Many people find that they have met their match when they try to get through the Florida probate process on their own. Don’t let that make you feel bad, however.
It’s perfectly understandable that people get flustered and frustrated with the probate court system. Let’s delve into the reasons for feeling this way and how to avoid probate pitfalls.
People are still grieving
Most estates take at least a year to probate. Some take much longer. But even with simple estates, that first year without your loved one can be hard to endure. Coupled with the jobs of executor or personal representative, it can be too much to juggle.
You must answer to the heirs
If you are probating the estate alone, you are responsible for giving periodic updates and other information to the decedent’s heirs. Some of those may be your own relatives, and the relationships may be wrought by whatever baggage got dragged in from childhood. It can be a very uncomfortable position to be in.
You lack the time
Along with having a keen eye for detail, estate probaters must have the time to devote to the task. That can be hard to carve out for parents already struggling to juggle parenting with working. This new task list could wind up being the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
You don’t need a reason to seek help
You may think that by doing it all yourself, you will save the estate from an extra bill. But the costly mistakes you could make will quickly outpace the value of any savings from trying to handle tasks you are ill-equipped to manage.
No one should think ill of you for seeking guidance at this fraught time.
Reach out to industry professionals
Florida estate planning professionals are worth their weight in gold. From filing the case in the right court to obtaining a judgment of possession of real property, you will have peace of mind in knowing that seasoned professionals are at the helm.