The Riverview probate attorneys at Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A. provide competent, caring representation to clients throughout the South Shore area. Unfortunately, the emotional trauma caused by the death of a loved one is often accompanied by confusion about the financial and legal steps survivors must take. For instance, a surviving spouse may have had little, if any, involvement with financial affairs and is forced to quickly address creditor issues, account and beneficiary designation changes, vehicle title transfers, and more. Or perhaps a surviving adult child must initiate probate administration even though she knows little about her parent's financial affairs. The estate may be in disarray or scattered among many accounts, or even among several States, which is not unusual. At Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A., our attorneys guide our probate clients through this very difficult and arduous process by providing patient, knowledgeable, and attentive legal representation.
Probate. Probate is the legal term used to refer to the Court supervised process necessary to transfer a deceased person's property, known as the "estate," to his or her family of other beneficiaries. With the direction and guidance of an attorney, the decedent's personal representative gathers assets, pays creditors, and distributes remaining estate assets to the decedent's beneficiaries in accordance with the decedent's wishes or, when there is no will, according to Florida law.
Trust Administration. If a decedent's assets are held in trust, the trustee may immediately liquidate and disperse assets in accordance with the directions of the trust. In some cases, the trust may require that some or all of the assets be retained and managed for the benefit of a beneficiary, possibly a minor or disabled child. The terms of the trust must be strictly followed and can be confusing. At Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A., our attorneys have provided sound and effective counsel to trustees for many years, giving trustees clear direction regarding the proper administration of trusts, as well as the necessary notices and accountings which may be required.
Take comfort. Take heart. Contact us today at Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A. and let us help you probate your loved one's estate quickly and efficiently.
Brandon Probate Attorneys
Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A. helps clients with probate cases throughout the State of Florida, with offices located in Riverview, Tampa, Clearwater, and Tallahassee. Our Riverview office is conveniently located near the intersection of I-75 and the Leroy Selmon Expressway. Call us today to schedule your consultation. You can reach us at 813-902-3897 or toll free at 888-432-7421, or contact us by email.
