What are the benefits of probate?

On Behalf of | Jul 10, 2019 | Estate Planning

People like to moan and groan about the probate process, but that is often because they do not understand it. Probate is not designed to be this horrible thing you have to go through when a relative dies. In fact, the main goal of the process is to benefit everyone by being a fair and legal way to distribute an estate in Florida. While probate does cost money and can slow the whole estate distribution down, there are some positive things about it as well.

According to the American Research Bureau, probate does several helpful things that will actually save heirs time and hassle. To begin with, it helps ensure all debts are paid. Having to deal with debts after someone dies can be very tricky and time consuming. The probate process will handle this for you. That even includes ensuring only valid creditors receive payment.

Another way probate helps is ensuring your wishes are carried out. While you may have created your estate plan, the probate process is often the only thing guaranteeing that what you want actually happens. It can also assist with any issues your heirs may have about your choices.

Finally, it puts someone in charge of everything who works under the direction of the court. This is basically like someone who is acting as your representative and looking out for you throughout the process. This person distributes the assets properly and makes sure that everything goes the way you want it to. This information is for education and is not legal advice.