When Are Beneficiaries Notified Following a Death?

The process of notifying beneficiaries after a person's death is not immediate and can take a variable amount of time. This process is dictated by the requirements and timelines of the probate court, as well as the specifics of the individual case.

After the court appoints a personal representative, Florida law requires that person to promptly serve a notice of administration. It goes to the surviving spouse, the beneficiaries, certain trustees and trust beneficiaries, and people who may be entitled to exempt property.

The notice gives the court, the case number and the name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney. It also lists the deadlines that follow. Anyone served who wants to challenge the will, the venue or the court's jurisdiction must file an objection within 3 months after being served.

The timeframe can vary widely based on factors such as the complexity of the estate, whether or not the will is contested, and the efficiency of the personal representative. Timing depends on when the court appoints the personal representative.