What Our Probate Legal Services Cover

Every estate is different, and the services your family needs will depend on the specifics of your situation. Below is a closer look at each of our core practice areas and how they can help you.

Estate Administration

Estate administration is the formal process of settling a deceased person’s estate through the Florida court system. This includes filing the necessary paperwork, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, managing estate assets, and ultimately distributing property according to the will or Florida’s intestacy laws, if no will exists. 

We handle both summary administration and formal administration, and we prepare pleadings in as little as 24 to 48 hours so your case moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Learn more about Estate Administration.

Trust Administration

When a loved one created a trust during their lifetime, that trust still needs to be properly administered after they pass. Trust administration involves carrying out the terms of the trust, distributing assets to named beneficiaries, and fulfilling any obligations the trust document requires. 

While trust administration generally avoids the probate court process, there are still important legal steps and deadlines to follow. We work closely with trustees and beneficiaries to make sure everything is handled correctly and on schedule.

Learn more about Trust Administration.

Asset Transfer

One of the most important parts of settling an estate is making sure assets end up in the right hands. Asset transfer covers everything from real estate and bank accounts to vehicles and investment portfolios. Some assets pass automatically through beneficiary designations or joint ownership, while others must go through probate. 

We identify each asset, determine the proper legal path for transfer, and handle the paperwork required to get those assets to the rightful beneficiaries as efficiently as possible.

Learn more about Asset Transfers.

Creditor Claims

Florida law requires that known and potential creditors be notified when a probate estate is opened. Creditors then have a limited window of time to file claims against the estate. Managing creditor claims involves reviewing each claim for validity, raising objections when appropriate, and making sure legitimate debts are paid in the correct order of priority. 

We protect the estate and its beneficiaries by carefully managing this process from start to finish, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Learn more about Creditor Claims.

Estate Tax Returns

Depending on the size and nature of the estate, certain tax filings may be required at the state or federal level. Estate tax returns can involve the decedent’s final personal income tax return, estate income tax returns for any earnings generated after the date of death, and in some cases a federal estate tax return. 

We coordinate with trusted tax professionals to make sure all required returns are filed accurately and on time, helping to avoid penalties and protect the estate’s value for beneficiaries.

Learn more about Estate Tax Returns.

Estate Planning for Survivors

After going through the probate process, many families realize they want to put a plan in place to make things easier for their own loved ones down the road. Estate planning for survivors includes creating or updating wills, establishing trusts, setting up powers of attorney, and designating healthcare surrogates. 

These documents help protect your family and reduce the burden on those you leave behind. We offer estate planning services to help you take that next step with confidence.

Learn more about Estate Planning for Survivors.