Probate Attorneys
in Florida
Compassionate Support
Trusted guidance for estate administration
When a loved one passes away, the probate process ensures their estate is properly managed and distributed. At Willis & Davidow, our experienced Florida probate attorneys help families navigate this process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency.
Whether you’re the executor of an estate, a beneficiary, or facing a dispute, we provide personalized legal solutions that protect your interests and honor your loved one’s legacy.
Probate FAQs
Do I need an attorney for probate in Florida?
How much does probate cost?
How long does probate take in Florida?
What happens if there is no will?
How can I avoid probate?
Talk with our probate attorneys to secure your family’s future.
What Families Need to Know
Understanding
probate in Florida
Probate is a court-supervised process that validates a will, settles debts, and transfers assets to beneficiaries.
Even straightforward estates can become complex under Florida’s detailed probate laws, found in Chapters 731–735 of the Florida Statutes. Our team ensures:
- All required filings are accurate and timely
- Estate assets are inventoried and valued
- Creditors’ claims are addressed properly
- Beneficiaries receive their rightful distributions
Types of probate in Florida
Formal Administration
Used for larger or more complex estates, this process appoints a personal representative (executor) and requires detailed court filings, creditor notifications, and final accounting.
Summary Administration
A simplified option is available for estates valued at $75,000 or less, or for estates where the decedent has been deceased for more than 2 years. It’s faster and less expensive than formal probate.
Ancillary Administration
If the decedent owned property in Florida but lived elsewhere, ancillary administration ensures that out-of-state wills are recognized and Florida property is legally transferred.
Protect what you’ve built. Plan for tomorrow, today.
The Florida Probate Process
Our attorneys guide you through each stage:
- Filing the Petition for Administration
- Appointing a Personal Representative
- Notifying Creditors and Heirs
- Collecting and Valuing Assets
- Settling Debts and Taxes
- Distributing Remaining Assets
- Closing the Estate
Each step must comply with Florida Probate Rules to avoid costly delays.
How our probate attorneys help
Our Florida probate lawyers handle every aspect of the process, including:
- Determining eligibility for summary or formal administration
- Filing all probate documents with the court
- Advising executors and beneficiaries on their legal rights
- Coordinating with accountants, appraisers, and title agents
- Resolving inheritance disputes or contested wills
We also provide flat-fee options for eligible summary administration cases to ensure cost predictability and peace of mind.
Florida Probate Timelines
- Summary Administration: 4–8 weeks
- Formal Administration: 6–12 months or more
Our team works efficiently to minimize court delays while keeping you informed at every stage.
How to Avoid Probate in Florida
While probate can’t always be avoided, strategic estate planning can simplify or bypass the process:
- Creating a Revocable Living Trust
- Setting up Pay-on-Death (POD) or
- Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations
- Joint property ownership with rights of survivorship
- Ensuring proper homestead exemptions
Our attorneys collaborate with the Estate Planning team to develop forward-looking strategies that protect your assets.
Probate Litigation & Will Contests
Family conflicts can arise over wills, trusts, or estate management. Our probate litigation attorneys represent both executors and beneficiaries in disputes involving:
- Contested wills or trusts
- Allegations of undue influence or fraud
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Removal or replacement of executors/trustees
We combine strategic advocacy with compassionate representation to resolve disputes efficiently.
Probate Litigation & Will Contests
Explore our specialized probate services for more focused guidance:
- Estate Administration – Comprehensive management of formal and summary administration proceedings, asset inventory, and distribution.
- Trust Administration – Legal guidance for trustees handling asset transfers, accounting, and beneficiary communication.
- Will Contests & Probate Litigation – Representation in disputes over wills, trusts, or fiduciary actions.
Let us provide you with focused, knowledgeable counsel.
Why Choose Our
Naples Probate Lawyers
Schedule a confidential consultation with an estate planning attorney in Naples to begin building your comprehensive plan.
“It’s rare to find a law firm that combines professional expertise with this level of compassion. We are truly grateful for their help and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone in need of estate planning services.” – Mona D.
“Excellent experience working with this firm on estate planning. The team on my account has been very responsive and thorough and anticipated needs that I didn’t know I should need. Highly recommended.” – Barb B.
“Excellent counsel and guidance. Great advice re: estate planning and trust matters.” – Edward M.
Recent News
From the desk of Willis & Davidow
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