Inheritance Law Jacksonville

Consultant in Jacksonville, Florida

JUDY-ANN SMITH LAW FIRM, P.A. – COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU

The Judy-Ann Smith Law Firm, P.A. located in Jacksonville, Florida provides legal services in the areas of Inheritance Law, Probate, Wills, Trusts and Estate Law to meet the needs and goals of individuals and families throughout the state of Florida.

Inheritance laws in Florida may seem somewhat confusing and similar to most other states, there are differences in how an estate is handled if someone has a will or trust in place, or if they die without a will (known as intestate).

Dealing with Inheritances and Wills

In Florida, if someone dies and has a will the estate will go through the probate process. The court certifies the validity of the will and approves the named personal representative (executor). Once the personal representative is approved, they have an obligation to gather any assets that are not jointly owned, or have named beneficiaries and obtain a valuation.

Beneficiaries and creditors of the decedent are then notified by the personal representative. Any heir who believes they should be entitled to an inheritance of an estate and was not named in the will may have a legal right to file a petition to determine beneficiaries.

Dealing with Inheritances and Trusts

While the purpose of a trust is generally to avoid probate, the trustee is still required to notify the probate court using a document called a Notice of Trust. This is to ensure that all beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors of the decedents are aware of the death and allow creditors to file claims against the trust for unpaid debts. The Notice of Trust should be filed as soon as possible after death of the trust creator.

Website:

https://www.myinheritancelaw.com/

Address:

1301 Riverplace Blvd. Suite 800,

Jacksonville,

Florida

32207

Phone:

904-562-1369

Email:

[email protected]

Hours: