I am the personal representative for my father’s Estate. He died June 2020 in Bonita Springs Fl. My out of state siblings are contesting the closing of his Estate. Almost 3 years later, I am still waiting to close his Estate and nothing has happened. It keeps dragging on. Is this normal? My attorney does nothing to move it forward. I have been waiting for the court to issue a hearing date, but it has been months. Should I fire my litigating attorney and hire a new one? The Estate is dwindling away from attorney fees and I have seen no results. Please advise.
Should You Fire Your Litigating Attorney and Find Another One?
Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of a probate dispute with your siblings. If you are facing such a situation and your attorney isn't moving things forward, you may be wondering if it's time to fire them and find a new one. Here are some factors to consider:
Understanding the Context
Probate is a legal process that deals with the distribution of a person's assets after their death. In Florida, the probate court oversees this process, and a personal representative is appointed to manage the deceased person's estate.
Probate disputes can arise when family members disagree about how the assets should be distributed. This can lead to a lengthy legal process that can be emotionally and financially draining.
Possible Solutions
If you feel like your current attorney isn't moving things forward, it may be time to consider finding a new one. Before you do, however, you should try to address the issue with your current attorney. Ask for an explanation of why the process is taking so long and what steps they are taking to move it forward.
If you are not satisfied with their response, you may want to consider finding a new attorney. Look for an attorney who has experience with probate disputes and who is responsive to your questions and concerns.
Another option is to consider mediation. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the parties involved in a dispute reach a resolution. It can be less costly and less time-consuming than going to court.
Related Authorities
If you are looking for a new attorney in the Fort Myers area, you can compare lawyers in your area on explorelawyers.com. This website provides information on attorneys in your area, including their experience, fees, and reviews from other clients.
You can also find the best lawyers in Fort Myers on explorelawyers.com. This website allows you to search for attorneys by practice area and location, and provides information on their experience, fees, and reviews from other clients.
Legal Service Rates in Fort Myers
Here are some examples of legal service rates in Fort Myers for various types of legal services:
- Simple will: $150-$500
- Living trust: $1,200-$2,500
- Probate administration: $2,000-$7,000
- Probate litigation: $10,000-$30,000
These rates are just examples and may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney you choose.
Legal Disclaimer
It's important to note that the information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship, and you should consult with an attorney if you have specific legal questions related to your case.
