Probate is the process by which a deceased person's assets are distributed and debts, including taxes, are paid according to the terms of the will and Chapter 733 of the Florida Probate Code.  In the absence of a valid will, probate administration is governed by Chapter 732, commonly referred to as the laws of intestacy.

Probate is public in that the probate assets and their values as well as the names and addresses of the beneficiaries are available to the public as part of the probate process.  A well-drafted estate plan will reduce your exposure to the probate process, or help avoid it altogether.

While not all assets are subject to probate, proper planning can help you avoid costly mistakes.  Homes and cars can pass outside probate.  Bank and retirement acounts as well as insurance proceeds may also pass outside probate provided that beneficiary designations have been properly completed.  Estate planning is complex.  An estate planning professional can help you avoid unintended consequences.