Steps to Take After a Court-Granted Summary Administration in Florida

Obtain Certified Copies of the Summary Administration Order

You'll need certified copies of the court's final order granting summary administration. These will be essential for updating your official documents and completing the distribution of assets as granted by the court. You can request certified copies from the clerk of the court where the summary administration petition was filed.

Update Your Official Documents

Here's a breakdown of the key documents you'll need to update:

• Property Records: Contact the county property appraiser's office to transfer title of the decedent's property to the personal representative.

• Bank Accounts: Inform the bank of the decedent's passing and provide a copy of the death certificate.

• Investment Accounts: Notify investment firms and brokerage houses of the decedent's death.

• Retirement Accounts: Contact retirement plan administrators to initiate the distribution process.

• Life Insurance Policies: Contact life insurance companies to claim benefits.

• Utility Accounts: Close or transfer utility accounts associated with the decedent's residence.

• Subscriptions and Memberships: Cancel or transfer subscriptions and memberships.

Additional Tips

• Keep copies of your court order and all updated documents for your records.

• Notify friends, family, and employers of the decedent's passing.

• Consider setting up mail forwarding to ensure you don't miss important documents.

• Be patient, as some agencies may take longer than others to process the summary administration.