A Skilled Crestview Probate Attorney Guiding You Through Florida Probate And Estate Administration
Probate in Florida can be time-consuming and costly. At Ryan M. Mynard, Attorney at Law, P.A., my goal is to alleviate grieving families’ burdens by handling probate matters in a cost-effective, timely manner.
I offer guidance and representation to individuals and families facing probate issues in counties throughout Florida. I want to help you, too.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced estate administration lawyer, please contact me via email or call me in Crestview at 850-634-4656.
.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the process of accounting for and distributing a deceased person’s property and debts. In the absence of a will, the probate court will take charge of the deceased person’s estate and distribute property and debts according to state law. If there is a will in place, property and debts will be distributed according to the wishes expressed in the will.
During the probate process, a judge and the estate’s personal representative will make decisions regarding which parties should receive the deceased person’s property. Those decisions may be based on the will, other estate planning instruments (a trust, for example), or state law. In many cases, having an experienced probate attorney is the key to securing justice in probate.
Resolving Probate Disputes
If the deceased person died without an estate plan or if there is ambiguity in the estate plan, there is greater risk of a family dispute. Family members may disagree about who should be the personal representative for the estate, or there may be disagreement over debt obligations or promised gifts.
Whether you are a family member of the deceased person, or you otherwise believe you are entitled to property from that person’s estate, I can represent your interests in probate and work toward a timely distribution in your favor.
With more than 25 years of legal experience, Ryan M. Mynard, Attorney at Law, P.A., has helped families reach positive resolutions of probate matters, including real estate taxes in Okaloosa County, Walton County and counties throughout Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate And Estate Administration
To learn more about the probate process and estate administration, families can reach out to me at Ryan M. Mynard, Attorney at Law, P.A. Here are some questions you may have:
Do all estates have to go through probate in Florida?
No. There are several ways to avoid probate in Florida. Assets that are jointly owned, such as a house, joint bank account or vehicle, may be inherited by the surviving owner instead of going through probate. Assets may be left in a pour-over will, which essentially transfers all assets to a living trust and distributes funds to beneficiaries. Certain assets, such as clothing and furniture, may be considered exempt and do not go through probate. I can help families explore their legal options to minimize probate issues.
How long does the probate process take in Florida?
There are two common types of probate: summary probate administration and formal probate administration. A summary probate administration is for smaller estates with less than $75,000 in assets and no debts. This process can take less than six months to complete. A formal probate administration is typically much lengthier, depending on the complexity of an estate. Families can reach out to Ryan M. Mynard, Attorney at Law, P.A., to learn about their probate options.
Are probate records public in Florida?
Families often feel that the loss of a loved one should be a private matter. However, probate records are accessible by the public under Florida’s Sunshine Law. This means anyone can access crucial probate documents such as the will and the final accounting records. Access to these documents can help resolve disputes and help ensure the proper distribution of assets. Some documents may not be easily accessible such as bank account numbers, the cause of a person’s death and medical records. Families that wish to keep personal information about a loved one private may need to seek attorney representation to explore their legal options.
Schedule An Appointment
For a consultation regarding your rights and obligations in Florida probate, please call me in Crestview at 850-634-4656 or send me an email. I would be honored to speak with you regarding your goals and concerns.