What is the process of estate distribution after someone passes away, and what are the advantages of avoiding this process?

After the demise of an individual, the legal procedure known as probate comes into play to allocate assets and settle debts. The court will assess the assets, pay off any outstanding debts using the estate’s resources, and distribute the remaining assets to the heirs according to the instructions laid out in their Will, provided there is one. However, if no Will exists, the distribution of assets will be governed by the laws of Florida. Some clients find it crucial to avoid probate due to the fact that this process becomes part of the public record and can often be a protracted and costly court procedure.