Those who have not engaged in estate administration or who haven’t lost any close loved ones as adults often don’t know much about the probate process. Frequently, the only thing they know is that probate court is notorious for taking a long time to complete. Some adults even choose not to serve as the personal representative or executor of an estate because they feel like they cannot commit to months of obligations.
Despite the perception, not every estate in Florida requires an in-depth probate process. Those that do typically follow a reasonable timeline.
Basic probate management requires several months at least
In the simplest of scenarios where minimal oversight is required and there are few assets to distribute, summary probate administration could take as little as five or six months from start to finish. However, for the average estate that requires full administration and court proceedings, it is common for the probate process to last between nine and 12 months.
In cases involving disputes and highly complex estates, the process can sometimes take as long as two years, possibly even more than that. Generally, the beneficiaries of an estate will have to wait until the completion of the process to receive any major assets, and the personal representative of the estate will have to continue fulfilling their duties until the end of that process, however long it takes.
The right support can limit personal obligations
The executor of an estate can minimize how many times they need to appear in court and also how long the process takes by partnering with a probate attorney. A lawyer can appear in court on behalf of the representative of the estate and can handle much of the paperwork required and other technical responsibilities.
Representatives who have the help of a lawyer during estate administration often have a much easier time fulfilling all of their duties with minimal conflict and while avoiding unnecessary delays. Knowing what to expect during probate proceedings in Florida can help people know when to take action and when to remain patient.
