What is probate, exactly?

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. In Palm Beach County, it runs through the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. Governed by Chapters 731-735 of the Florida Probate Code, probate validates the will, appoints a personal representative, notifies creditors, pays debts and any taxes, and distributes what remains. Florida offers two main paths: summary administration for smaller or older estates and formal administration for larger or more complex ones.

What is trust administration?

Trust administration is the private, out-of-court process of settling a revocable living trust after the grantor dies, governed largely by Chapter 736 of the Florida Trust Code. A successor trustee steps in to gather assets, pay debts and expenses, handle tax matters, and distribute property to the trust’s beneficiaries, typically without ongoing court supervision. This is why many Palm Beach residents use revocable trusts as a planning tool.

Is trust administration always faster and cheaper?

Often, but not automatically. Avoiding court can reduce delay and certain costs, and it keeps matters private. However, the successor trustee still has serious fiduciary duties under Chapter 736: accounting to beneficiaries, dealing with creditors, and handling taxes. A poorly funded trust, family conflict, or unclear terms can make trust administration just as demanding as probate. And assets left out of the trust may still require probate.

What about privacy?

This is a meaningful difference. Probate filings are generally public records, so anyone can review the inventory and accountings at the Palm Beach County courthouse or clerk’s office. Trust administration usually stays private, with disclosures going to beneficiaries rather than the public. For families who value discretion, that privacy is a major draw.

Does a trust avoid all probate?

Only for assets actually titled in the trust. This is the most common Palm Beach mistake: a person signs a trust but never re-titles the home, brokerage account, or bank account into it. Those stray assets may still go through probate. Proper “funding” of the trust during life is essential. Some assets, like accounts with beneficiary designations or property held with survivorship, may pass outside both probate and the trust.

How does Florida homestead fit in?

Homestead is a special case in Palm Beach planning. The primary residence enjoys constitutional protection under Article X, Section 4, and its descent can be restricted when there is a surviving spouse or minor child. Whether to place homestead in a revocable trust requires care, because doing it incorrectly can affect creditor protection and how the property passes. This is a frequent topic for tailored advice.

Which is right for my family?

It depends on your goals, asset mix, and family situation. Some Palm Beach families rely on a simple will and summary administration; others benefit from a fully funded revocable trust to gain privacy and a smoother transition. Many estates involve both, with a trust for most assets and a “pour-over” will to catch anything left out.

The takeaway

Probate and trust administration both require diligence; the trust simply moves the work out of the courtroom when it is set up and funded correctly.

This article is general information, not legal advice. The choice between probate and trust planning depends on your specific facts. Consult a licensed Florida estate attorney serving Palm Beach to decide what fits your family.

Do joint accounts automatically avoid probate?

It depends on how the account is titled. A bank or brokerage account held as joint tenants with right of survivorship generally passes directly to the surviving owner when one owner dies, bypassing probate. By contrast, an account held as tenants in common does not carry survivorship, so the deceased owner’s share can become part of the probate estate. The exact wording on the account documents controls, which is why Palm Beach families should review their account titling rather than assume.

What about “payable on death” designations?

Florida recognizes payable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) designations. With a valid POD or TOD beneficiary in place, the account passes directly to the named person at death, outside probate, much like a life insurance beneficiary designation. This is a simple, common tool for Palm Beach residents who want a specific account to go to a specific person without court involvement.

If a joint account avoids probate, does it also avoid creditors?

Not necessarily. Avoiding probate is not the same as avoiding the decedent’s debts. Florida law has provisions that can reach assets passing outside probate to satisfy valid claims in certain circumstances. A surviving joint owner who receives funds may still face exposure if the estate’s probate assets are insufficient to cover legitimate creditor claims. So a joint account is a convenience tool, not a guaranteed debt shield.

I added my adult child to my account for convenience. Will it pass to them?

This is one of the most common Palm Beach pitfalls. If the account is titled with right of survivorship, your child may legally inherit the whole balance at your death, even if you intended it only to be split among all your children or used to pay your bills. The titling can override your wishes and your will. If your goal was convenience rather than a gift, a durable power of attorney under Chapter 709 of the Florida Statutes may better accomplish account access without unintentionally disinheriting other heirs.

