How many proceedings are there for the administration of an estate?
In Florida, there are four distinct proceedings (other states may be similar): 1. Formal Administration: This proceeding is used when there are considerable assets and it’s necessary to have a personal representative appoints to act on behalf of the estate. 2. Family Administration: When the beneficiaries of the estate are the surviving spouse and lineal descendants, and the estate is less than $60,000 for federal estate tax purposes, this proceeding is usually used. 3. Summary Administration: When the estate is not more than $25,000 or the descendent has been dead for more two years, a Summary Administration is the proceeding used most often. 4. Disposition without Administration: When the estate assets don’t exceed funeral expenses plus the cost of medical and hospital expenses, this proceeding is necessary.
