What Is a Curator?

When hearing the term "curator," many may think it involves something to do with a museum or artwork collection - but it is also an important position for use in probate estates.

Traditionally, a probate estate will have a personal representative appointed to marshall and administer the estate's assets. However, there are situations in which there is a dispute as to who should be appointed the personal representative, or some other issue causing a delay in the appointment of a personal representative.

In these situations, a curator should be appointed to avoid holding the estate up. A curator is a neutral individual appointed by the court to act as the personal representative, with more limited powers, while the underlying issues with the personal representative are resolved.

Just as personal representatives, curators are entitled to reasonable compensation for their services, may be removed from their position, and must abide by the Florida Probate Rules and Florida Statutes. Once a personal representative is appointed, the curator is no longer the administrator of the estate.

If you are seeking to have a curator appointed for a probate estate, contact our office for a consultation.