Boca Raton Estate Administration Lawyers
After the loss of a family member, the last thing their loved ones should have to worry about is complicated legal paperwork.
At Florida Probate Law Firm, our Boca Raton estate administration lawyers are here to help you through every step of the probate process with compassion, clarity, and care.
Whether you are settling a small estate or handling a more involved formal administration, we work alongside Florida families to make this difficult time a little easier.
Estate administration is the legal process of gathering a deceased person’s assets, paying off debts, and distributing what remains to the rightful beneficiaries. Florida law outlines specific steps that must be followed, and having a knowledgeable legal team on your side can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
At Florida Probate Law Firm, we are proud to serve families throughout Boca Raton and across the entire state of Florida. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Our Boca Raton Estate Administration Lawyers?
When you retain our firm, you receive personal, direct assistance from Florida probate attorneys Thomas R. Walser and Michael Bracchi. You will never be handed off to junior staff or left wondering about the status of your case.
Every family and every estate is different, and we take the time to understand your unique situation.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Immediate response time. We offer a free, no-cost consultation so you can get answers right away. We respect your time and understand that questions about estate administration often feel urgent.
- No large deposit required. We are confident in our ability to help your family gain access to the estate. In most cases, we are paid from the estate’s proceeds, meaning only a minimal deposit is needed to get started.
- Entirely remote and electronic. From signing pleadings to e-filing with the court, everything can be handled without ever leaving your home. There is no need to travel to an office or attend hearings for a standard probate administration.
- Fast turnaround. We prepare pleadings in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Our modern approach and use of the latest technology allow us to push your case forward as quickly as your family is ready to move.
From the moment you call us to the final distribution of assets, our goal is for you to feel confident and supported. We truly want the best for you and your family.
What Is Estate Administration in Florida?
Estate administration is the formal term for what many people simply call “probate.” It is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s financial and legal affairs.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 733, the personal representative (sometimes called an executor) is responsible for managing the estate from start to finish.
In plain terms, estate administration typically involves:
- Filing the will and a petition with the appropriate Florida court
- Identifying and gathering all of the deceased person’s assets
- Notifying creditors and paying valid debts
- Filing any required tax returns
- Distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries as directed by the will or Florida law
The process can feel unfamiliar, especially if you have never served as a personal representative before. Our team walks you through each stage so you always know what to expect and what comes next.
Summary Administration vs. Formal Estate Administration
Not every estate goes through the same type of probate. Florida recognizes two primary paths, and the right one for your family depends on the size and complexity of the estate.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a shorter, simpler process available when the total value of the estate’s probate assets does not exceed $75,000 (not counting exempt homestead property), or when the person who passed away has been deceased for more than two years.
Under Florida Statute 735.201, the court can issue an order distributing assets directly to beneficiaries without appointing a personal representative.
Summary administration is often ideal for:
- Smaller estates with limited assets
- Estates where the primary asset is an exempt homestead
- Situations where all beneficiaries are in agreement
If your loved one’s estate qualifies, this streamlined approach can save significant time and expense.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is required for larger or more complex estates. A personal representative is appointed by the court and given legal authority to manage the estate’s affairs. This process involves additional steps, including a creditor notice period and detailed accounting.
During your free initial consultation, your Boca Raton estate administration lawyer will review the details of your situation and let you know which type of administration applies. We will also provide a preliminary estimate of costs, including court filing fees, so there are no surprises.
The Role of the Personal Representative in Estate Administration
If you have been named as a personal representative in a loved one’s will, you may be wondering exactly what that means. In Florida, the personal representative has a legal duty known as a fiduciary duty. This means you are required to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Taking inventory of the estate’s assets, from bank accounts and investment portfolios to real property and personal belongings
- Keeping estate assets safe and properly managed during the administration period
- Publishing a notice to creditors in a local newspaper and directly notifying known creditors
- Paying valid debts and expenses of the estate
- Distributing remaining assets according to the will or, if there is no will, according to Florida’s intestacy laws
- Filing a final accounting with the court in formal administration cases
This is a significant responsibility, and you do not have to handle it alone. Our Boca Raton estate administration attorneys guide personal representatives through every requirement so that you can fulfill your duties with confidence and peace of mind.
