Probate

Probate Services to Guide You Through the Process

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered by the court. Here in Florida, the process involves validating the will (if any), paying off debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. The probate process begins with filing a petition with the court. A personal representative is then appointed to manage the estate, inventory the assets, pay debts and taxes, and eventually, distribute the assets according to the will (or according to Florida law if the decedent died “intestate,” meaning without a will). While it is commonly believed that the creation of a will avoids probate at death, in fact, this is a misconception. A will requires probate for its administration. Should you require probate for a loved one, we will support you every step of the way. However, if you are in the planning phase, there are ways to avoid probate administration. We can discuss these with you.