Florida Probate Administration Attorney
Florida probate administration is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate. Attorney Clyde Lemon manages every step — filing, creditor notice, asset inventory, and distribution — so your family can focus on what matters.
Formal vs. Summary Administration
Formal administration is required for estates over $75,000 in probate assets or when the decedent has been dead less than two years. Summary administration is a faster, less expensive option for qualifying smaller estates. Attorney Lemon determines which process applies to your situation.
Duties of the Personal Representative
The personal representative (executor) must file a petition with the probate court, notify creditors, inventory estate assets, pay valid debts, file tax returns, and distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries — all within court-supervised timelines.
Creditor Claims & Estate Debts
Florida law gives creditors a limited window to file claims against the estate. The personal representative must evaluate each claim and pay valid ones before distributing to beneficiaries. Improper distributions can expose the representative to personal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Florida probate take?
Formal administration typically takes 6–12 months for straightforward estates with no disputes. Contested estates or those with complex assets can take significantly longer.
What assets avoid probate in Florida?
Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs, 401(k)s), jointly held property with right of survivorship, payable-on-death bank accounts, and assets held in a living trust all pass outside of probate.
Do I need an attorney for Florida probate?
Florida law requires the personal representative of a formal administration to be represented by a Florida attorney, with limited exceptions for estates with a sole beneficiary who is also the personal representative.
Need a Probate Administration Attorney in Florida?
Book a consultation online. No phone tag.