Florida Intestate Succession Lawyer You Can Trust
Losing someone you love is difficult. If a person important to you died without a will, you may not know what happens to their property, debts and other assets. While Florida law provides rules for distributing an estate when someone dies without a valid will, the process often becomes more complex when family members disagree over inheritance or other issues arise.
The attorney at Forgione Law, P.A., has more than a decade of experience handling intestate succession matters. Attorney Brandon Forgione focuses primarily on estate disputes. This allows him to concentrate on helping you address conflicts that arise after someone has died and assist you with finding a path forward with the estate.
What Is Intestate Succession?
Intestate succession is the legal process used to determine who inherits a person’s property when that person dies without a valid will. These rules generally apply when your loved one did not have a will or when a will does not fully address certain assets.
Under Florida law, the surviving spouse may inherit all or part of the estate depending on the circumstances. Also under state law, a surviving spouse inherits the entire estate if all surviving descendants belong to both spouses, but descendants inherit a share if either spouse has children from another relationship.
Because each family is different, determining who has a legal right to inherit can require a careful review of all your relatives and the assets involved. A lawyer may be able to assist you with determining how you can proceed.
Problems And Disputes In Intestate Estates
An intestate estate can create disagreements among family members. Without clear instructions from a will, you may encounter disputes about who should receive certain property or how assets should be divided. Other issues can include:
- Family conflicts: Relatives may disagree about how property should be distributed.
- Creditor claims: Debts and creditor claims may affect what remains for heirs.
- Unknown heirs: It may be necessary to identify relatives who have a potential right to inherit.
- Property valuation disputes: Family members may disagree about the value of real estate, businesses or personal property.
- Tax complications: Certain assets or transfers may create tax concerns that require careful attention.
These disputes can make probate more stressful and time-consuming. You may benefit from having an intestate succession attorney review the estate and explain your rights and options.
Settle Estate Disputes Today: Call Forgione Law, P.A.
If you are dealing with an intestate estate, attorney Brandon can help you understand your options. You can expect personal attention, responsive communication and transparent billing as he addresses all of your concerns. Contact the firm at 561-730-3926 or send an email today to discuss your situation and learn how he can help you move forward.