Jacksonville, Florida: Probate Administration Lawyer
Unlike in some states, probate cannot be avoided in Florida. If you have been named as the personal representative or executor of someone who dies in Florida, the estate must go through probate.
The probate process can be complex and requires figuring out answers to several difficult questions. A lawyer is not required, but hiring one is a good idea, especially if the estate has many claims against it by creditors - hoping to take bites out of the estate's assets before the remainder is turned over to the heirs named in the will.
W. David Vaughn, Esq. · Jacksonville, Florida Probate Administration Attorney 904-475-1646 · E-mail
The main objective of the personal representative of an estate is to move the estate through probate as quickly as possible and without giving up too many of the estate's assets to creditors - so that the heirs named in the deceased person's will may receive their bequests in a timely fashion. Timeliness is greatly impacted by the format in which the probate case is filed, and the validity of creditors' claims can be challenged.
There are several different formats in which a probate case can be filed. I provide advice to my clients about the best format for them to file their probate case: administrative probate, summary administration, regular administration or short-form.
I take special pride in my ability to protect an estate from unreasonable creditor claims. Sometimes this can be accomplished by timing the probate filing in a certain way. If not, creditor claims may be attacked. When I serve as the executor's legal advocate, I challenge every questionable creditor claim. Often, these claims are for medical services, and there are legitimate questions as to the amount charged for the medical service provided - sometimes there is even a question as to whether a medical service was provided at all.
My ultimate goal is to guide the estate through probate quickly and without giving in to unreasonable claims by creditors which will greatly decrease the amount of money left over to provide to the heirs named in the will.
Many Probate Administration Services Provided for a Flat Fee
If you have been named personal representative or executor of an estate that must be probated in Florida, I invite you to contact me to discuss how I can help you accomplish the goals of the estate as described in the deceased person's will.
I can be reached by phone at 904-475-1646 or by e-mail.