Sentinel Law, P.A. provides legal guidance to families in Florida who are considering the future of their estate. Often times, this requires the use of a will, trust, or foundation. Our office can helps local families and out-of-state executors with probate and estate administration services.

A will is an insturment or document in which a person or "testator" expresses, in writing, what he (or she) wants done with his property after he/she dies. Most states require wills to be signed by the testator and witnessed by two people. "Probate" is a court proceeding in which final debts are settled and legal title to property is formally passed from the deceased person or "decedent" to his/her heirs. Probate proceedings take place in the probate court or surrogate court in the county of the decedent's legal residence at the time of his death. If a person dies "intestate," meaning "without a will," state law determines how to distribute his property.

Planning for the future of your loved one is a critical part of ones legacy. Drafting a legal will can save your family from confusion, conflict, and strife when it comes time to manage those assets left behind.

Probating an Estate in Florida

Probate is the legal process of carrying out the directions established in a will, including the distribution of property and paying off debt. It also wraps up an estate by collecting debts owed to the deceased and paying any outstanding taxes. In Florida, an attorney is required to probate an estate, in addition to an executor or personal representative.