Best Probate Lawyers in Tampa, FL

FAQs

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

  The Tampa Police Department's non-emergency phone number is 813-231-6130.

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

  Use the website https://cityoftampa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(vs5xsh4uftsomljjhmgqvrgn))/RequestSelect.aspx to create a request for a Tampa incident record. You will get an email message after your request is finished informing you that your files are prepared for download.

• Are self-written wills permitted in Tampa?

  If a self-made will complies with Florida's will regulations, it is valid in Tampa. You must have a minimum of two eyewitnesses present when signing your own will. Your will can become self-proving by being notarized, which expedites the probate process. However, you frequently aren't familiar with Florida estate law, so your do-it-yourself will probably fall short of adequately meeting your family's needs.

• How do probate attorneys in Tampa bill their clients for costs?

  Typically, Tampa probate attorneys charge their clients an hourly rate or a fixed fee. For less complicated estate proceedings, such as creating a trust or drafting and signing a final will and testament, attorneys typically only charge a fixed fee. You should budget between $250 and $600, depending on the extent of your estate planning.

• In Tampa, who handles probate cases?

  In Tampa, the personal representative designated in the will is typically in charge. The probate court selects an administrator to manage the process when a will is absent or fails to identify a personal representative. The nearest qualified relative or the individual who receives most of the decedent's assets typically gets the job. The court does not specify an estate administrator where there is no need for a proper probate case.

• How frequently should your Tampa estate plan be reviewed?

  A Tampa estate plan should be revisited at least every two to three years. Remember that an estate plan shouldn't be thought of as permanent. Death, a child's birth, a divorce, a marriage, or a handicap involving you or a beneficiary are all life changes that could call for a review. A review of your estate plan in Tampa is also necessary if your net worth or the beneficiary's net worth significantly changes.

• Does the Tampa personal representative get paid for their services?

  The will frequently covers the question of whether a personal representative in Tampa is to be paid for his or her services. The personal representative may be compensated if the will does not address the matter or if it expressly authorizes payment. The personal representative will choose the compensation amount, but the court will make the final conclusion if there is a dispute. A personal representative may receive up to 3% of the estate value.

• 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.