| Probate

Probate is the process by which assets owned by a decedent (a deceased person) pass to that person’s heirs or identified beneficiaries under the terms specified in the decedent’s will, or under the statutory rules/laws of intestacy (where there is no will). A personal representative ensures that taxes and creditors are paid, if any, and that the beneficiaries or heirs of the decedent’s estate take clear legal title to their distributions. Depending upon the total value of the decedent’s estate, the probate of a decedent’s estate in Florida may be accomplished through a Summary Administration, which may involve minimal attorneys’ fees and costs, and a minimal time-line to conclusion, i.e., a matter of 4-6 weeks. The Summary Administration procedure will also apply to the estate of a decedent who dies without a will, if the value of the estate does not exceed the statutory threshold.

If the value of the decedent’s estate exceeds the statutory threshold for a Summary Administration, a Formal Administration may be necessary. Stephen Willis has been assisting clients for decades through the probate process, and he will counsel you on the most cost-effective and most expedient manner in which to conclude
the probate estate of your family member.

For an initial Probate consultation, call our office for an appointment.

Stephen Clinton Willis
Attorney at Law
(850) 835-7083 or (850) 502-0881