Probate Litigation
While many estates are probated with minimal fuss, there are number of legitimate issues that may require litigation. For instance:
- Will Contests: Wills that were created under duress, coercion, or fraud, or were not property executed in accordance with Florida law, are invalid and open to challenge.
- Will Construction Issues: Litigation may be required to sort out issues of construction, such as clarifying vague language or determining how to transfer assets that are not mentioned in the will.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Personal representatives have duties and responsibilities that they are legally bound to fulfill. Failure to act in accordance with these requirements can lead to a surcharge action (to recoup mismanaged funds), a request for or challenge to an accounting, or an action to remove the personal representative.
- Determination of Heirs: In cases where an individual dies without a will, courts are required to seek out eligible heirs. Establishing a claim to a decedent’s estate by certain children born out of wedlock, or where paternity must be proven, requires litigation.