UNDERSTANDING PROBATE

Cruise Cancellation or Deviation Due to COVID

The updated cruise contract removed verbiage under the "Cancellation, Deviation, Or Substitution By Carrier" section related to public health emergencies The phrase "as a result of a declaration of a public health emergency or government order" has been removed

Why the cruise contract is important

The cruise contract is an important legal document that you agree to when booking a cruise It encompasses protocols and policies related to guest conduct and expectations during a cruise Every cruise line includes this as part of the agreement you make when you book a cruise

Upon placing a deposit, Royal Caribbean adds a check box to indicate the guest has read through the Cruise Contract and agrees to everything inside

Probate is the legal process that takes place after a person has passed away It involves the identification and distribution of the deceased person's assets and the settlement of their debts In Florida, probate can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure that the deceased person's wishes are carried out and their assets are distributed according to the law

Most people do not think of probate until someone dies and they go to the bank to try to get money from an account, sell a home or automobile, or claim an insurance benefit

The Probate process is the bridge that one must cross in order to transfer what someone owned at death to the beneficiaries/heirs of their estate The person who died is called the decedent What the person owns at death is called the estate

Probate is necessary when someone dies and a home, financial account, and other real estate are titled solely in their name – meaning there are no joint owners or beneficiaries listed on the deed/title to the home, financial account, or insurance policy

The Florida probate process starts with the filing of a petition for administration with the local circuit court This petition is usually filed by the executor named in the deceased person's will or by a family member if there is no will Once the petition is filed, the court will appoint a personal representative who will be responsible for overseeing the probate process

The personal representative's first job is to identify and gather all of the deceased person's assets. This may involve reviewing financial statements, deeds, and other legal documents The personal representative must also notify all known creditors of the deceased person's death

And Provide Them With An Opportunity To Le A Claim Against The Estate

Once all of the assets have been identified and all of the creditors have been notified, the personal representative must pay any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the estate This may involve selling assets to generate the necessary funds Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the remaining assets can be distributed to the beneficiaries named in the deceased person's will or according to the laws of intestacy if there is no will

In Florida, there are two types of probate administration: formal administration and summary administration Formal administration is required if the value of the estate is over $75,000 or if there are complex legal issues involved Summary administration is a simplified process that can be used if the value of the estate is less than $75,000 or if the deceased person has been dead for more than two years

The Florida probate process can take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any legal challenges that may arise It is important for the personal representative to seek the advice of an attorney experienced in probate law to ensure that the process is carried out correctly and efficiently

It is important not to pay debts owed by the decedent until you have consulted an attorney, because the decedent’s debts are payable only under certain conditions

Georgia D N. Robinson is a probate attorney and mediator in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with over 23 years experience She can be reached at 954-535-0827 or at robinsonlawmediation@gmail com