Best Probate Lawyers in Hialeah

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hialeah, Florida?

  (305) 687-2525 is Hialeah Police Department's non-emergency line.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Hialeah, Florida?

  If you wish to obtain a copy of a police report, you can drop by the Hialeah Police Department's Records division at 5555 E 8th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33013. Public access to reports is granted once they have been approved and processed. You may also call (305) 687-2500 ahead of time to inquire about the availability of a requested report.

• What is summary probate administration in Hialeah?

  Summary probate administration is a faster alternative for certain estates, bypassing the longer formal process. It can be executed if the death occurred over two years ago or if the probate estate's value, excluding non-probate assets, is under $75,000. The process can be initiated in Hialeah by the executor or any beneficiary by submitting a Petition for Summary Administration that includes a list of all the estate's assets and beneficiaries. All named beneficiaries must either sign or be notified of the petition. If no issues arise, the court can issue an order releasing the listed property to the rightful beneficiaries, saving time in the administration process.

• Is there a specific time limit for initiating a lawsuit to challenge a will in Hialeah?

  Under Florida law, individuals who are beneficiaries, heirs, or have an interest in an estate must act within 90 days from the issuance of a Notice of Administration to legally contest a will. This timeframe is relatively short, requiring prompt action to review the will, explore legal options, and initiate a lawsuit. Consequently, if you have concerns about contesting a will, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a probate attorney in Hialeah.

• What happens if one of the heirs or beneficiaries of an estate in Hialeah cannot be located or is missing?

  On certain occasions, it is possible for an heir or beneficiary in Hialeah to be untraceable. In such situations where an heir or beneficiary is missing or cannot be located, the legal system in your jurisdiction may authorize the personal representative or executor to place the portion intended for the absent heir or beneficiary into the court registry.

• What is the typical duration of the probate process in Hialeah?

  The duration of the probate process in Hialeah varies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Summary administration cases are notably shorter and can be completed within a few months. In contrast, formal administration is a lengthier procedure lasting approximately 6 to 12 months, assuming no disagreements arise among the involved parties. If conflicts do occur, the probate process may extend over several years.

• What is the significance of a personal representative in Hialeah regarding estate administration?

  A personal representative in Hialeah holds a crucial position in probate administration, surpassing all others in significance. They possess the exclusive authority to temporarily manage estate assets, settle lawful debts owed, and allocate the remaining estate property to the rightful heirs of the deceased. A personal representative assumes a fiduciary role and is responsible for expediting the estate settlement process while minimizing any loss of value. In simpler terms, their actions must solely serve the best interests of the estate and its heirs.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.