How Do I

Probate

The term “probate” generally refers to the process in which a decedent’s assets, or estate, are administered. There are several types of Probate proceedings which are filed with our office.

Whether or not an estate is required to go through Probate depends on the assets that the decedent owned at the time of his or her death. For instance, if a decedent solely owned any real property at the time of his or her death, the estate would be required to go through Probate to transfer title of that real property to the decedent’s heirs or beneficiaries. In this type of situation, the beneficiaries or heirs would need to seek the assistance of an attorney as our office cannot give legal or procedural advice.

Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration

Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration may not be used when real property is involved. Please refer to Florida Statutes 735.301-304 to determine if you are eligible for this type of administration. If you are unsure as to whether this type of administration applies to your situation, you may wish to contact an attorney.

Some of the commonly required forms and documentation necessary to begin a Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration include:

Affidavit, Letter, or other opening request to begin the Administration process
Original Last Will and Testament of the decedent, if one exists
Death Certificate
Copy of the statement from funeral home showing by whom the bill was paid
Signed and notarized consents from all heirs, if any
Copy of the bank statement, stock certificates, insurance checks, policy value information forms, or any related information regarding the assets that you are attempting to transfer with this procedure.

Once these required forms and documentation are in order, please come to the Probate Division to file the required documents. The filing fee is due at the time the Petition is filed. There is also a charge for one certified copy of the Order for Payment of Funds which is generally required by the institution holding the assets. If the judge approves the petition, an Order for Payment of Funds will be entered by the probate court which directs that the assets in question be distributed as outlined in the petition.

Wills

Pursuant to Florida Statute 732.901, the original Last Will and Testament of a deceased person must be deposited with the Clerk of Court and Comptroller having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the testator (a person who dies leaving a will) is dead. The statute also states that the custodian of the will must supply the clerk with the date of death or social security number of the testator upon deposit. Our office also requires that a death certificate be filed with the original will. Please be advised that there is no charge or filing fee to deposit a will with our office.

Upon depositing a will with our office, the depositor will receive a Receipt for Deposit of Will which includes the file number, date of filing, and the seal of the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller. This receipt is something that should be placed with other important documents concerning the deceased.

In some instances, the company or office holding assets of the deceased will require a certified copy of the Last Will and Testament to transfer the assets in question. It is always a good idea to contact the company or office and inquire as to what is needed to complete the transfer. Our office can provide you with certified copies of the will at the rate of $1.00 per page, plus a $2.00 charge for certification.