How does jointly held real estate work?

Florida real estate can be held in several forms. Property held by a married couple as tenants by the entireties passes automatically to the surviving spouse and carries strong creditor protections. Property held as joint tenants with right of survivorship also passes to the survivor. Tenants in common, however, does not, so a deceased co-owner’s share may require probate. For a Palm Beach homestead, constitutional protections under Article X, Section 4 add another layer that affects how the property descends.

Are there other ways to keep a Palm Beach home out of probate?

Yes. Beyond survivorship titling, a properly executed Lady Bird deed, also called an enhanced life estate deed, lets an owner keep full control and use of the property during life while naming who receives it at death, generally avoiding probate for that property. It is a popular Florida tool, but it must be drafted correctly and coordinated with homestead and any mortgage terms.

The takeaway for Palm Beach families

Joint titling, POD designations, and deeds like the Lady Bird deed can keep specific assets out of probate, but they can also produce surprises if they conflict with your overall plan or expose a survivor to creditors.

This is general information, not legal advice. Account titling and Florida survivorship rules have important exceptions. Before relying on a joint account or deed in Palm Beach, consult a licensed Florida estate attorney.

What is probate, in one sentence?

Probate is the court-supervised process of gathering a deceased person’s assets, paying valid debts and expenses, and distributing what is left to the right people under the will or, if there is no will, under Florida’s intestacy rules in the Probate Code (Chapters 731-735).

Which assets typically DO go through probate?

Generally, assets owned in the deceased person’s name alone, with no surviving co-owner and no beneficiary designation, must pass through probate. Common examples include a solely owned bank account with no payable-on-death beneficiary, a brokerage account titled only in the decedent’s name, a car titled solely to them, and real estate owned individually without a transfer mechanism. If the only name on the asset belongs to someone who has died, a court order is usually needed to move it.

Which assets usually skip probate?

Plenty of assets pass automatically outside the court process. These include: accounts with valid payable-on-death or transfer-on-death beneficiaries; life insurance and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) with named, living beneficiaries; property owned jointly with rights of survivorship or, between spouses, as tenants by the entirety; and assets properly titled in a revocable trust under Chapter 736. For these, the asset goes to the survivor or beneficiary without a probate proceeding, assuming the paperwork is in order.

What about the Florida homestead?

Florida homestead is its own special category. Protected under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution, a homestead generally passes to heirs free of most creditors and follows constitutional rules that can override a will, especially when there is a surviving spouse or minor child. Many Palm Beach families are surprised to learn that the family home does not always pass simply by whatever the will says. Homestead determinations are frequently handled within probate even though the property enjoys unique protections.

Can a Lady Bird deed keep a home out of probate?

Yes, and this is a popular tool in Florida. A Lady Bird deed (an enhanced life estate deed) lets an owner keep full control of their home during life, including the right to sell or mortgage it, while naming who receives it automatically at death. Done correctly, it can transfer a Palm Beach home outside probate while preserving homestead protections during life. It is not right for every situation, so it should be set up with care.

If probate is needed, is it always a long ordeal?

Not necessarily. Florida offers summary administration for smaller estates or where enough time has passed, which is faster and simpler than the full formal administration used for larger or more complicated estates. Which path fits depends on the value and nature of the probate assets.

One reassuring point about taxes

Florida has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Probate is about transferring title and settling debts, not paying a state death tax.

This article is general information about Florida law and is not legal advice. How an asset transfers depends on its exact titling and your family’s circumstances. Consult a licensed Florida probate attorney for guidance.

First, what is an executor called in Florida?

Florida uses the term personal representative rather than executor or executrix. The role is the same: the person appointed by the court to gather assets, pay valid debts, and distribute the estate. They owe a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and the estate, not themselves.

What are valid grounds to remove a personal representative?

Florida law lists specific grounds. Common reasons include the personal representative becoming unable to perform the duties, wasting or mismanaging estate assets, failing to comply with a court order, neglecting the estate, having a conflict of interest, or otherwise breaching fiduciary duty. Other grounds include becoming incapacitated, conviction of a felony, or having held the position based on false qualifications. General dislike or slow communication, by itself, may not be enough; the conduct must fit a statutory ground.

