____ 1. Minimum of 10 death certificates (these can usually be obtained through the funeral home)
____ 2. Original Will and all codicils (or amendments to the Will)
Note: If you have the original, either personally deliver to the attorney’s office or send via Federal Express or certified mail.
____ 3. Originals of all trusts and any amendments or restatements
____ 4. Copy of paid funeral bill
____ 5. Copies of all deeds for real property owned by decedent
Note: If you cannot locate the deeds, we can usually secure if you provide us with the address of the property.
____ 6. Tangible Personal Property Memorandum or writing indicating instructions for distribution of tangible personal property (such as jewelry, furniture, cars)
____ 7. Income tax returns for last 3 years
____ 8. Copies of all bank statements, brokerage account statements, or reports from investment advisors
____ 9. Copies of all life insurance policies
____ 10. All corporate records if decedent owned any corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships or other entities.
Note #1: For a Checklist of Initial Tasks for the Personal Representative (or Executor) tasks click here: Personal Representative Checklist. For a Checklist of Initial Task for the Successor Trustee, click here: Successor Trustee Checklist.
Note #2: If any documents are located in a safe deposit box, you should not enter the safe deposit box without first clearing that with a Miami Probate or Trust attorney.
This is a short list of initial documents usually needed for a Florida probate or trust administration. After your initial consultation with a Miami probate or trust attorney, you will likely be requested to secure other documents.
Questions? If you have any questions contact a Miami probate attorney at Rarick & Bowden Gold, P.A. at (305) 556-5209 or info@raricklaw.com.
Special Note
The information on this blog is of a general nature and is not intended to answer any individual’s legal questions. Do not rely on information presented herein to address your individual legal concerns. If you have a legal question about your individual facts and circumstances, you should consult an experienced Miami probate attorney. Your receipt of information from this website or blog does not create an attorney-client relationship and the legal privileges inherent therein.