Florida Probate Attorneys

Lost a Loved One?
We Handle the Probate
So You Can Focus on Family.

Florida probate can be confusing, emotional, and time-sensitive. Our attorneys guide personal representatives and beneficiaries through every step — from filing to final distribution.

Formal and summary administration for estates of all sizes
Personal representative guidance, creditor claims, and asset distribution
Contested estates, will disputes, and trust litigation
Free initial consultation — no commitment required

Call Now — 877-206-0022

Get Your Free Probate Consultation

Speak with a Florida probate attorney — no obligation.

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Why Zoecklein Law

Florida Probate Done Right

Florida probate involves strict deadlines, court filings, creditor notices, and asset transfers. A mistake can delay distribution by months or expose the personal representative to personal liability. Our attorneys have guided hundreds of families through probate efficiently and correctly.

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Florida Probate Specialists

Probate is a core practice area — not a sideline. We handle formal administration, summary administration, ancillary probate, and disposition without administration daily.

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Personal Representative Guidance

Named as PR? We walk you through every duty — from opening the estate and notifying creditors to inventorying assets and filing the final accounting.

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We Litigate When Necessary

Will contests, PR removal, undue influence claims, breach of fiduciary duty — unlike planning-only firms, we go to court when your rights are at stake.

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Creditor Claims & Homestead

We manage the creditor claim process, protect Florida homestead rights, and ensure exempt property passes correctly to surviving family members.

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Summary Administration Available

Qualifying estates under $75,000 (or where the decedent died 2+ years ago) may use Florida's faster summary process. We determine eligibility and handle the filing.

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Serving All of Florida

Offices in Brandon, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Sarasota, Pasco County, and West Palm Beach. Virtual consultations available statewide.

How It Works

The Florida Probate Process

Free Consultation

We review the estate, the will (if any), and your role to determine the right probate path and timeline.

Open the Estate

We file the petition, get Letters of Administration issued, and notify creditors and beneficiaries as required by Florida law.

Administer & Protect

We inventory assets, resolve creditor claims, manage real property transfers, and handle any disputes that arise.

Close & Distribute

We file the final accounting, obtain court approval, and distribute assets to beneficiaries — closing the estate properly.

Common Questions

Florida Probate FAQ

How long does probate take in Florida? +

Summary administration can be completed in weeks. Formal administration typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the estate, creditor claims, and whether any disputes arise. We work to move things as efficiently as possible.

What is a personal representative and what do they do? +

The personal representative (called "executor" in other states) is appointed by the court to manage the estate. Duties include inventorying assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing property to beneficiaries. A PR can be held personally liable for mistakes — legal guidance is essential.

What if there's no will? +

When someone dies without a will (intestate), Florida law determines who inherits based on family relationships. The estate still goes through probate, and the court appoints an administrator. We handle intestate estates regularly.

Does the homestead property go through probate? +

Florida homestead has unique constitutional protections. In many cases, the homestead passes outside of probate directly to the surviving spouse or heirs. However, a court order is still typically needed to confirm this. We handle homestead determinations as part of every probate case.

Can I contest a will in Florida? +

Yes. Grounds for contesting a Florida will include undue influence, lack of mental capacity, fraud, and improper execution. There are strict deadlines — you generally must file within the creditor claim period. We handle both will contests and defense of valid wills.

Do I need a probate attorney or can I do it myself? +

Florida law requires that the personal representative be represented by an attorney in formal administration (unless the PR is the sole beneficiary). Even in summary administration, the legal requirements are technical. An attorney protects you from personal liability and ensures deadlines are met.

Lost a Loved One? We Handle the Probate So You Can Focus on Family.