Have you recently suffered the loss of a loved one in Pinellas County? Do you now find yourself overwhelmed with the task of administering their estate? Instead of shouldering the burden alone, let a probate attorney help you. Dealing with an estate is a daunting task, especially when it involves multiple beneficiaries, unpaid debts, or taxes. Whatever the case may be, the team at Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. can help you through each stage of the process so that you can grieve the loss of your loved one.

What Will My Probate Attorney Do for Me?

Your probate attorney will help you through each step of the estate administration process. The goal is to make sure that the decedent’s final will is honored while adhering to the legal process. If your loved one died intestate—without leaving a will—we can help you in these cases as well.

What Does the Administration Process Look Like?

The administration process requires a variety of steps. Ultimately, how quickly and smoothly things are taken care of depends on the type and the size of the estate. How well things were managed during the decedent’s life will also make a significant difference in what needs to be done after their death. Your probate attorney will help you through each step in St. Petersburg. Here is what the process will require:

  • Notifying the heirs and beneficiaries
  • Proving the validity of the will
  • Gathering all necessary documents
  • Dealing with the debts
  • Conducting inventory of assets
  • Distributing the assets in accordance with the will

We will make sure that all of the necessary tasks are fulfilled while helping you through the court process. Our team is there for you in the case of family disagreements, and we assist you during legal proceedings.

The administration process will involves a number of people, including the circuit court judge, the personal representative of the will, (which is typically the person who will be working with the probate attorney), the IRS (if there are tax issues that need attention), and creditors who may be filing claims for outstanding debt.

When Should I Take Action?

If you are the personal representative of the decedent, you are required to file the will with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten days after the notification of death. The probate process is not always necessary; it can be avoided when the decedent has prepared matters during their lifetime so the assets pass without the need for probate.

If you are not sure whether the process is required in your case, talk to a probate attorney at Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. We will be able to go through the documents and determine your next steps. Once we understand if the process is needed, your lawyer will determine whether Formal or Summary Administration will be necessary for the estate in Pinellas County.

Formal Administration is needed when qualifying assets exceed $75,000. Summary Administration is a less involved process for estates with qualifying assets under $75,000.

Call Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. for Your Free Consultation Today!

When choosing a probate attorney, remember that you need to find someone you can trust with the details of your case. At Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. we treat our clients like family. Relationships are important to us, and we have made it a point to value our clients. In fact, we believe that meeting face-to-face in St. Petersburg is the best way for you to decide on whether a lawyer is someone with whom you are comfortable. At your initial consultation, you can get to know us without the pressure of committing to work together. Let us get to know you. Give us a call at 727-384-3800 if you have any questions. We will be able to schedule your consultation today!