How can I inherit if I’m my cousin’s only heir and she died without a Will?

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How can I inherit if I’m my cousin’s only heir and she died without a Will?

My cousin passed away without a Will. She has 2 checking and 1 savings account; I am listed as beneficiary on them. She has a car and 2 cemetery plots. She chose to be cremated instead of buried. No husband and no children or other family. Does the car and cemetary plots go through probate? How do I get started?

Asked on May 22, 2016 under Estate Planning, Florida

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

Since you are a beneficiary on the bank accounts, they are not subject to probate. As for the car and cemetray plots, since they will be of relatively minimal value value, your cousin's estate will probably qualify for an informal probate process, which is cheaper and quicker. There are 2 procedures that you need to consider: Summary Administration and Disposition Without Administration. Here is a link to a site that will explain further.
https://www.floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/48e76203493b82ad852567090070c9b9/92f75229484644c985256b2f006c5a7a?OpenDocument


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