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Contact us today: 866.461.7474 or 727.461.7474 | 581 South Duncan Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756
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What to Expect at a Probate Court Proceeding

Clearwater probate lawyerThe probate process is the process where the court will determine what assets an individual has at death, what debts the person owes, and distribute the remaining assets to any beneficiaries. A St. Petersburg probate lawyer can explain to you all the general steps of the probate process:

  1. Personal Representatives are Appointed. The Circuit Court will appoint the executor nominated in the will or another interested person as the personal representative of the estate.
  2. Beneficiaries are Given Notice. Potential beneficiaries of the estate are given notice of the probate proceeding.
  3. Letter of Administration. The court will issue this document which will give the personal representative of the estate the authority to settle the estate and pay out the assets to the beneficiaries.
  4. Will is Validated. If the deceased individual left a will, the will needs to be filed in court and validated. The will may be validated by having witnesses give statements under oath regarding the authenticity of the document. In some cases, the will may be self-proving, meaning that the document itself proves the validity of the will.
  5. Assets are Inventoried. The court will supervise the personal representatives in gathering and inventorying the assets of the deceased. This includes any debts of the deceased and taxes owed. Any remaining assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries.
  6. Final Accounting Submitted to Court. The personal representative will submit a final accounting of the estate to the court. This is essentially a summary showing the assets of the estate and the plan for distributing the assets to beneficiaries.
  7. Estate is Closed. When the assets have been distributed, the personal representative will file receipts with the court and request that the estate be closed.

A St. Petersburg probate lawyer can explain to you that the whole probate process usually takes between six months and one year. If you need assistance with any of these steps, you should talk to an experienced probate lawyer.

Contact a St. Petersburg Probate Lawyer

If you have any questions about what to expect at a probate court proceeding or need professional representation for probate, contact a St. Petersburg probate lawyer. Schedule a consultation to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney at the Coleman Law Firm by calling 727-461-7474.

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581 South Duncan Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756


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Fax: 727.461.7476
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    Testimonials

    Mr. Coleman is obviously very knowledgeable in his field, but he is also very approachable, and easy to talk to. He takes the time to explain things fully in a way that is easy to understand. He kept me very well informed of the progress of my case, and then made a superb presentation at my final he… Read more
    A Litigation client
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    I’m very pleased with the way the Coleman Law Firm handled my matter. They were caring, fast, and I felt I was in good hands.
    Hollie J.
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    I engaged the Coleman Law firm on two occasions and all of my transactions were handled from out of state. Mr. Coleman and all of his staff were very knowledgeable and personable. They dealt with everything in a very professional and timely manner. They kept me informed of what was happening all the… Read more
    Jeannette Hoffman
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    Jeff & Emily prepared a complete estate planning package for me. All documents, including adjustments due to recent changes in the law and specific stipulations I requested. Everything completed in a professional, timely manner and with patience in dealing with me. I would recommend The Coleman Law … Read more
    Brad, an Estate Planning client
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    We are pleased to have this opportunity to describe how individualized your services were to our needs. Not only was the staff attentive, caring and helpful, but also the firm was extremely in tune to the complicated activity of market affairs and our particular problems. We would definitely recomm… Read more
    J.R. & S.D.
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    Mr. Coleman did our estate planning. He is a stand up guy who tells you like it is. I appreciated his honesty and forward thinking in our matters. I would use him again if I needed legal help in any way.
    Chelsea W.
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    My name is Dr. Christine LaRae Larson. I have been involved with Coleman Law Firm, needing legal counsel in my new role as a trustee. Personally and on the front end of my position, I had very little experience as a trustee. But now, as my involvement with Coleman Law Firm has continued, I am no lon… Read more
    Dr. Christine LaRae Larson
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    My husband and I saved and planned for a comfortable retirement. We retired in 2000. Due to improprieties and uncontrolled circumstances by our financial advisor and financial institute; we lost a substantial amount of our retirement savings. Thankfully, we were referred to attorney, Jeffrey P. Cole… Read more
    Lou & Sue Maas
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    Complete honesty and a close attention to all details involved in my case. Close guidance in all areas.
    M.A.B.
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    I have referred probably at least five cases to the Coleman Law Firm. I have found Mr. Coleman and his staff to be both knowledgeable and down to earth. Mr. Coleman assisted with real estate matters, probate matters, and some personal injury cases with success. I will continue to refer cases to him … Read more
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