What is Informal Estate Administration?

Informal Estate Administration is a broad term to describe the settlement procedures needed to transfer assets that are not required to go through probate or are owned by the decedent's trust.  Usually, these asset transfers will require legal assistance and coordination to clear the title for the heirs.   Examples of the kinds of assets that may need informal estate administration are after-tax investment accounts with designated beneficiaries, IRA's, annuities, jointly owned real estate, or real estate that has been inherited by the termination of a life estate.   While not always needed, sometimes it is more effective and easier for the decedent's family to let the estate administration attorney handle the paperwork and guide them through the process.

More often than not, Informal Estate Administration activities will occur as part of a Formal Probate Administration, Trust Administration, or both Formal Probate and Trust Administration.   It all depends on what assets the decedent owned and how the decedent titled the accounts, which factor into the decision regarding the type of estate administration activities required.

An example of clearing title and removing the decedent's name from jointly owned real property and tax rolls is an example of informal estate administration.  In this case, the recording in the public records of an Affidavit of Continuous Marriage, an Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due, and the decedent's death certificate is necessary.   

When someone you love dies, it can be overwhelming on what the next steps need to be to settle their affairs.  We are here to guide you through the process and address all of your concerns.   We will explain how Florida estate administration laws apply to your case in a way you can understand.

Give us a call.   We can help.

Law Office of Shawn C. Newman, P.A.
710 Northeast 26th Street
Wilton Manors, FL 33305-1238
Phone: (954) 563-9160

Serving all of the greater Fort Lauderdale area and Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties in Southern Florida.