When a loved one or a friend passes away, it can be and often is a very emotional, stressful, and confusing time for the family. The last thing anyone really wants to think about is the possibility or reality of a Florida probate, let alone how or when to settle their loved one’s affairs.  But, depending on a number of different factors, including whether a person had a written estate plan, many times the only way to transfer one’s property to a beneficiary or beneficiaries is through the Florida probate process. If your loved one or friend had a Last Will and Testament (a Will), that person’s Will is required to be deposited with the local Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten (10) days after learning of the person’s death. Therefore, it’s advisable to immediately contact a Florida probate attorney to discuss your loved one, including an in-depth analysis of their assets, family, estate planning documents, and options available to settle their affairs. This is true whether or not the person died with or without a Will. If a Florida probate is necessary, understand that probate doesn’t have to be the nightmare you may hear about on TV or from a friend of a friend.  In fact, in many cases, the Florida probate process can be relatively smooth – but it also ensures that the deceased person’s assets are passed to their intended beneficiaries and creditors are paid, under the supervision of the Court.