I think the personal representative is hiding information. What can I do?

Beneficiaries in a Florida probate are entitled to information, including an inventory of estate assets and accountings. If a Palm Beach personal representative refuses to provide an accounting or stonewalls reasonable requests, that itself can support court intervention. You can petition the court to compel an accounting before or alongside a removal request.

How does the removal process work?

An interested person, such as a beneficiary or creditor, files a petition for removal with the probate court handling the estate, which in the Palm Beach area is the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. The petition states the grounds and the supporting facts. The personal representative receives notice and an opportunity to respond, and the court may hold a hearing. If the court finds grounds, it can revoke the appointment and appoint a successor, often the next person entitled under the will or by statute.

Can the court act quickly if assets are at risk?

Yes. If estate property is in immediate danger, for example, funds being dissipated or a Palm Beach property being sold improperly, the court can suspend the personal representative’s powers and appoint a curator to safeguard assets while the removal petition is decided. This is an important protection when waiting could mean permanent loss.

Who pays for all of this?

A removed personal representative may be held personally liable for losses caused by their misconduct, and may be ordered to return improperly taken fees or compensation. In appropriate cases, attorney’s fees may be addressed by the court. Acting promptly improves your chance of recovering misused funds.

Will removal delay the estate?

There can be some delay while a successor is appointed, but allowing a breaching fiduciary to continue usually causes far greater harm. A clean, properly administered estate is worth the short pause.

A note for Palm Beach families

Removing a personal representative is a serious step with specific legal requirements. This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe a personal representative is mishandling a loved one’s estate, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney in the Palm Beach area to evaluate your grounds and protect your inheritance.

What exactly am I responsible for?

Under the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731-735), a personal representative is a fiduciary. That means you must act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, not your own. Your core duties include marshaling assets, giving notice to creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, keeping estate funds separate, and distributing what remains according to the will or Florida’s intestacy rules. In Palm Beach County, the formal administration runs through the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in West Palm Beach.

Can I be held personally liable?

Yes, if you breach your fiduciary duty. Florida law lets beneficiaries seek a surcharge against a personal representative who mismanages assets, self-deals, pays improper claims, or distributes property too early and leaves creditors unpaid. If you commingle estate money with your own or use a Palm Beach beneficiary’s inheritance for personal expenses, you can be ordered to repay the loss personally, plus interest. Serious misconduct can also lead to removal under the Probate Code.

What mistakes most often cause trouble?

The common pitfalls are practical, not exotic. Distributing assets before the creditor period closes is a frequent one, because Florida requires you to serve a notice to creditors and honor the claim window before paying out. Other risks include failing to properly handle Florida homestead property under Article X, Section 4 of the state constitution, ignoring a surviving spouse’s elective share rights, missing tax filing deadlines, or selling estate property for less than fair value without court approval. Each can expose you to a claim.

Does the homestead issue really matter that much?

In Palm Beach, where a primary residence is often the most valuable asset, yes. Florida homestead has special constitutional protection and frequently passes outside the probate estate to a spouse or descendants. Treating a protected homestead as an ordinary probate asset, or selling it to pay debts that homestead is shielded from, can create real liability. This is one area where guessing is dangerous.

How do I protect myself?

Keep meticulous records of every receipt and disbursement. Open a dedicated estate bank account and never mix funds. Follow the creditor-notice timeline before distributing. Communicate with beneficiaries and provide the accountings Florida requires. When in doubt about homestead, the elective share, or a questionable claim, get guidance before you act rather than after. A properly prepared and approved final accounting, with beneficiary consents, helps shield you from later claims.

Can I be paid for all this work?

Yes. Florida law allows a personal representative reasonable compensation, and the estate, not you, generally bears the cost of administration. But taking fees that are excessive or unapproved can itself become a basis for a beneficiary objection, so document the basis for any compensation.

The bottom line for Palm Beach personal representatives

The role carries genuine personal risk, but that risk is manageable when you understand your duties and follow Florida’s procedures carefully. Most liability comes from avoidable missteps, not bad intentions.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Florida probate rules and homestead protections are detailed and fact-specific. Before acting as a personal representative in Palm Beach, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney about your situation.

