Dean Law PLLC

When a loved one passes away (the “Decedent”), our experienced and caring attorneys and staff will guide you through the process of transferring the Decedent’s assets to the rightful heirs, a process known as probate. In Florida, a lawyer is required to assist a person in beginning and handling the probate process. Probates typically take between four to six months to accomplish and the wishes of the Decedent is accomplished in one of three ways: First, if the Decedent had a properly drafted and signed will, the will is filed in the probate court and, after paying all creditors, the decedent’s assets are transferred to the designated beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the will. If the Decedent had now will, the assets will be administered in accordance with Florida law, a process known as an intestate probate proceeding. Lastly, and a process very common now in Florida, a party may elect to establish a trust during their lifetime, in which case a probate proceeding may be simplified or even eliminated in certain circumstances and the Decedent’s designated successor trustee has the legal power to transfer the Decedent’s assets in accordance with the terms of the trust.