Notifying beneficiaries is a necessary part of estate administration after a person’s death. The estate’s representative is responsible for notifying all the relevant parties about the beginning of probate.
If you received a notice from a Florida probate court, you may be a beneficiary of a deceased person’s estate. While such notification does not guarantee that you can claim assets, it allows you to understand that you are a part of the probate process. Our Coral Gables attorney is here to assist with notifying beneficiaries in probate.
In Florida probate proceedings, a Notice of Administration (Formal Notice of Petition for Administration) is an official legal document sent out at the beginning of an estate’s administration. This notice informs all individuals with a potential legal interest in the estate where:
This notice may be delivered either before or after the court issues Letters of Administration, which authorize the personal representative to act. Usually, the timeframe for notifying beneficiaries in probate in Coral Gables or anywhere in Florida ranges from 20 days to 3 months after filing the petition with the court. It can depend on many factors, such as the complexity of the estate and the plans to contest the Will.
If the beneficiary who received the Notice of Administration wants to object to any elements of the process (e.g., the validity of the Will or the qualifications of the personal representative), they have three months to do it.
This three-month deadline can only be extended if the personal representative gave incorrect information about the deadline. It cannot be extended for any other reason, even if someone failed to share information or acted improperly.
If the beneficiary was not properly notified of the probate process, they may still have the right to object once they become aware of the estate. This can complicate things, especially if assets meant for them have already been distributed to others.
A person who receives the Notice of Administration should consult an experienced attorney. A probate lawyer can review the rights and explain options for objections. It is important to understand that informing beneficiaries of probate can take a while. If a person is aware of the loved one’s death and believes that they are one of the beneficiaries, it is reasonable to consult an attorney in advance.
No matter how long the process of notifying beneficiaries takes, you can take action now. The Notice of Administration does not grant you any rights; it simply notifies you of the possibility of such rights. An attorney can help review what you may be entitled to according to the disclosed will or trust documents.
Whether you just received the Notice of Administration or expect it in the future, Veliz & Associates, P.A. can help you understand the probate process and explain all the options. Our team can also help with filing objections and protecting your interests through probate, so contact us to schedule a consultation today.
We evaluate your case and determine how we might be able to help.
We will meet with you to discuss your next options and lay out a plan.
Our team guides you throughout the process so you feel confident about your choices.
(305) 250-9917