Are there Alternatives to Formal Administration?

Yes, under Florida law there are several abbreviated probate procedures. If the estate is valued at less than $75,000, “summary administration” may be available if the decedent’s debts are paid, or the creditors do not object. Those who receive the estate assets in a summary administration will remain liable for claims against the decedent for up to two years following the date of death. Summary administration is also available if the decedent has been dead for more than two years and no other administration has occurred.

Disposition without Administration is another alternative if the probate estate assets consist solely of property that is classified as exempt from the claims of the decedent’s creditors by law and non-exempt personal property. The value of which cannot exceed the total of up to $6000 in funeral costs and the amount of all reasonable medical expenses that were incurred in the decedent’s last 60 days.