Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Re: wills, trusts, estate

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

In Florida, once an estate is filed, a Personal Representative is appointed to handle the probate proceedings. Letters of Administration are issued by the court which authorize the individual to handle the affairs of the decedent and to distribute all property as set forth in the Last Will and Testament. This usually only takes a few months to set up the estate and to start things moving. You should contact the sister and ask her what the status of the estate is. Further, you can search the public records in the county in which the decedent lived to see if an estate was filed. If not, it may be time to retain an attorney to review this matter and to make some inquiries on your behalf.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.