Escambia County Guardianship Lawyer
The Burns Law Firm in Pensacola compassionately assists clients in Florida and Alabama with probate proceedings. We often assist people from other states who need a local representative to carry out their legal responsibilities after a family member has died or become incapacitated.
Guiding You Through the Probate Process
There are certain legal steps that need to be carried out when someone dies. Those steps include:
- Submitting the Will to the probate court for approval, if there is one.
- Publishing a notice to creditors so that legitimate bills can be paid from the assets of the estate.
- Completing an inventory of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts and personal assets.
- Paying taxes
- Distributing the assets of the estate to those named in the Will. If there is no Will, then assets will be distributed to the deceased person's heirs according to the Florida or Alabama law of intestate succession.
- Filing a final accounting with the probate court.
It is important to follow the rules of the probate court as you could be held personally responsible for any mistakes.
Guiding You Through Guardianship Proceedings
Many people go through a period of time near the end of their lives when they are no longer able to take care of themselves or their finances. If your family member has become incapacitated while living in Florida or Alabama, you may need to be appointed that person's guardian to do things like:
- Pay the person's bills
- Admit the person to a nursing home
- Sell the person's real estate or investments
- Make decisions for the person
Courts take the guardianship process very seriously, since you are taking away a person's independence and freedom. Only a person who is adjudicated incompetent can become the ward of a guardian. Attorney James Burns represents people who want to become guardians, as well as family members and wards who are opposed to guardianship.
