Naples Probate Attorney
Have you been named the personal representative of a loved one’s estate? This is a confusing time for many people who have no idea what their responsibilities are in probate. At Ronald Cutler, P.A., we help individuals navigate the probate process. Call our firm if a loved one has died and you have questions about what is about to happen next. We can answer your questions and provide an overview of the process. Our Naples probate attorneys help personal representatives, as well as family members who are unhappy and want to challenge a will.
Why is Probate Necessary?
Probate is a court-supervised process for administering a person’s estate when they pass. The goal is to create an orderly process for:
- Gathering the assets owned by the deceased person;
- Paying any outstanding debts owed by the deceased at death;
- Bringing lawsuits on behalf of the estate;
- Paying taxes and other obligations;
- Distributing the estate assets to whomever was named as a beneficiary to inherit them.
Without probate, everything could become a free-for-all. The first creditors to find out about the death would get paid before other creditors—or possibly not paid at all, if the family kept all the estate assets for themselves. Probate ensures that creditors are paid first and then the estate is distributed according to any will or the state’s intestacy statute.
Full probate isn’t always necessary. You might do a summary administration procedure if the deceased has been dead for at least two years or the estate is worth $75,000 or less. That can speed up the administration to the benefit of everyone involved.
What is the Personal Representative’s Job?
The representative essentially guides the estate through probate. They literally “represent” the estate. They have an obligation to follow the will and protect the value of the estate.
Our firm can assist anyone serving as personal representative. You have critical duties, and you must fulfill them with care. For example, you can’t fail to keep estate assets safe. You might have to purchase insurance on a vehicle or property to protect against damage or a decline in value, or must pay to store items, like motor vehicles.
Let’s talk. The courts are not prepared to offer legal advice to people serving as personal representatives. The court clerk can’t do the work for you. We can help you identify if you can use summary administration or disposition without administration.
We can also help you fulfill your obligations, so that you don’t end up sued by disappointed family members. Obtaining a attorney’s services can also minimize disputes in your family.
Contact Our Naples Probate Attorneys Today
Ronald Cutler, P.A., has helped countless people serving as personal representatives in Naples and surrounding areas. Probate is confusing to many, but we bring sunlight and clarity to the process. With our legal team at your disposal, you can fulfill your responsibilities with flying colors. You also will never feel abandoned when you hire us. Call to schedule a consultation with a Naples probate attorney at our firm.
