How Long Does the Probate Process Take in Florida?

Everyone who has ever been involved in the probate process knows that it can be a long, arduous journey. But just how long does probate take in Florida? Every case is unique, and the length of time required for probate to run its course will depend on a variety of factors.

However, this article will provide an overview of the probate process in Florida, as well as some tips on how to speed things up if necessary. So without further ado, let's get started!

How long does probate take in Florida?

The length of probate varies as each estate is unique but in Florida, probate generally takes anywhere from four to twelve months - the average estate is settled within 6 months.

There are several factors that can affect how long the process will take, including the size and complexity of the estate, whether or not there is a will, and whether or not the will is contested.

If you are an executor of the estate in Florida, it is important to be patient and understand that the process can take some time. In this article, we will go over timelines you can expect to experience when settling your estate.

How Long Does Summary Administration Probate Take In Florida?

If you are settling a relatively small estate - less than $75,000 - you may be able to use summary administration to settle the estate.

Summary administration is a simpler and faster process than formal administration, it is available to estates that don't have a will or that have a will that doesn't name an executor.

The average time for summary administration is about 4 months, but it can take longer if the estate is complex or if there are contested claims.

How Long Does Formal Administration Probate Take In Florida?

Formal administration probate is a more complex and time consuming form of probate. In Florida, it generally takes about 12 months for the process to be completed.

This is due to the fact that formal administration probate includes various legal proceedings, such as hearings and trials. There are also a number of steps that need to be taken in order to complete the probate process, which can add to the length of time it takes.

How You Can Help Speed Up The Probate Process

There are a few things you can do as the executor of an estate to try and speed up the probate process.

1. Doing your executor duties as fast as possible. Speed on your end will increase the speed on the courts end, the faster you can get all of the documents, and forms sent over. The faster probate will take. For example: If there are any assets that need to be sold, try to do so as quickly as possible.

2. Settle any disputes that may arise between the beneficiaries. If there is no will, or if the will is contested, this can be a major cause of delays in the probate process.

3. Keep the estate as simple as possible. This means avoiding unnecessary complications, such as selling property or transferring assets.

4. You can work with an experienced estate planning professionals like ClearEstate. We can help you navigate the complexities of the probate process and make sure that everything is done in a timely and efficient manner.

While there is no guaranteed way to speed up the probate process, following these tips can help to ensure that it goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.

How Can I Find The Progress Of My Probate Case In Florida?

If you're the executor of an estate in Florida and you want to find out the status of the probate case, there are a few things you can do.

1. Look for updates on the court's website. Most courts will post updates on the progress of the case on their website. This can be a good way to get a general idea of where things are at.

2. Contact the court clerk. The court clerk is the person who is responsible for handling all of the paperwork related to the probate case. They can tell you what stage the case is currently in, and can provide you with more detailed information about what's happening.

3. Check the mail. The court will send out notices to all of the parties involved in the case, including the executor. These notices will usually include information about any hearings or deadlines that are coming up.

By following these steps, you should be able to get a good idea of the status of your probate case and what to expect next.

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the different types of probate that exist and which one is relevant to your estate. Summary administration is typically faster and simpler than formal administration, but it is only available for smaller estates. Formal administration can take up to twelve months to complete, but it is a more complex process.

Need Help?

There are a few things executors can do to try and speed up the probate process, including working with an experienced estate planning professional like Clearestate to help you through this process, contact us today with whatever questions you may have about probate - or talk to one of our estate planning professionals for free to ask any questions about your estate that you may have.