Florida Probate, Explained

When a loved one passes away, their estate often must go through probate — the court-supervised process of gathering assets, paying valid debts, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries. We guide personal representatives and families through every step so you can focus on your family, not the paperwork.

The two main types of Florida probate

Summary administration — a shortened process available when the estate’s non-exempt assets are worth $75,000 or less, or the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.

Formal administration — the standard process for larger estates, in which the court appoints a personal representative to administer the estate.

What a personal representative does

Florida law sets real requirements: the personal representative must qualify under Florida statute, is generally required to be represented by an attorney in formal administration, must notify creditors, file inventories, and account to the court. It’s a job with legal duties — and personal liability if it’s done wrong. We handle the court filings, creditor notices, and deadlines so nothing is missed.

Most probate work — filings, creditor notices, coordination with the personal representative — can be handled remotely, so out-of-town family members and personal representatives anywhere in Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade (or up in New York) can work with us without repeated trips to Boca Raton.

Can probate be avoided?

Often, yes — with planning. Living trusts, beneficiary designations, and Florida’s enhanced life estate (“Lady Bird”) deeds can pass assets outside probate. If you’re seeing this page while planning ahead rather than administering an estate, ask us about probate-avoidance planning.

Handling an estate, or planning to spare your family the process? Call (561) 226-3933 — in-person and virtual consultations available.