Executors

EXECUTOR

Florida uses the term “Personal Representative”

What is a Personal Representative, and what does the Personal Representative do?

The personal representative is the person, bank, or trust company appointed by the Judge to be in charge of the administration of the decedent’s probate estate. In Florida, the term “personal representative” is used instead of such terms as “executor, executrix, administrator and administratrix.”

The personal representative has a legal duty to administer the probate estate pursuant to Florida law. The personal representative must:

           •Identify, gather, value, and safeguard the decedent’s probate assets;

           • Publish a “Notice to Creditors” in a local newspaper in order to give notice to potential claimants to file claims in the manner                required by law;

           • Serve a “Notice of Administration” to provide information about the probate estate administration and notice of the                                procedures required to be followed by those having an objection to the administration of the decedent’s probate estate;

           •Conduct a diligent search to locate “known or reasonably ascertainable” creditors, and notify these creditors of the time by                   which their claims must be filled;

           •Object to improper claims, and defend suits brought on such claims;

           •Pay valid claims;

           •File tax returns and pay any taxes properly due;

           •Employ professionals to assist in the administration of the probate estate; for example, certified public accountants,                                appraisers and investment advisors etc.;

           •Pay expenses of administering the probate estate;

           •Pay statutory amounts to the decedent’s surviving spouse or family members;

           •Distribute probate assets to beneficiaries as required by law; and

           •Close the probate estate.

If you have questions concerning probate or the transfer of decedent’s assets in general, you should seek legal advice.

PROBATE ATTORNEYS

Burney Bivens, P.A. and Associates

1543 Kingsley Avenue, #18-B

Orange Park, FL 32073

Office: (904) 264-3412

Fax: (904) 264-2456