Pursuant to 5.030 Probate Rules of Court every guardian and every personal representative, unless the personal representative remains the sole interested person, shall be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in Florida.

Estate Distribution of Personal Property
Florida Statute 735.301 states:

No administration shall be required or formal proceedings instituted upon the estate of a decedent leaving only personal property exempt under the provisions of s. 732.402, personal property exempt from the claims of creditors under the Constitution of Florida, and nonexempt personal property the value of which does not exceed the sum of the amount of preferred funeral expenses and reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness. Upon informal application by affidavit, letter, or otherwise by any interested party, and if the court is satisfied that subsection (1) is applicable, the court, by letter or other writing under the seal of the court, may authorize the payment, transfer, or disposition of the personal property, tangible or intangible, belonging to the decedent to those persons entitled. Any person, firm, or corporation paying, delivering, or transferring property under the authorization shall be forever discharged from liability thereon.�

Note: Click on the following link to access the Florida Statutes and to view information regarding personal property exempt under s. 732.401. Florida Statutes

Instructions and forms for Disposition of Personal Property
(Click link to access form packet.)

For more information concerning estates or guardianships, contact your lawyer or the law library. If you do not have a lawyer, contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service or your local bar association office.

Sarasota Law Library (941) 861-8191 2050 Adams Lane Sarasota, FL 34237	Sarasota County Bar Association (941) 861-8180 PO Box 507 Sarasota, FL 34230
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 1-(800) 342-8011

Sarasota Office Probate Department 2000 Main Street, Room 102 Sarasota, FL 34237

Venice Branch R. L. Anderson Administration Bldg. 4000 South Tamiami Trail, 2nd Floor Venice, FL 34293

Guardianship
Guardianship is the duty or authority of a person lawfully invested to manage the estate of another. There are various types of guardianships. An attorney can assist you in determining what type, if any, is needed. There are programs available to help guardians understand some of the basics involving guardianships. Please contact the State College of Florida at (941) 752-5203 for more information.

Forms
Forms are available through the Law Library or the Florida Bar Association.

Probate
Wills are filed only after a death, and there is no charge for filing a will. The law requires the will be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten days.