Why You Should Hire a FL Probate Attorney
In Florida, the probate process can be complicated and sometimes very detailed. When a personal representative is asked to prepare the necessary paperwork to probate a will, the person may be emotionally distraught and unable to clearly determine what is needed by the circuit court. A FL probate attorney can help to avoid mistakes in filings, make the necessary corrections, and explain different scenarios that affect the rights of the individuals involved in a probate proceeding. Other prime duties of a probate and wills attorney can include the following:
- Identifying assets: A probate lawyer has the knowledge and experience to easily identify what assets are considered probate property and which are exempt from probate.
- Marshalling of assets: The marshalling of assets, (the process of collecting and accounting for the assets of a deceased person, or decedent) can often be complex and take a lot of time. This requires the collection and accounting of all assets of the estate, not just those assets subject to probate. Once the property is identified, a Florida probate attorney can begin classifying the property into exempt, probate and non-probate property. While this can be the job of the personal representative, a probate lawyer has the advantage of being experienced in this process -- and being emotionally separated from the assets.
- Completing paperwork: A probate attorney can also help to complete the necessary paperwork of probate, which includes court documents and federal tax documents. In fact, the circuit court requires specific documents to account for assets and debts of the estate. In addition to the court’s requirements, various tax forms must be completed before the estate can be closed. Probate attorneys will understand the details of these documents and know how to correctly prepare them.
Hiring a FL probate lawyer can be the simplest answer to many of the difficult questions presented by a probate proceeding. If you are in need of a skilled, experienced attorney to handle probate and wills in Florida, contact Paul H. Nessler, Jr., P.A. today.
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