Frequently Asked Questions for Estates
What does probating a will mean?
Is there a fee for depositing a will? What does that mean?
Can a will be deposited with the Court for safekeeping
if the testator (will maker) is still alive?
Why must you keep the original? What if I need the original?
What does "estate" mean?
What does "probating an estate" mean?
Where do probate proceedings take place?
Why is probate necessary?
What happens if a person dies and has left no will?
What does probating a will mean?
It means taking the necessary legal steps to assure a will is valid and to admit the will to probate.
Is there a fee for depositing a will? What does that mean?
No. To deposit a will means to place it with the Clerk for safekeeping.
Can a will be deposited with the Court for safekeeping if the testator (will maker) is still alive?
No.
Why must you keep the original? What if I need the original?The law requires the original to be placed on deposit. The clerk can make a certified copy of the will for a fee, which takes the place of the original.
What does "estate" mean?It relates to all property of a deceased person that is the subject of a probate action.
What does "probating an estate" mean?This is a legal process which determines the value of a deceased person's property and its distribution to heirs pursuant to Florida law.
Where do probate proceedings take place?Proceedings take place in the Circuit Court of the county where the decedent was domiciled or owned property.
Why is probate necessary?To provide a method of converting assets to cash to be distributed to beneficiaries, or to pay creditors/taxes. Also, to legally transfer ownership of real property.
It determines who is entitled to share in the estate and to distribute the property to the proper parties.
What happens if a person dies and has left no will?The property is distributed in accordance with Florida law.
Department Contact Information
| DADE CITY | NEW PORT RICHEY |
|---|---|
| Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller 38053 Live Oak Avenue Suite 207 Dade City, FL 33523-3894 352-521-4542, Option 4 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday Directions |
Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Mailing Address P.O. Box 338 New Port Richey, FL 34656-0338 Physical Location: 7530 Little Road Suite 104 New Port Richey, FL 34654 727-847-8031, Option 4 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday Directions |