In Florida, probate is a court-supervised procedure for administering a deceased person’s estate. This procedure includes identifying and collecting the decedent’s assets, paying the decedent’s debts and funeral expenses, and distributing the decedent’s assets to his or her beneficiaries.  The court generally must appoint a “Personal Representative” to manage the…

It is snowbird season in Florida, the time of year when residents of northern states migrate to the Sunshine State to escape the harsh winters.  Florida has long been a popular destination for snowbirds wanting to spend the winters in a warmer climate, and eventually to relocate permanently.  Those who…

››The Internal Revenue Service recently issued Rev. Proc. 2022-32, which permits certain estates up to 5 years to file a federal estate tax return (Form 706) in order to make a portability election and thereby transfer a decedent’s unused estate tax exemption to his or her surviving spouse; an estate…

Probate in Palm Beach County can vary based on the circumstances, but generally, formal administration can take 12 to 15 months to complete. Summary administration can take less than a month to complete. However, the probate process can take longer if disputes or other difficulties arise. When working with a…

In Florida, the hearsay rule does not bar the contents of, and most testimony about, a decedent’s will or trust. The Florida “hearsay rule does not bar the testimony of the plaintiffs regarding (1) the fact that the decedent had executed a will and (2) the contents of the will.”…