Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Is probate required

My father passed away in Florida this year. He was at the time of his death an heir to his mothers unsettled estate in Tennessee. Since his death the farm has been sold and the current wife was paid 1/3 of the funds. Should this not have been put into probate? Are his children legally entitled to a portion of these funds?

We have been told it is illegal for her to accept these funds without placing them through probate. If this is the case what steps would we need to follow to recoup these funds?


Asked on 12/26/01, 2:55 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Louise Aron Attorney at Law

Duty to account

Louise Aron

Attorney at Law

Lakewood Office:

1536 South Ingalls

Lakewood, Colorado 80232 USA

(303) 922 7687

fax (303) 922-1370

Cherry Creek Office:

300 South Jackson #100

Denver, Colorado 80209 USA

(303) 780-7339

Satellite offices:

Boulder - 4450 Arapahoe Avenue, #100

DTC - 4610 South Ulster, #150

A TOLL FREE NUMBER is available to clients outside the Denver metro area.

My email: [email protected]

My web site http://effectnet.com/la/

LawGuru User

Dear LawGuru User:

I don't have enough information to answer your question with certainty.

Probate is a process, not a place. With or without probate, the law, and the wishes of the deceased, must be followed.

Your grandmother's will and your father's will need to be examined by a lawyer to determine what property you and your siblings are entitled to upon their deaths.

The personal representative (executor) of your grandmother's estate had (has) a duty to make disbursements only to those who are heirs. A personal representative must account for all disbursements. If this was not done, the personal representative for your grandmother's estate, his or her attorney, and/or the court in the county where papers have been filed should be contacted immediately.

If papers have not been filed to initiate a probate case for your grandmother, then it is likely that Tennessee (I practice in Colorado) has procedures which you and your siblings can follow to accomplish that.

Thank you for using LawGuru.

Sincerely,

Louise Aron

Attorney at Law

My web site http://effectnet.com/la/

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Answered on 12/26/01, 6:39 pm
Sanford Martin Martin Law Office

Re: Is probate required

More information is required to advise you re legal options. The wills of your father and grandmother should be read to determine their intent in distributing their property. It's not clear how ownership of the farm was held. Land can be owned so as to avoid probate. Only a review of the wills and ownership of property can reveal whether probate is required and who should receive the property. An an interested party, you can obtain information from the local county where probate has been filed, whether a will has been filed, etc. You are advised to consult with a local attorney experienced in such matters.

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Answered on 12/27/01, 12:18 pm


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