What Happens When There Is No Will?
When someone passes away without a valid will, it is called dying “intestate.” In these situations, Florida’s intestacy statutes determine who inherits the estate’s assets. Generally, the surviving spouse and children are first in line, but the exact distribution depends on the family’s specific circumstances.
Intestate estates still go through the probate process, and a personal representative is appointed by the court. The absence of a will can sometimes lead to questions about who should serve in that role or how assets should be divided.
Our estate administration lawyers help families work through these situations with care and attention, always focused on reaching a fair resolution under the law.
Our Simple 3-Step Estate Administration Process
We know that dealing with legal processes during a time of loss can feel like a lot. That is why we have streamlined our approach into three straightforward steps.
- Step 1: Schedule a free initial consultation. During this conversation, we will take whatever time is needed to analyze your unique case. We will explain whether the estate qualifies for summary or formal administration and provide a clear estimate of expected costs.
- Step 2: Collect and submit your paperwork. Simply scan and email the related documents to our secure online mailbox. From the information you provide, we prepare the probate petition for your review and file it with the appropriate local court.
- Step 3: Receive your court approval. Once the court accepts the petition, an order is issued. For summary eligible cases, assets can be distributed to beneficiaries right away. Formal administration cases involve additional steps, and we handle every one of them for you.
Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your family.
Protecting Your Family with Estate Planning
While we are here to help when a loved one has already passed, we also work with Florida families who want to plan ahead. A well-prepared estate plan can make the probate process significantly smoother for the people you love.
Estate planning services we offer include:
- Drafting last wills and testaments
- Creating revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Establishing powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Reviewing and updating existing estate plans
If you live in Boca Raton or anywhere in Florida, having a solid estate plan in place is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. From the palm-lined streets of Mizner Park to the waterfront communities along the Intracoastal, families here understand the importance of looking out for one another.
Let us help you put a plan in place that reflects your wishes and protects the people who matter most.
Serving Boca Raton and All of Florida
Our firm is proud to serve clients throughout the state. Because we handle everything electronically, distance is never a barrier. Whether you are in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, or anywhere else in Florida, we can represent you with the same level of personal attention and dedication.
Florida’s probate laws apply statewide, and our attorneys have the experience to work with courts in every county. No matter where your loved one lived or where the estate’s assets are located, we are ready to help.
Contact Our Boca Raton Estate Administration Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of unfamiliar legal requirements. At Florida Probate Law Firm, we are here to shoulder that burden for you. Whether you need help with probate administration, estate planning, or simply have questions about what comes next, our team is ready to listen.
Call us today at (561) 210-5500 to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us through our website to get started. We serve families in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout all of Florida. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs Answered by Our Boca Raton Estate Administration Attorneys
The timeline depends on the type of administration. Summary administration can sometimes be completed in a matter of weeks. Formal administration typically takes several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether any disputes arise.
Florida law generally requires the personal representative to be represented by an attorney in formal administration cases, unless they are the sole beneficiary. Even in summary administration, having a knowledgeable legal team helps avoid costly errors and delays.
Probate assets are those that were owned solely in the deceased person’s name without a designated beneficiary. Examples include individually owned bank accounts, real estate held only in the decedent’s name, and personal property. Assets with named beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts, typically pass outside of probate.
Under Florida Statute 733.304, a person who is not a Florida resident may serve as personal representative if they are a legally adopted child or adoptive parent of the decedent, are related by blood to the decedent, or are the spouse of such a relative. Other non-residents may face limitations.
During formal administration, a notice to creditors is published, giving potential creditors a deadline to file claims. The personal representative reviews each claim and can either pay or object to it. We guide you through this process so that only valid debts are satisfied from the estate.
Florida law provides a fee schedule for personal representatives and attorneys involved in probate. In many cases, attorney fees are paid from the estate’s assets rather than out of your own pocket. During your consultation, we will explain exactly how fees apply to your situation.
