Probate is a Florida court-supervised process for identifying and gathering the decedent's Florida and other probate assets, paying taxes, claims and expenses and distributing assets to beneficiaries. The Florida Probate Code is found in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes.

Florida probate law establishes two types of probate administration:

a)      Formal Probate Administration, with which most of this information deals and

b)      Summary Probate Administration, which is an abbreviated process for probate estates with less than $75,000 of non-exempt assets.

Florida probate law also establishes a non-administration proceeding called "Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration."  [Back to Top]

2.     WHAT ARE PROBATE ASSETS?

Generally, probate assets are those assets titled in the decedent's sole name at death or otherwise owned solely by the decedent and which contain no provision for automatic succession of ownership at death. For example:

    ·         a bank account in the sole name of a decedent is a probate asset, but a bank account held in-trust-for (ITF) another, or held jointly with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) with another, is not a probate asset;

    ·         a life insurance policy, annuity or individual retirement account that is payable to a specific beneficiary is not a probate asset, but a policy payable to the decedent's estate is a probate asset;

    ·         real estate titled in the sole name of the decedent or as a tenant in common with another person, is a probate asset (unless it is homestead) but real estate held as joint tenants with rights of survivorship or as tenants by the entirety is not a probate asset;

    ·         property owned by husband and wife as tenants by the entirety is not a probate asset on the death of the first spouse to die, but goes automatically to the surviving spouse.

This list is not exclusive but is intended to be illustrative.  It may be necessary to enlist the counsel of a Florida probate lawyer or attorney to determine what constitutes probate assets.   [Back to Top]

3. WHY IS PROBATE NECESSARY?

Florida probate is necessary to wind up the affairs the decedent leaves behind. It ensures that all of the decedent’s creditors are properly paid. Probate also serves to transfer assets from the decedent's individual name to the proper beneficiary. Florida has had probate laws in force since becoming a state in 1845. Florida probate law provides for all aspects of the probate process, but allows the decedent to make certain decisions by leaving a valid last will and testament.  [Back to Top]

4. WHAT IS A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT?

A last will is a written document, signed by the decedent and witnesses, that meets the formal requirements set forth by Florida probate law. A last will and testament usually designates a personal representative to administer the probate estate and names beneficiaries to receive probate assets. A last will can also do other things, including establishing a trust and designating a trustee.

To the extent a last will and testament properly devises probate assets and designates a personal representative, the last will controls over the automatic provisions set forth under Florida probate law. In the absence of a valid will, or if the will fails in either respect, Florida probate law designates the beneficiaries and designates the way to select the personal representative.  [Back to Top]

5. WHAT HAPPENS TO PROBATE ASSETS IF THERE IS NO WILL?

What happens if there is no will?

Contrary to the belief of some, the decedent’s assets are not turned over to the State of Florida unless no intestate heirs can be found, pursuant to the Florida law of intestacy. If there is no last will and testament, the assets of the decedent will be distributed to the intestate heirs as follows:

What is the meaning of "testate" and "intestate?"
·         Surviving Spouse and No Lineal Descendants. If there is a surviving spouse and no lineal descendants, the surviving spouse takes all.

·         Surviving spouse and lineal descendants.

            a)      If there is a surviving spouse and one or more lineal descendants (with the lineal descendants all being the lineal descendants of the surviving spouse as well as the decedent), the surviving spouse receives the first $60,000 of the probate estate plus one-half of the rest of the probate estate, and the lineal descendants share the remaining half.

            b)      If there is a surviving spouse and one or more lineal descendants (one or more of which lineal descendants are not also lineal descendants of the surviving spouse), the surviving spouse receives one-half of the probate assets and the lineal descendants share the remaining half.

·         No Surviving Spouse, But Lineal Descendants. If there is no surviving spouse, but there are lineal descendants, the lineal descendants share the estate, which is initially broken into shares at the children's level, with a deceased child's share going to the descendants of that deceased child.

·         No Surviving Spouse, No Lineal Descendants. If the decedent left no surviving spouse or lineal descendants, the probate property goes to the decedent's surviving parents, and if none, then to the decedent's brothers and sisters and descendants of any deceased brothers or sisters. The law provides for further disposition if the decedent is survived by none of these.

