Kalis & Kleiman News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Before the Deceased's Property can be Legally Distributed
Recent stories in the news, after the death of Anna Nicole Smith, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, have put a brighter spotlight on Probate, Wills and Trusts. Many, if they haven’t experienced this first-hand, have seen in the cases mentioned above the feuds among family and friends that may arise after a loved one passes. Generally, it is necessary to go through a probate proceeding before the deceased's property can be legally distributed.
Even if a person dies with a Will, a court generally has to have an opportunity to allow others to object to the Will, and if there are any objections, to determine if the Will is valid, because it is always possible that:
(1) There was a later Will (which, if valid, may replace the older Will); or
(2) The Will was made at a time the deceased was not mentally competent to make a Will, or
(3) the Will was the result of fraud, mistake, or "undue influence"; or
(4) The Will was not properly "executed" (signed); or
(5) The so-called Will is actually a forgery; or
(6) For some other reason (such as a pre-existing contract) the Will is not fully valid; or
(7) There are other claims against the deceased's estate that impact what the beneficiaries under the Will would receive.
All the property owned by the deceased at the time of death may be included in the estate and subject to probate. This could includes bank accounts, Certificates of Deposit, investment and retirement accounts. It could also include the deceased’s real estate holdings and personal property, such as automobiles, boats, jewelry, furniture, and artwork. The probate process also provides mechanisms for payment of outstanding estate debts and taxes, for setting a deadline for creditors to file claims (foreclosing the possibility that old or unpaid creditors will haunt heirs or beneficiaries), and for the distribution of the remainder of the estate to the rightful heirs.
KALIS & KLEIMAN are recognized and experienced Probate, Wills and Trusts attorneys. Neal Kalis and M. Scott Kleiman pride themselves on not just being lawyers, but being lawyers and trusted counselors. The firm’s personal attention to its clients’ needs and desired results produces a customized approach that this firm delivers to each case. Neal and Scott are both AV-rated, which indicates that an attorney has reached “the height of professional excellence” and is recognized for the “highest skill and integrity.” They have more than 50 years of combined experience, and they have participated in thousands of transactions, settlements and trials. KALIS & KLEIMAN will help you through the entire probate process. KALIS & KLEIMAN has earned a reputation of legal excellence and a history of successfully managing Probate cases.
KALIS & KLEIMAN was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Davie, Florida, at 7320 Griffin Road, Suite 109. Attorney Neal Kalis and M. Scott Kleiman can be contacted at (954) 791-0477. Additional information about the law Firm of Kalis & Kleiman may be obtained from the firm's website at www.kaliskleiman.com.
Davie, FL 33314