What exactly counts as “estate litigation”?

Estate litigation is any contested matter inside a Florida probate or trust proceeding. In practice that means a beneficiary, heir, creditor, or personal representative is asking a judge to decide something the parties cannot settle on their own. Common examples include challenging the validity of a will under the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731-735), removing a personal representative who is not doing the job, objecting to an accounting, or fighting over what belongs to the estate at all.

Where do these cases get heard?

Probate matters for a Palm Beach County decedent are filed in the circuit court’s probate division, generally where the person lived at death. Even though it is the same courthouse system you might associate with other lawsuits, probate has its own rules, deadlines, and judges who handle these disputes day in and day out. That specialization matters because Florida probate procedure is technical, and missing a deadline can quietly end your claim.

What are the most common things people fight about?

In our experience the recurring flashpoints are: a will or trust amendment that suddenly favors one person; suspicion that an aging parent was pressured or did not understand what they signed; a personal representative or trustee who will not communicate or share records; disputes over Florida homestead property under Article X, Section 4 of the state constitution; and disagreements about the surviving spouse’s elective share under Section 732.2065 and the sections that follow. Each of these has its own legal standard, which is why two disputes that feel similar can have very different outcomes.

Does a fight mean a full trial?

Usually not. The vast majority of Florida estate disputes resolve before trial, often at mediation, which Palm Beach probate judges frequently order. Litigation is really a process: a petition or objection is filed, the parties exchange information through discovery, and the judge resolves preliminary issues. Most cases settle once everyone sees the documents and understands the realistic range of results. Going all the way to a contested evidentiary hearing is the exception, not the rule.

How long does it take, and who pays?

Timelines vary widely depending on how complex the assets are and how entrenched the parties become. A straightforward objection might resolve in months; a hotly contested will challenge can take well over a year. As for fees, Florida law sometimes allows attorney’s fees and costs to be paid from the estate or shifted to a party, but that depends on the type of claim and how the litigation is handled. No honest attorney can promise a specific cost or outcome at the outset.

Can I avoid litigation altogether?

Often, yes. Many disputes trace back to poor communication or unclear documents. A clearly drafted will, a properly funded revocable trust under Chapter 736, beneficiary designations that match the plan, and a personal representative who shares information early can head off most courthouse battles before they start.

The bottom line for Palm Beach families

Estate litigation is stressful, but it is also navigable with the right guidance. Acting early, before deadlines pass and positions harden, gives you the most leverage and the best chance to resolve things efficiently.

This article is general information about Florida law and is not legal advice. Estate disputes turn on specific facts and strict deadlines. Consult a licensed Florida probate attorney about your particular situation.

Does a life insurance policy normally go through probate?

Usually, no. A life insurance policy with a valid, living beneficiary passes directly to that person by contract. It is a non-probate asset, meaning it transfers outside the formal administration process under Florida’s Probate Code (Chapters 731-735). The insurer pays the named beneficiary regardless of what the will says, and the funds generally arrive far faster than assets that must clear a Palm Beach County probate file.

When does life insurance get pulled into probate?

The proceeds can fall into the estate, and therefore into probate, when:

• The named beneficiary is the estate itself (“payable to my estate”).
• All named beneficiaries died before the insured and no contingent beneficiary was listed.
• The beneficiary designation was left blank or is invalid.

In those situations the death benefit becomes a probate asset distributed according to the will or, if there is no will, Florida’s intestacy rules. That is when a small policy can unexpectedly require a court proceeding.

What if the beneficiary is a minor?

This catches many Palm Beach parents off guard. A life insurer will not hand a large sum to a child. If a minor is the beneficiary, the court may require a guardianship of the property until the child turns 18. Naming a trust or using a structured beneficiary arrangement is a cleaner path. Speaking with a Florida attorney before a designation is finalized avoids this trap.

Are life insurance proceeds taxed in Florida?

Florida has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax, so a beneficiary in Palm Beach does not pay state-level death tax on the proceeds. Life insurance death benefits are also generally income-tax-free to the recipient. Large estates may still face federal estate tax considerations, which is a separate analysis.

Can creditors reach the life insurance money?