·         Exceptions to Above. The above provisions are subject to certain exceptions for Florida homestead property, exempt personal property, and a statutory allowance to the surviving spouse and any lineal descendants or ascendants the decedent supported. Regarding Florida homestead, if titled in the decedent's name alone, the surviving spouse receives a life estate in the Florida exempt homestead, with the lineal descendants of the deceased spouse receiving the exempt Florida homestead property upon the death of the surviving spouse. If there are no lineal descendants, the surviving spouse receives full ownership of the Florida homestead outright.  [Back to Top]

6.  WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE PROBATE PROCESS?

While there may be others, the following is a list of persons or entities often involved in the probate process:

• Clerk of the Circuit Court (See Question 7).

• Circuit Court (acting through a Circuit Court Judge, See Question 8).

• Personal Representative (See Questions 9 through 11).

• Florida Probate Lawyer or Attorney for the Personal Representative (See Question 12).

• Creditors or other Claimants (See Question 13).

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (See Question 14).

• Florida Department of Revenue (See Question 15).

• Surviving Spouse and Children (See Question 16).

• Other Probate Beneficiaries (See Question 17).

• Trustee of Revocable Trust (See Question 21).  [Back to Top]

7. WHERE ARE PROBATE PAPERS FILED?

Where is probate handled?

Probate papers are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, usually for the county where the decedent lived. A probate filing fee must be paid to the clerk to commence the Florida probate administration. The clerk assigns a file number and maintains a docket sheet which lists all papers filed with the clerk for that probate administration. The assistance of a Florida probate lawyer or attorney is required by Florida probate law for filing a formal probate administration or a summary probate administration.  [Back to Top]

8. WHO SUPERVISES THE FLORIDA PROBATE ADMINISTRATION?

A Circuit Court Judge presides over Florida probate proceedings. The Florida probate judge appoints the personal representative and issues "letters of administration," also referred to simply as "letters." This probate document shows to the world the authority of the personal representative to act on behalf of the Florida probate estate. The probate Judge also holds hearings when necessary and resolves all questions raised during the administration of the probate estate by entering written directions called "orders."  [Back to Top]

9. WHAT IS A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, AND WHAT DOES THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE DO?

The personal representative is the person, bank or trust company appointed by the probate court to be in charge of the administration of the probate estate. The generic term "personal representative" has replaced such terms as "executor, executrix, administrator and administratrix."

Can there be more than one personal representative (executor)?

The personal representative is directed by the Florida probate court to administer the probate estate pursuant to Florida probate law. The personal representative is obligated to:

• Identify, gather, value and safeguard probate assets.

• Publish a "notice to creditors" in a local newspaper, giving notice to file claims and other papers relating to the probate estate.

• Serve a "notice of administration" on specific persons, giving information about the probate estate administration and giving notice of requirements to file any objections relating to the probate estate.

• Conduct a diligent search to locate "known or reasonably ascertainable" creditors, and notify them of the time by which their claims must be filed.

• Object to improper claims and defend suits brought on such claims.

• Pay valid claims.

• File tax returns.

• Pay taxes.

• Employ necessary professionals to assist, including a Florida probate lawyer or attorney.

• Pay administrative expenses.

• Distribute statutory amounts or assets to the surviving spouse or family.

• Distribute assets to beneficiaries.

• Close probate administration.  [Back to Top]

10. WHO CAN BE A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE?

·         The personal representative could be an individual, bank, or trust company, subject to certain restrictions.

·         An individual who is either a resident of Florida, or is a spouse, sibling, parent, child, or certain other close relatives, can serve as personal representative.

·         A trust company incorporated under the laws of Florida, or a bank or savings and loan authorized and qualified to exercise fiduciary powers in Florida, can serve as personal representative.  [Back to Top]

11. WHO HAS PREFERENCE TO BE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE?

·         If the decedent left a valid will, the designated personal representative nominated in the will has preference to serve.

·         If the decedent did not leave a valid will, the surviving spouse has preference, with second preference to the person selected by a majority in interest of the heirs.  [Back to Top]

12. WHY DOES THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NEED AN ATTORNEY?

In almost all instances the personal representative must be represented by a Florida probate lawyer or attorney. Many legal issues arise, even in the simplest probate estate administration.

Do I need an attorney to handle an estate?

