In Satellite Beach, Florida, probate is the process through which a Court determines if a will is valid or not.

As part of the probate procedure, the court in Satellite Beach, Florida will determine the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, then, assuming everything is found to be in order, distribute the estate according to the will.

The executor of the estate is often named in the will. If not, the probate court in Satellite Beach, Florida will name will appoint a person to serve as executor. This is normally the person who stands to inherit the most under the will.

The executor is the person responsible for initiating the probate proceedings. The person who would inherit the most from the will is appointed, because they have the greatest inducement to move the process along as quickly as possible, so they can get their inheritance.

Duties of the Executor in Satellite Beach, Florida

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First of all, they have to actually initiate the probate proceedings with the court, and this procedure has to be completed before the will takes effect.

They further are required to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, normally by filing a death certificate.

If the decedent was even moderately well-off financially, it's likely that they'll have considerable amounts of both debts and assets. The executor is tasked with formulating an accurate accounting of the debts and assets of the estate, so as much of the decedent's debts can be paid off as possible.

As the representative of the estate, the executor has to take charge of the probate process, filing the required court papers, and, if necessary, hiring an attorney for assistance. If the estate is large, and the executor stands to inherit a great deal of money once this process is fulfilled, they'll probably find it to be worth the time and expense.

How Can A Satellite Beach, Florida Lawyer Help?

Because of the intricacies involved in probate, it would be smart to hire a brilliant Satellite Beach, Florida probate lawyer, especially if you are the executor of an estate and unsure how to proceed.