate applies to your situation.

When Should You Seek a Probate Attorney?

While many probate scenarios progress without a hitch, certain complexities require the experience of a seasoned probate lawyer.

In Florida, if an heir doesn’t agree with something in a will, he or she can ask the court to look at it again. This is when having a probate attorney on your side is like having a guide on a tricky hike. Navigating a probate lawsuit can be difficult and require expert legal guidance for a variety of reasons, from contesting an inheritance to challenging trust accountings.

What’s The Difference Between Probate & Non-Probate Assets?

When planning your estate, it’s important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Probate is the process through which a court determines how to distribute your property after you die. Some assets are distributed to heirs by the court (probate assets) and some assets bypass the court process and go directly to your beneficiaries (non-probate assets).

The probate process includes filing a will with the court and appointing a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator), collecting assets, paying bills, filing taxes, distributing property to heirs, and filing a final account. This can be a costly and time-consuming process; that where a seasoned probate attorney can help.

How Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC’s Experienced Probate Attorneys Support You

Going to probate court might seem daunting, but you don’t have to do this alone. The compassionate and proficient probate attorneys at Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC are dedicated to supporting clients and families during these trying and often emotional times. Our aim? To make the probate process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Dealing with all this can seem like trying to solve a big puzzle. At Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC, our job is to help families like yours put the puzzle pieces together and make things as easy as possible for you.

Connect with a Trusted Probate Partner at Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC Today

Eager to know more about Florida’s probate process? Schedule a consultation and strategy session with our seasoned probate attorneys today. Please contact us online, or call us at 305-919-7788. Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC’s attorneys  are available throughout the state of Florida and can meet with you at your convenience – by phone, video conference or at our main office. Gottlieb Wagner, PLLC ensures dedicated estate planning assistance is always within your reach.