Guidance for Executors & Personal Representatives
Trusted Legal Counsel for Florida Personal Representatives
In Florida, an executor named in a will is officially referred to as a Personal Representative. Serving as a personal representative is a vital role, but it is not merely an honorary title—it is a demanding fiduciary responsibility subject to court supervision and strict statutory standards.
Under Florida law, almost all personal representatives are required by statute to be represented by a licensed Florida attorney (Florida Probate Rule 5.030). At Cynthia I. Waisman, P.A., attorney Cynthia I. Waisman serves as your trusted legal partner, guiding you through each court requirement from initial qualification to final discharge.
Who Qualifies to Serve as a Florida Personal Representative?
Under Florida Statute § 733.302 and § 733.304, a personal representative must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and mentally competent.
- Have never been convicted of a felony.
- Be a resident of Florida, OR, if not a Florida resident, be a legally recognized blood relative (spouse, sibling, child, parent, niece, nephew, or lineal descendant/ancestor).
Core Duties of the Personal Representative
With our firm’s guidance, personal representatives successfully execute their core obligations:
- Filing the Petition for Administration: Submitting the will, death certificate, and petition to obtain official Letters of Administration granting legal authority.
- Securing Estate Property: Changing locks, insuring real estate, taking control of bank accounts, and safeguarding valuable heirlooms.
- Serving Statutory Notices: Formally serving the Notice of Administration on all beneficiaries, providing them the statutory 3-month window to contest the will.
- Preparing the Initial Inventory: Compiling and filing a verified inventory of estate property with estimated date-of-death fair market values.
- Communicating with Beneficiaries: Maintaining transparent, professional communication with family members to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
Protecting You from Personal Liability
Our team ensures that every action you take adheres strictly to Florida probate statutes, protecting you against beneficiary disputes and personal surcharge claims.
Contact Us to Begin Administration
If you have been nominated as an executor or need experienced probate counsel in Hillsborough or Pinellas County, contact Cynthia I. Waisman, P.A. today.
Speak with an Experienced Florida Probate Attorney
Probate in Florida is rule-driven and time-critical. Attorney Cynthia I. Waisman provides attentive, compassionate legal counsel to resolve estate matters efficiently and protect your interests.
