Things To Know About A Notice Of Administration
The probate process is a series of legal steps that are necessary to distribute a person’s property after they pass away. Probate can feel overwhelming for the heirs of the deceased, particularly because it generally happens at the same time that they are experiencing deep emotional loss.
Probate also involves a number of documents and one of the first is the notice of administration. It is critical to understand this notice to protect your rights as a beneficiary and to ensure your loved one’s estate is administered properly. Below, our Daytona Beach formal estate administration lawyer explains in greater detail.
What is a Notice of Administration?
At the start of probate, a judge will appoint a personal representative to administer the estate. The court will issue the letters of administration and the notice of administration follows shortly afterward. The notice is meant to inform all legal heirs and beneficiaries that probate has begun. The notice informs heirs and beneficiaries of the appointed personal representative and provides information regarding the estate.
The notice of administration is very important. Often, it is the first time heirs and beneficiaries learn that the estate has been opened. It also prevents them from claiming that they were not aware if they want to take certain legal actions.
The lawyer handling the formal administration drafts the notice in coordination with the personal representative. The document is also typically filed with the probate court.
What Information is Included in the Notice?
The notice of administration contains the following information:
- The personal representative’s name and contact information
- The name and contact information of the personal representative’s attorney
- The name and address of the probate court overseeing the case
- The name of the decedent, the date of their death, and the file number of the estate
- Whether the estate is testate, meaning their is a will, or intestate, meaning there is no will, as well as the date of the will and any codicils
- Notice that objections to the will, venue, or jurisdiction must be filed within three months of service
- Notice that lawyer-client privilege exists between the personal representative and their attorney
The notice of administration is sent to the surviving spouse, beneficiaries, and other parties who have a legal interest in the estate. This is to ensure that all interested parties are notified of the death and the fact that probate has begun on the estate.
Our Formal Estate Administration Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help You Through the Process
Whether you are a personal representative administering an estate, or believe you have a legal interest in an estate and need to file a challenge, our Daytona Beach formal administration lawyer can help. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure no mistakes are made so it is as easy as possible for you. Call us today at 386-252-5170 or fill out our online form to request a consultation with our seasoned attorney and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0733/0733ContentsIndex.html