Florida law gives strong protection here. Under state exemption statutes, life insurance proceeds payable to a named beneficiary are generally protected from the insured’s creditors. If the proceeds are paid to the estate, however, that protection can be lost and the funds may be exposed to estate creditors during administration.

How do I keep the payout out of probate?

Review your beneficiary designations regularly, especially after a marriage, divorce, or a death in the family. Name a primary and a contingent beneficiary. Coordinate the designation with your overall plan, including any revocable trust under Chapter 736. A Palm Beach review every few years keeps the payout flowing directly to the people you intend.

A note for Palm Beach families

Life insurance is one of the most reliable ways to deliver money to loved ones quickly, but only when the beneficiary designation is correct. Because the wrong designation can drag the proceeds into a Florida probate case, it is worth a short consultation with a licensed Florida attorney to confirm your designations and how they fit with the rest of your estate plan.

What is undue influence under Florida law?

Undue influence is more than persuasion or a strained relationship. It is conduct that overpowers the free will of the person making a will or trust, so the document reflects the influencer’s wishes rather than the maker’s own. Florida courts look at whether someone used a position of trust or dependence to procure a gift or change that benefits them. A will that was the product of undue influence can be set aside under the Florida Probate Code.

How do courts in Florida actually decide it?

Florida judges and juries weigh a list of factors that have developed through decades of case law. These include whether the alleged influencer was present when the will was signed, helped pick the attorney, knew the contents in advance, arranged the appointment, or kept the signed document. No single factor decides the case; the court looks at the whole picture of the relationship and the circumstances surrounding the document.

What is this “presumption” I keep hearing about?

Florida recognizes a presumption of undue influence when three things line up: the person who benefits had a confidential relationship with the deceased, that person was a substantial beneficiary under the document, and they were active in procuring it. When all three are shown, the burden can shift, and the beneficiary may have to come forward with evidence that the gift was legitimate. This is a powerful tool, but proving each element takes careful, fact-specific work.

What kind of evidence matters?

These cases are built from details. Medical records showing declining cognition, the drafting attorney’s notes and testimony, bank and financial records, sudden changes to beneficiary designations or deeds, isolation of the elder from other family members, and testimony from caregivers and neighbors all paint the picture. In a community like Palm Beach with significant numbers of older residents, physicians, financial advisors, and longtime household helpers can become important witnesses.

Is this the same as lack of capacity?

No, though they often appear together. Lack of capacity asks whether the person understood what they were doing when they signed. Undue influence assumes they may have understood but were pressured into it. A will challenge frequently raises both theories because the same troubling facts can support each one.

How long do I have to raise it?

Deadlines are strict and unforgiving. Once a will is admitted to probate, interested parties receive formal notice and have a limited window to object. Florida law also sets time limits for contesting trusts. Waiting too long can permanently bar an otherwise strong claim, so it is critical to act quickly once you have concerns.

What if I am the one being accused?

Being a devoted child who helped a parent does not make you guilty of anything. Many caregivers are unfairly suspected simply because they were the closest relative. Good records, transparency, and an experienced attorney can help demonstrate that gifts and changes reflected the deceased’s genuine wishes.

This article is general information about Florida law and is not legal advice. Undue influence claims are highly fact-dependent and time-sensitive. Consult a licensed Florida probate attorney before taking action.

Am I entitled to be notified about the probate?

Yes. When a formal administration opens in the Palm Beach County Probate Division, the personal representative must serve interested persons, including beneficiaries, with a Notice of Administration. That notice tells you the estate has been opened, identifies the personal representative, and warns of important deadlines, such as the limited window to object to the will’s validity, the qualifications of the personal representative, or the court’s jurisdiction. Those deadlines are short, so don’t ignore the notice.

Can I get a copy of the will?

Generally, yes. A Florida will is filed with the clerk of court when probate begins, which in Palm Beach means the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As a beneficiary or interested person, you can typically obtain a copy. Reviewing it matters, because Florida requires a valid will to be signed by the testator and witnessed by two witnesses under Section 732.502; a will that wasn’t properly executed can be challenged.

Do I have a right to know what’s in the estate?

Yes. The personal representative must file an inventory listing the estate’s assets and their values. Beneficiaries are entitled to receive a copy. If you believe assets are missing, undervalued, or being mishandled, you can request more detail and, if necessary, ask the court to intervene.

