Sarasota Probate & Guardianship Lawyer
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may need the help of a probate lawyer to take inventory of and distribute your loved one’s estate, as well as review legal documents contained within an estate plan. At the law offices of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian, our Sarasota probate & guardianship lawyers can offer you the counsel and legal representation that you need in the emotional aftermath of a family member’s death. Please call our lawyers today for your consultation.
The Probate Process: An Overview
After the death of an individual, the individual’s estate must pass through probate. Probate is the court-ordered process of identifying the decedent’s assets and property, paying their debts, and then distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries. Probate also involves submitting the decedent’s will to the court–if there is one–and ensuring the will is valid. If there is no will, then a deceased’s estate will be distributed per the rules of intestate succession.
Guardianship in Florida
In addition to probate, our lawyers also offer guardianship services. When a person is deemed by the court to be incapacitated, the court may remove some or all of that individual’s legal rights and assign a guardian. Note that guardianship is typically reserved for older adults or those who experience an illness or accident that renders them incapacitated; the guardian ad litem process is distinct, and refers to guardians for abused and neglected children.
For those who are seeking guardianship of others, a petition and court hearing are both required. Our attorney can represent you throughout the process.
Sarasota Probate and Guardianship Legal Services
Whether you are administering the estate of a deceased loved one and must engage in the probate process as such or are seeking guardianship of an incapacitated adult, our experienced Sarasota probate and guardianship lawyers can help. We serve our clients by:
- Providing legal advice and counsel relevant to the matter at hand;
- Handling all paperwork and documentation associated with a case;
- Representing our clients in disputes, including will disputes, guardianship disputes, and more;
- Managing the appraisal of all property contained in the estate for distribution;
- Managing the distribution of the estate, including paying off creditors, paying taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries;
- Providing an explanation of the expected time frame of the case, expected results, and the best course of action; and
- More.
Throughout the process, we will remain available to answer any questions that you have.
Call Our Sarasota Probate & Guardianship Lawyers Today
Both probate and guardianship processes are complex legal undertakings, and are best navigated with the counsel and advice of an experienced legal professional. If you have questions about probate or guardianship, our experienced Sarasota probate and guardianship lawyers at the law offices of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian can help. To learn more about your legal options, our services, and how to get started with our law firm today, please call us directly or send us a message using the intake form on our website.
