Frequently Asked Questions

Probate is a legal process through which the assets of a deceased person are properly distributed to the heirs or beneficiaries. The court oversees the estate to make sure debts are paid and proper distribution is made.

A will is a document executed by a person that disposes of his/her property after his/her death. It generally names a personal representative to administer the estate. After the death of the person, the custodian of the will must deposit the will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, within 10 days after receiving information that the person is deceased. The custodian should supply the person’s date of death or the person’s social security number to the Clerk upon deposit of the will if this information is available.

Original wills should be brought to our office in the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow. This service is not offered at our Lakeland or Northeast - Lake Alfred offices.

No, an attorney is not necessary to deposit the will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. However, you may want to consult with an attorney before filing so that he or she may determine whether probate proceedings will be necessary.

There are three basic types of proceedings for administering the decedent’s estate:

Formal Administration

This type of proceeding is used when it is necessary to appoint a personal representative to act on behalf of the estate because there are considerable assets, debts, or other special circumstances. The capacity in which the representative will act is determined by the court at the time of the appointment and letters of administration will be issued to the representative so that he/she may complete the administration of the estate.

Summary Administration

Summary administration may be filed when the value of the entire estate, excluding exemptions, does not exceed $75,000.

Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration

The disposition is filed to request the release of assets of the deceased to the person who paid the final expense, such as funeral bills or medical bills for the last 60 days. This procedure may be accomplished with the filing of an informal application. The form required to file the disposition is available from the Clerk of Circuit Court in the Probate Department, and upon request, the deputy clerk can assist the applicant in the preparation of the application. The estate cannot include real property.

The property will be distributed in accordance with Florida law.

It will be necessary for an attorney to petition the court to appoint a personal representative to administer the estate.

Probate proceedings are initiated with the filing of a petition by an interested person asking to be appointed personal representative and/or distribute property depending on the size and complexity of the property. The petition is normally prepared by an attorney. The appointed person will be responsible for the estate until all bills are paid and the balance of the estate is distributed to the rightful beneficiaries.

The following must be provided:

• If the decedent has a will, the original must be deposited with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
• Itemized, paid funeral bill (reflecting the name of the person who paid it).
• Paid receipts for any medical expenses incurred 60 days prior to death (reflecting the name of the person who paid it, or canceled check(s).
• Paid receipts for any medical expenses incurred sixty days prior to death.
• A death certificate is required.
• Statement regarding the type of asset to be released.
• Identification of the person filing.
• The filing fee as set by Florida Statute.

The court will enter an order either allowing or disallowing the release of the assets. A certified copy of the order is then mailed to the petitioner.