What is Summary Administration?

Dec 14, 2021 | By: Neil Lyons

typical formal probate administration can take anywhere from four months to multiple years to complete.

In certain circumstances, however, summary administration allows a decedent’s estate to be distributed relatively quickly. The process is simplified and improves the efficiency of resolving small estates.

This usually takes less than a month. Summary administration also does not require the appointment of a Florida personal representative.

Let’s review the criteria for summary administration in Florida.

How to qualify for summary administration

Older hands writing on paper with a pen

One of the easiest ways for an estate to qualify for summary administration is for the decedent to have passed away more than two years ago.

After two years, all creditors of an estate are barred from filing any claims. (This alleviates the need for a formal probate administration.)

If a decedent has been dead for less than two years, then the rules for summary administration are more stringent. In those circumstances, summary administration is appropriate if the value of the decedent’s estate is less than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. (This calculation does not include the value of the decedent’s homestead.) No creditors of the decedent can exist.

Before making any determinations about the type of probate administration that may be necessary, contact us so we can guide you through the requirements and the process.