The Florida probate attorney for the personal representative advises the personal representative on rights and duties under the probate law, and represents the personal representative in probate estate proceedings. The Florida probate lawyer or attorney for the personal representative is not the Florida probate lawyer or attorney for the beneficiaries.

A provision in a will mandating that a particular Florida probate lawyer, attorney, or firm be employed as the Florida probate attorney for the personal representative is not binding on the personal representative.  [Back to Top]

13. HOW ARE ESTATE CREDITORS HANDLED?

Prior to commencement of probate proceedings, a creditor can file a caveat with the court. Upon publication of notice to creditors a creditor or other claimant may file a document called a "statement of claim" against the estate with the Clerk of the Circuit Court where the probate estate is being administered. This claim is generally required to be filed with the Florida probate court within the first three months of publication of a prescribed notice in a countywide newspaper. This three-month period is often referred to as the "non-claim period." The personal representative or any other interested person may file an objection to the statement of claim, after which the claimant must file a separate independent lawsuit to pursue the claim.  A creditor, or interested person will find the assistance of a Florida probate lawyer or attorney will be beneficial when filing caveats, statements of claim, objections to claims, and separate independent lawsuits.

The personal representative is required to use diligent efforts to give actual notice of the Florida probate proceeding to "known or reasonably ascertainable" creditors, to afford them an opportunity to file claims. A valid claimant is not viewed as an adversary of the personal representative but rather must be treated fairly as a person interested in the estate until the claim has been satisfied or otherwise disposed of.  [Back to Top]

14. HOW IS THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ("IRS") INVOLVED?

For federal income tax purposes, death triggers two things. It ends the decedent's last income tax year for purposes of filing a federal income tax return, and it establishes a new tax entity, the "estate."

The personal representative may be required to file the following returns, depending on income of the decedent, income of the estate and size of the estate:

·         Final Form 1040 income tax return, reporting income for the decedent's final tax year.

·         One or more Form 1041 income tax returns for the estate, reporting income for the estate.

·         Form 709 gift tax return(s), reporting certain gifts made by the decedent prior to death.

·         Form 706 estate tax return, reporting the gross estate and deductions, depending upon the value of the gross estate, to determine whether an estate tax (commonly referred to as the “death tax.”) will be due for the probate estate to pay.

The personal representative may be required to file other returns. Additionally, the personal representative has the responsibility to deal with issues arising from tax years prior to the decedent's death (including tax returns that were filed by the decedent or that should have been filed).

The personal representative has the responsibility to pay amounts due to the IRS from the decedent and the probate estate and may be personally liable for those taxes if not properly paid from the estate. If a federal estate tax return is required to be filed, an estate tax closing letter is necessary to clear title to Florida real property, and in some instances in order to close the probate administration with the court.  [Back to Top]

15. HOW IS THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE INVOLVED?

The personal representative is required to send a copy of the probate inventory to the Florida Department of Revenue. If a federal estate tax return is not required to be filed with the IRS, then the personal representative is required to record in the public records (and file in a formal estate administration) an Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due. If a federal estate tax return is required to be filed with the IRS, then the personal representative is required to file a Florida estate tax return, Form F-706, with the Florida Department of Revenue."

Regarding Florida's intangible tax, the Florida Department of Revenue may review the inventory to determine whether the estate, or the decedent while alive, failed to file a required intangible tax return or to pay intangible tax.

For probate estates required to file a Florida estate tax return, a nontaxable certificate or a tax receipt from the Florida Department of Revenue is required in order to clear title to Florida real property and in order to close a formal probate administration.  [Back to Top]

16. WHAT RIGHTS DO THE SURVIVING FAMILY HAVE IN THE PROBATE ESTATE?

Florida public policy protects the surviving spouse and certain surviving children from total disinheritance. Absent a marital agreement to the contrary (commonly called a premarital or prenuptial agreement), a surviving spouse may have homestead rights, elective share rights, family allowance rights, and exempt property rights. In addition, certain surviving children of the decedent may also have homestead rights, pretermitted child rights, family allowance rights, and exempt property rights. The existence and enforcement of these rights is often best handled by a Florida probate lawyer or attorney.  [Back to Top]

17. WHAT RIGHTS DO OTHER POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES (OTHER THAN THE SURVIVING SPOUSE AND CHILDREN UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES) HAVE IN THE PROBATE ESTATE?

