Tampa Summary Administration Lawyers

Under the Florida Probate Code, certain estates are eligible to be administered through what is called summary administration, which is essentially a simplified, streamlined probate process. That said, summary administration isn’t right for everyone, so it’s important to speak with a team of seasoned Tampa estate lawyers to ensure you’re making the right decision.

Summary Administration Lawyers: Here to Guide You Through the Process

Though summary administration is a simplified process, it doesn’t mean you should go through it without a seasoned legal team in your corner. Here at Tampa Law Group, our summary administration lawyers have extensive experience guiding clients through this process and ensuring everything moves along as smoothly as possible. For legal assistance you can depend on, look no further than Tampa Law Group.

Who is Eligible for Summary Administration in Florida?

In order to be eligible for summary administration, the non-exempt value of the estate must be valued at less than $75,000 OR it must have been at least two years since the person passed away.

The Summary Administration Process

Once you determine a decedent’s estate is eligible for summary administration, you must take the following steps:

1. Collect all pertinent documents, including the death certificate, a detailed list of the estate’s assets (and their values), and any known debts. Additionally, identifying potential heirs and beneficiaries at this stage is crucial. Our team can assist in compiling and reviewing these documents to ensure completeness and accuracy.
2. With all documents in hand, the next step involves filing a Petition for Summary Administration with the probate court in the county where the decedent resided. This petition must include detailed information about the estate, heirs, and a proposed distribution plan for the assets. Our experienced attorneys can draft and file this petition on your behalf, addressing any legal nuances to streamline the process.
3. Though summary administration typically does not require the publication of a notice to creditors, it’s advisable to notify known creditors directly. This proactive step can help mitigate any future claims against the estate. We can guide you on the best practices for creditor notification, ensuring compliance with Florida probate laws.
4. After filing, the court will review the petition. While a hearing isn’t always necessary, the court may request one to resolve any questions or disputes among heirs or creditors. Upon approval, the court issues an order for summary administration, authorizing the distribution of the estate’s assets according to the petition. Our team will stand by you throughout this phase, ensuring that the distribution follows the court’s directives and the estate is closed properly.

What Are the Benefits of Summary Administration?

There are benefits to summary administration. Summary administration does not involve the appointment of a personal representative and does not require the publication of a notice to creditors. It is a more streamlined process thereby allowing the estate to be administered in a shorter period of time.

However, please keep in mind that summary administration is not always the best option. Summary administration is best suited for estates involving only a homestead or smaller assets such as low-value bank accounts or a vehicle.

Potential Drawbacks

There are several drawbacks to summary administration. Unlike formal administration, a personal representative is not appointed in summary administration which can lead to difficulty in determining and distributing assets. In some cases, complications in summary administration make it necessary to convert the case to formal administration. This leads to increased costs as well as delays in distribution.

Our Tampa probate lawyers can help you determine if summary administration is appropriate and assist you in the administration of the estate.

Contact Our Dedicated Probate Lawyers Today

If you have further questions or would like to speak with our knowledgeable summary administration lawyers about whether this process is right for you, simply contact Tampa Law Group today.