Florida Probate Checklist: What to Do When Someone You Love Passes Away

When someone you love passes away, the legal responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming on top of everything else you are already carrying. This guide from Legacy Solutions Law Firm gives Florida families a clear, plain-language checklist of what to do and what not to do in the days and weeks after a loss.

It covers the first seven legal tasks every Florida family should handle immediately after a death, including securing certified death certificates, protecting property, locating the will or trust, and creating an inventory of assets and debts. It explains the difference between formal probate administration and summary administration in Florida, when trust administration applies instead of probate, and when both are required.

The guide also covers the five most common and costly mistakes Florida families make after a death, including distributing assets before legal clearance, assuming a will avoids probate, and missing creditor deadlines under Florida law. A probate readiness checklist is included to help families gather what they need before speaking with an attorney.

Whether you are the named personal representative, a surviving spouse, or a beneficiary trying to understand your rights, this guide gives you a clear starting point. Legacy Solutions Law Firm serves families across all of Florida navigating probate and trust administration. Call (754) 292-0912.