Orlando, FL estates & probate attorney Jim Flick talks about the probate process in Florida. He reveals that probate attorneys often describe probate as a lawsuit against one’s own estate. Probate is the legal process that takes place after an individual’s death, during which their will, if one exists, is filed with the court and becomes part of the public record. Interested parties—including beneficiaries, family members, and creditors—have the opportunity to contest the will, and a judge must review and approve it. Throughout the process, the estate’s assets are inventoried and published, creditors are notified, and tax returns are filed. Once all necessary steps are completed, the estate can be formally closed. He notes that probate can be lengthy, often taking nine to ten months or longer, and may involve significant costs.