What about an accounting of the money?

Florida law entitles beneficiaries to an accounting before the estate closes. The accounting shows what came in, what was paid out, fees charged, and what remains for distribution. You have the right to review it and to object if something looks wrong, such as inflated fees or unexplained disbursements. Many Palm Beach disputes are resolved simply because a beneficiary asked the right questions about an accounting.

What if the personal representative is too slow or unresponsive?

Beneficiaries have the right to reasonable information about the estate’s progress. If the personal representative stonewalls, mismanages assets, or has a conflict of interest, Florida law allows interested persons to petition the court to compel action, demand an accounting, or seek removal and replacement. Documented misconduct can also support a surcharge claim to recover losses.

Does a surviving spouse have special rights?

Yes, and this matters in many Palm Beach estates. A surviving spouse may be entitled to the elective share under Florida Statutes Section 732.2065 and following, which protects a percentage of the elective estate regardless of what the will says. A spouse may also have homestead rights under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution, plus a family allowance and exempt property. These rights can override the will’s plain language.

Can I be disinherited entirely?

A Florida testator can generally leave assets as they choose, with key exceptions: a spouse’s elective share and homestead protections, and rights of a pretermitted spouse or child in certain circumstances. So while disinheritance of an adult child is usually allowed, a spouse cannot be left with nothing if they assert their statutory rights.

The takeaway for Palm Beach beneficiaries

You have real, enforceable rights to notice, information, accountings, and honest administration. The key is acting within Florida’s deadlines.

This is general information, not legal advice. Beneficiary deadlines in Florida probate are strict and fact-dependent. If you’re a beneficiary in a Palm Beach estate, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney promptly.

Am I personally responsible for my parent’s debts?

Generally no. In Florida, debts belong to the estate, not to the heirs. You do not inherit a credit card balance or a medical bill simply because you are a child or beneficiary. Exceptions exist, such as accounts you personally co-signed or jointly held. Outside of those, creditors look to estate assets, not to your own bank account.

How do creditors get paid in a Palm Beach probate?

During formal administration, the personal representative must publish a Notice to Creditors and serve known or reasonably ascertainable creditors directly. Creditors then have a limited window to file claims. Generally, a creditor must file within three months after the first publication of notice, or within 30 days after being served, whichever is later. Claims filed late are usually barred. This deadline is one of the most powerful tools in Florida probate for clearing an estate of stale debts.

What if there isn’t enough money to pay everyone?

Florida law sets a strict order of payment. Administration costs and reasonable funeral expenses come first, followed by certain taxes and debts with legal priority, then general creditors. If the estate cannot cover all valid claims, lower-priority creditors may receive partial payment or nothing. Beneficiaries receive their inheritance only after valid claims and expenses are satisfied, which is why distributing assets too early can expose a personal representative to liability.

Is the family home safe from creditors?

Often yes. Under Florida’s constitutional homestead protection (Article X, Section 4), a qualifying primary residence generally passes to a surviving spouse or heirs free of most creditor claims. For many Palm Beach families, the home is the largest asset, and homestead protection can keep it out of creditors’ hands even when other debts exist. The protection has limits, such as mortgages, property taxes, and contractor liens on the home itself, so it is not absolute.

What about a surviving spouse’s rights?

Florida protects spouses through tools like the elective share (Section 732.2065 and following), the homestead, exempt property, and a family allowance. These rights can take priority over many general creditors, ensuring a surviving spouse is not left with nothing while creditors are paid.

Does Florida tax the inheritance?

No. Florida has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. So while creditors may reduce what beneficiaries receive, the state itself does not take a cut of the inheritance.

What should I do if a creditor contacts me directly?

Be cautious. Do not promise to pay anything personally, and do not pay an estate debt out of your own pocket before consulting counsel. Direct creditors to the probate proceeding so claims can be evaluated through the proper process.

A note for Palm Beach families

Handling creditor claims correctly protects both the estate and you as a personal representative. This is general information, not legal advice. If you are administering an estate or facing aggressive creditors after a loved one’s passing, consult a licensed Florida probate attorney who can apply the deadlines and protections to your situation.