Central Florida Probate Lawyer Guiding You Through The Complex Process

Finding yourself responsible for a deceased family member’s estate can be stressful. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying off debts and distributing assets. Many individuals face this legal matter with little or no idea where to start. This is why you need immediate, clear guidance. Kathy D. Sheive is a skilled probate attorney who understands your need for knowledgeable support throughout this often-confusing time.

How Attorney Sheive Helps With Estate Settlement

Kathy D. Sheive, P.A., simplifies the complexities of Florida estate law for you. As an experienced probate attorney, Ms. Sheive assists personal representatives (executors) and heirs in Polk, Osceola, and Orange counties and throughout Central Florida. She works to make sure that every legal step of the Florida probate process is properly handled.

Ms. Sheive provides key services to make the estate settlement process manageable:

• Determining the right procedure: She identifies the correct type of probate for the estate (e.g., formal administration or summary administration). This can help you save time and money.
• Managing property and debts: Ms. Sheive helps gather and value the deceased person’s property. She also takes steps to make sure all legitimate debts and final expenses are paid correctly.
• Handling court filings: She prepares and submits all required documents to the court, guiding you through hearings and deadlines.
• Distributing property: She oversees the legal distribution of estate property to the correct heirs or beneficiaries accordingly. She also manages complex filings such as the homestead exemption where applicable.

With attorney Sheive as your probate attorney, you can focus on your family in this challenging time.

A Unique Focus: Time-share Probate

A common challenge in Florida probate is dealing with time-share properties. Ms. Sheive offers specific experience in time-share probate – a crucial service if the decedent owned a resort property. She handles the unique legal steps required for time-share deeds, helping you determine whether to sell, transfer or refuse to accept the time-share financial burdens.

Your Florida Probate Questions Answered

The Florida probate process often raises many questions for families. Attorney Sheive, your knowledgeable probate attorney, provides straightforward answers here.

What is the difference between summary administration and formal administration in Florida?

Summary administration is a shorter, faster process. You can use it if the total value of the nonexempt estate assets is less than $75,000. Moreover, you can use it if the person has been deceased for over two years.

Formal administration is the standard, longer process. It is required for larger or more complex estates. This process requires the court to appoint a personal representative. The representative must strictly follow Florida probate rules, including the notice to creditors period.

A probate lawyer can help you choose the right process from the start, so you can avoid critical legal missteps.

How long does the probate process typically take in Florida, and what causes delays?

A simple summary administration may take from a few weeks to a few months. Formal administration typically takes six to nine months, largely due to the mandatory two- to three-month creditor period required by Florida Statute § 733. Difficulties gathering the inventory of assets, managing beneficiary disputes or dealing with a contested will often cause delays. This is where a trusted probate attorney can be helpful.

What are the valid legal grounds for contesting a will in Florida?

Valid grounds for contesting a will are limited. The most common reasons for a contested will include:

• Lack of testamentary capacity: The person wasn’t of sound mind when signing
• Undue influence: There is coercion or fraud
• Improper execution: The will did not meet the signing requirements of Florida probate rules

A spouse may also claim an elective share even if excluded from the will. Ms. Sheive acts as a skilled probate attorney to litigate or resolve these issues.

Resolve Your Estate: Schedule Your Free Consultation

Whether you are local or managing an estate from outside the state, Ms. Sheive provides responsive, careful legal guidance as your probate attorney. She strives to achieve the smoothest possible transition for your family. The firm serves families across the Greater Orlando area, including Polk County, helping secure their financial and legal future.

Contact Kathy D. Sheive, P.A., today at 407-490-0355 or fill out the online form to discuss your estate settlement needs with a probate attorney.