Probate Attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in St. Petersburg, FL

In St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, 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 commonly named in the will. If not, the probate court in St. Petersburg, Florida will name will appoint a person to serve as executor. This is usually the person who stands to inherit the most under the will.

The executor is the person who has to get the ball rolling on the probate process, and essentially serves as a living embodiment of the decedent's estate. It is their job to defend the estate from debtors (if a legitimate defense for the debt exists, of course), and wind up any legal proceedings that the decedent might have been involved in. If an executor needs to be appointed, a court usually chooses the person who will inherit the most if the will is given effect, since that person will have the most incitement to carry out the duties of the executor.

Duties of the Executor in St. Petersburg, Florida

The executor has several duties with respect to the will. First, it is his or her job to actually initiate probate proceedings, which often must be completed before the will is given effect.

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

Executors are also required to make available an accounting of the testator's debts and assets, so their affairs can be wound up, along with a list of everyone who is named in the will, or otherwise stands to inherit.

As the representative of the estate, the executor has to take charge of the probate process, filing the necessary 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 complete, they'll probably find it to be worth the time and expense.

How Can A St. Petersburg, Florida Lawyer Help?

Because this can be (though isn't always) a fairly complex process, it's a good idea to get a good probate lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida, especially if you find yourself being the executor of an estate, and aren't sure how to proceed.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida is the fourth largest city in the state of Florida, and a popular vacation destination for both domestic and international tourists. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in the Tampa Bay area, and home to just under 250,000 residents. The sizeable city is located between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay -- a location that makes St. Petersburg highly accessible. Nicknamed, "The Sunshine City"boasts 360 days of sunshine a year. Not surprisingly, St. Petersburg is also apopular retirement destination. The St. Petersburg Pier, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Salvador Dali Museum are just a couple of the more popular attractions in the sunny city. St. Petersburg is also home to three professional sports teams for football, baseball, and hockey as well as hosts to many amateursports teams. Professional athletes are not the only professionals that thrive in St. Petersburg. Doctors, lawyers, and accountants are also plentiful in the city. St. Petersburg lawyers have a range of skills and are available to help their clients with big or small legal problems. St. Petersburg lawyers are skilled in any issue a client may be dealing with. With the great weather and growing industries, it is no wonder that St. Petersburg also attracts so many fabulous attorneys.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH