Summary Administration in Florida is a shorter procedure for smaller estates. It can be appropriate when someone died owning less that $75,000 in assets that require probate or the decedent passed greater than two years ago. If the person had a will, that will cannot require full administration. Fla. Stat. § 735.201. If an estate does not qualify for this process, the estate will likely require full administration.
The petitioner can be (a) a beneficiary; (b) a nominated PR under decedent’s will, if any; or (c) an heir at law (if no will).
This process still requires notification to interested persons which can include heirs, next of kin, and certain creditors. An attorney can help you determine who needs notice and how you can properly give notice.
If the decedent had a will, the will is submitted to the court in the summary administration as well.
Summary Administration is a shorter process that can save an estate time and money. An experienced probate attorney can help you petition and administer an estate with the summary administration process. Attorney JC Elgin helps families in Fort Myers, Lee County, and throughout Southwest Florida administer estates.
