Probate Attorney in Winter Haven, Florida

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in Winter Haven, FL

In Winter Haven, Florida, probate is the process through which a Court decides if a will is valid or not.

As part of the probate procedure, the court in Winter Haven, Florida will decide the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, then, assuming everything is deemed 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 Winter Haven, 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 who has to get the ball rolling on the probate process, and basically serves as a living personification 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 immersed in. If an executor needs to be appointed, a court normally chooses the person who will inherit the most if the will is given effect, since that person will have the most incentive to carry out the duties of the executor.

Duties of the Executor in Winter Haven, Florida

There are quite a few things that an executor is accountable for. At the outset, they are obligated to file the probate action with the appropriate court. No progress, let alone any final disposition of the estate, can be made until this happens.

Furthermore, it's the executor's job to notify all concerned parties that the person who made the will has died. "Interested parties" are typically people who are named in the will, or who would inherit the estate if the decedent had died without a will.

If the decedent was even slightly 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.

Additionally, the executor is obligated to take a leading role in showing the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.

How Can A Winter Haven, Florida Lawyer Help?

Because this process can be fairly difficult, it is not a bad idea to consult with a seasoned probate lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida, especially if you find yourself as the executor of an estate and don't know how to proceed.

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

Life in Winter Haven

Located in Polk County, Winter Haven Florida is home to just under 30,000 residents. The charming city is home to the second largest Legoland in the world and is also the site of the first Publix Supermarket Store.Winter Haven served as the former spring baseball training site for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox and it is easy to see that city's enthusiasm for sports in the many parks and recreation centers that dot the city.

Winter Haven is home to one college: Polk State College, which is a popular choice for local students to attend. With a heavy emphasis on education, Winter Haven is home to some top professionals including bankers, doctors, accountants and lawyers. Winter Haven lawyers enjoy everything the city has to offer, both personally and professionally. Winter Haven lawyers were trained at some of the nation's top universities and are always happy to help their local client with whatever the legal issue may be.

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