Probate Assets

The most relevant factor in determining if probate is necessary is assessing if there are any probate assets as opposed to non-probate assets. Probate assets are those titled in the sole name of the decedent and do not have a beneficiary designation or POD feature. All probate assets are frozen and can only be transferred through the probate process. There are many types of non-probate assets, such as real estate titled in the sole name of the decedent, jointly held property, IRAs and life insurance proceeds payable to a beneficiary, and more.

The first step in identifying probate assets is to confirm how the decedent’s real estate is titled by visiting the Escambia County Property Appraiser. If the property appraiser report and most recent deed confirm that the real estate, aka real property, is in the sole name of the decedent, then a probate will be required in order to eventually sell or transfer the property. Often the goal is to sell the piece of real estate during the probate process and to have to proceeds divided among the identified beneficiaries. It is advisable to wait until an estate is open and a personal representative is appointed before executing any type of sales contract.

The second step for identifying probate and non-probate assets is to check the mail of the decedent. Financial institutions and insurance companies will periodically send correspondence regarding accounts. The personal representative of the estate, or the immediate family members of the decedent, should have the decedent’s mail forwarded to a convenient location by requesting a change of address or mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service. The request can be made on the USPS website, or in person at a branch location.

Restricted Depositories 

When real property will be sold in probate or a guardianship, only some Florida counties require that the sale proceeds be held in an attorney’s trust account or a restricted depository account. Judges assigned to the First Judicial Court (Escambia County) uphold this requirement. A Petition for an Order to Sell Real Estate must be submitted to the court to authorize the sale of real estate. Unless waived or otherwise ordered, executors must file a bond or place assets in a restricted depository or trust account.

Consult with an experienced Escambia County probate attorney for the best techniques for expediting the sale of real property during probate and navigating complex court requirements.

Ancillary Probate for Non-Residents

Ancillary probate refers to a secondary probate proceeding that takes place in any state other than the domiciliary state. Ancillary probate is necessary to transfer or sell real estate, aka real property, located in any state other than the decedent’s domiciliary state.

After someone passes away, the first step in the probate process is to establish the domiciliary estate in the decedent’s state of residence. Once a personal representative or executor is appointed for the domiciliary proceeding, the next step is to petition to initiate the ancillary probate in the county in which the real estate is located.

As an example, John lives in California but owns a vacation home in Pensacola, Florida. When John passes away, his Last Will & Testament must be submitted to his local probate court in California to begin the domiciliary probate process. A second probate process must also be started in Escambia County, FL to transfer the home in Pensacola to his beneficiaries, or to clear title to a new owner via the sales process.

Generally, ancillary probate administration is required in Florida when someone who was not a Florida resident dies and:

• Owned Florida real estate
• Owned a Florida timeshare
• Owned Florida property or liability that would require the signature of an appointed personal representative in Florida for transfer, collect, or discharge

Ancillary probate in Escambia County, Florida can complicate the already time-consuming and sometimes costly probate process, but it is the only way to pass Florida real estate to the rightful beneficiaries. Because ancillary probate has the potential to prolong the domiciliary probate proceeding, it’s crucial to work with a skilled Florida ancillary probate attorney.

An experienced ancillary probate lawyer in Escambia County can assist with every step of the probate process, and potentially serve as a personal representative to prevent potential delays and finalize the probate as quickly and smoothly as possible.

If you need assistance with probate in Escambia County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for a free 30 minute consultation at 561-750-1040.