In Florida, consulting with an attorney for probate is not only advised but required. Probate is a necessary court-supervised legal process essential for verifying and administering a person’s assets after their death. Florida probate ensures that assets are correctly distributed to the named beneficiaries. The Millman Law Group, established in 2018 by Aaron D. Millman, Esq., CPA, is here to help you through Florida probate in Boca Raton. Our team of skilled attorneys advocates for our clients and provides the consistent, patient, and professional services you deserve. We can help our clients through the probate process and help them avoid probate whenever possible to save time and money when transferring asset ownership. 

When Florida Probate is Required

You do not avoid Florida probate in Boca Raton when you create a will. In fact, a will provides written instructions to a probate judge about who will inherit your assets that need to be probated. There are a few types of Florida probate, with the most common being formal administration and summary administration. Which type of probate you use depends upon when the probate is filed in relation to the decedent’s death, the value of the decedent’s assets, and the decedent’s debts. 

During the probate process, an executor or personal representative is appointed for the estate. The beneficiaries are given notice of the will and have a chance to raise any formal objections. The time and legal fees associated with the probate depend on the type of probate required for the assets. However, there are ways you can avoid probate and move through a more efficient asset transfer. 

How to Avoid Probate with the Help of Your Estate Planning Lawyer

Working with an estate planning lawyer at The Millman Law Group is essential for helping you meet all of your planning goals in the most economical way possible. An estate can avoid probate by doing the following: 

• Owning assets under a living trust. A living trust, or living revocable trust, is similar to a will in that it helps pass along your assets after your death. However, the assets must be owned by the trust to avoid probate. Your estate planning lawyer can help you correctly transfer your assets into your trust. 
• Naming beneficiaries of financial accounts. To avoid unnecessary probate, it is common to name beneficiaries to your life insurance, retirement plans, and bank accounts. 
• Establishing joint ownership of assets. When you co-own property as a spouse, tenants by the entirety, or as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, if one of the owners dies, the surviving owner will continue to own the property without requiring probate. 

Ultimately, you can avoid probate by ensuring that every financial account, piece of property, and other assets you own is either jointly owned by another person, is owned by a trust, or has a current beneficiary associated with it. 

The Benefit of Working With Skilled Lawyers

When you decide to work with The Millman Law Group during your Florida probate process, your lawyer can not only make Florida probate in Boca Raton more manageable but can help you avoid all excess costs. Your lawyer is also helpful in navigating tricky situations, such as when someone dies without a will and their assets are declared “intestate.” 

If you wish to avoid excess costs, confusion, and disagreements after a family member’s death, work with The Millman Law Group.

Contact The Millman Law Group For Assistance with Florida Probate in Boca Raton

Millman Law Group, PLLC is one of the only law firms that offers life planning in South Florida. From life care planning to the preparation of detailed estate plans, Millman Law Group has committed to serving Floridian elderly communities in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Ocean Ridge, Hillsboro Beach, and many other areas since 2018. Our dedicated team specializes in special needs trusts and catering to any age demographic because we know that it’s never too early to start preparing for your future. For the latest news in estate planning and elder care law, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. You can also contact us at 561-463-6480.