How Do Personal Representatives Work With Probate Lawyers in Florida?
In Florida, the “personal representative” is the person responsible for overseeing the probate process after a decedent passes away. Probate can be quite complicated, and this is why many personal representatives choose to work alongside probate lawyers in St. Petersburg. How exactly is a personal representative supposed to collaborate with a probate lawyer?
Probate Lawyers Can Only “Guide” Personal Representatives
At the end of the day, the personal representative is the person in the “driver’s seat.” These individuals make the major decisions and push the probate process forward. On the other hand, probate lawyers can only provide guidance or “counsel” without making any major decisions themselves. One of the important roles of a probate lawyer is ensuring the personal representative adheres closely to Florida law.
Probate Lawyers Can Help Draft Communications With the Beneficiaries
Personal representatives are supposed to keep beneficiaries updated. This can be challenging, especially since these communications must be clear, detailed, and somewhat frequent. An experienced probate lawyer can help the personal representative draft these communications in an effective way, potentially reducing the chances of misunderstandings.
Communications with beneficiaries may be particularly important if disputes arise. For example, one beneficiary might object to another beneficiary inheriting a certain asset. Others might challenge the validity of the Will. Some might even want to have the personal representative replaced with someone else. Clear communication can resolve many of these disputes.
Probate Lawyers Can Help Personal Representatives Find Missing Assets and Debts
Probate lawyers also have advanced tools and strategies for tracking down missing assets and debts. Sometimes, these assets are incredibly difficult to locate. In other situations, the assets in question are easy to find but difficult to appraise. Since lawyers deal with these kinds of situations often, they can help wrap up this process as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Debts are often even more complex to resolve than assets. A lawyer can help the personal representative determine whether creditor claims are even valid. Next, they can strategically sell assets to resolve these debts, negotiate with creditors, and take other steps that help protect the financial security of the beneficiaries.
Probate Lawyers Can Help Personal Representatives Understand Their Legal Duties
The last thing a personal representative wants is to face legal issues because they weren’t clear on their responsibilities. Often, probate lawyers will meet with personal representatives and describe these legal duties in detail. From there, the personal representative can avoid numerous common mistakes associated with this role.
Can a Probate Lawyer in St. Petersburg Help Me?
Whether you’re a personal representative, a beneficiary, or both, a probate lawyer in St. Petersburg can guide you through the process ahead. While probate lawyers can help, personal representatives face significant administrative tasks and major responsibilities. Consider contacting Drude Tomori Law today for further guidance. We assist families and personal representatives in St. Petersburg, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0733/Sections/0733.602.html