Under Florida probate law, as with most other states, a decedent may entirely disinherit other potential beneficiaries.  [Back to Top]

18. HOW LONG DOES PROBATE TAKE?

For Florida probate estates not required to file a federal estate tax return, the final accounting and papers to close the probate estate administration are due within 12 months of issuance of letters of administration. This period can be extended, after notice to interested persons.

The federal estate tax return is initially due nine months after death and may be extended for another six months, for a total of 15 months. If a federal estate tax return is required, the final accounting and papers to close the probate estate administration are due within 12 months from the date the tax return is due. This date is usually extended by the probate court because often the IRS' review and acceptance of the estate tax return are not completed within that period.

Florida probate estates that are not required to file a federal estate tax return and that do not involve litigation may often close in five or six months.  [Back to Top]

19. HOW ARE FEES DETERMINED IN PROBATE?

The personal representative, the Florida probate lawyer or attorney and other professionals whose services may be required in administering the probate estate (such as appraisers and accountants) are entitled by probate law to reasonable compensation.

The probate fee for the personal representative is usually determined in one of five ways:

a)      as set forth in the last will and testament;

b)      as set forth in a contract between the personal representative and the decedent;

c)      as agreed among the personal representative and the persons who bear the impact of the probate fee;

d)     as the amount presumed to be reasonable as calculated under Florida law if the amount is not objected to; or,

e)      as determined by the Florida probate judge, applying Florida probate law.

Likewise, the fee for the Florida probate lawyer or attorney for the personal representative is usually determined (1) as agreed among the Florida probate lawyer or attorney, the personal representative and the persons who bear the impact of the fee, (2) as the amount presumed to be reasonable calculated under Florida law, if the amount is not objected to, or (3) as determined by the probate judge, applying Florida probate law.  [Back to Top]

20. WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE TO FORMAL PROBATE ADMINISTRATION?

Florida probate law provides for several alternate, abbreviated procedures other than Formal Probate Administration.

Summary Probate Administration is generally available if the value of the estate subject to probate in Florida (less property which is exempt from the claims of creditors) is not more than $75,000 or the decedent has been dead for more than two years.

Under Summary Probate Administration, the persons who receive the probate estate assets remain liable for claims against the decedent for two years after the date of death. This period may be reduced in Summary Probate Administration by publication of notice in a local newspaper

Another alternative to Formal Probate Administration is "Disposition Without Administration." This is available if probate estate assets consist solely of exempt property (as defined by law and the Florida Constitution) and non-exempt personal property, the value of which does not exceed the combined total of up to $6,000 in funeral expenses, plus the amount of all reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses incurred in the last 60 days of the last illness.

If the decedent was not a Florida resident at the time of death, an alternate procedure may be used to admit the will to record in Florida. This procedure is used to establish title to Florida real property. When admitted to record in any Florida county where the real estate is located, the "foreign will" serves to pass title to the real estate as if the will had been admitted to probate. This procedure is available only if either two years have passed from the decedent's death or the domiciliary personal representative has been discharged and there has been no estate administration in Florida.  [Back to Top]

21. WHAT IF THERE IS A REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST?

If the decedent created a revocable living trust, in certain circumstances, the trustee may be required to pay expenses of administration of the decedent's estate and enforceable claims of the decedent's creditors. In any event, the trustee is required to file a "notice of trust" with the court where the decedent lived, giving information concerning the settlor and trustee. The counsel of a Florida probate lawyer may be of meaningful assistance to the personal representative in this situation.

The Florida probate lawyer and attorney at The Coleman Law Firm, PLLC have more than 30 years experience working with personal representatives, beneficiaries, surviving spouses and the heirs to probate estates both with and without wills.  We also have significant experience working with creditors’ claims within the contest of probate administration.  We recognize the need for efficient probate administration, and the importance of keeping our clients fully informed of each step in the probate process.  We explain the probate process to our clients and help them understand each step in the probate process and why that step is necessary. If we can assist you with your probate matter, please call us toll free at 888-492-2468, or email us at Info@TheLakeCityProbateLawyer.com   [Back to Top]

If you need the assistance of a Florida probate lawyer or attorney, please contact The Coleman Law Firm, PLLC, so that we can help you with your probate needs.