Law Offices of Grettel Zubiaur
| (727) 297-7877 | law@grettelzubiaur.com |
Probate Services
We offer comprehensive guidance through the probate process, ensuring your family receives the dedicated support and legal precision needed during challenging times.
Formal Administration
The standard probate process for larger estates, involving court supervision to settle debts and distribute assets according to legal standards.
Summary Administration
Full court-supervised probate for larger or more complex estates, ensuring assets are collected, debts are handled, and distributions follow Florida law.
Ancillary Probate
A streamlined probate option for smaller estates that meet Florida’s requirements, helping families move forward more quickly when full administration is not needed.
Determination of Heirship
Probate in Florida for property owned by someone who lived in another state or country, coordinating with out-of-state proceedings to clear title and transfer assets.
Probate Litigation
Representation in disputes over wills, trusts, or estate administration, including challenges to validity, fiduciary conduct, and beneficiary rights.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that probate is more than a legal process—it's a family transition. Our firm provides the dedicated support families need to navigate Florida law with confidence.
Clear Communication
We explain each step in plain language and keep you updated, so you always know what is happening and what to expect next.
Compassionate Support
We understand that probate often comes during a difficult time. We approach every matter with empathy and respect for your family’s situation.
Personalized Approach
Every estate is different. We tailor our strategy to your family’s needs, goals, and the specific details of the estate.
Efficient Process
We focus on moving your case forward efficiently, helping to reduce delays and unnecessary stress wherever possible.
Protecting Your Interests
We work to safeguard the estate’s assets and your rights, whether you are a personal representative, beneficiary, or heir.
Bilingual Services
We offer services in both English and Spanish, so you can discuss sensitive legal matters in the language that feels most comfortable.
Let's create a clear path forward.
The Probate Process
1
2
3
4
Understand your Goals
File with the Court
Administer the Estate
Distribute Assets
We meet with you to review the will (if there is one), understand your goals, and explain what probate will look like in your situation.
We prepare and file the necessary documents with the Florida court to open the estate and have a Personal Representative appointed.
We guide the Personal Representative through gathering assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and expenses, and handling required reports to the court.
Once debts and expenses are resolved, we help distribute the remaining assets to the proper beneficiaries and work to close the estate with the court.
Probate FAQs
What is Florida Probate?
Probate is a court-supervised process for identifying and gathering the assets of a deceased person, paying their debts, and distributing their assets to their beneficiaries.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
Some assets pass outside of probate, such as properties held in joint tenancy or assets with designated beneficiaries. However, most assets owned solely by the deceased will require probate to transfer title.
How long does the probate process take?
The timeline varies depending on the type of administration. Summary Administration can take a few weeks, while Formal Administration typically takes six months to a year or more.
Do I need an attorney for probate?
In Florida, most personal representatives are required by law to be represented by an attorney during the probate process to ensure all legal duties are correctly fulfilled.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
When a person dies without a will (intestate), their assets are distributed according to Florida's intestacy laws, which typically prioritize the surviving spouse and then children or other close relatives.
What are the costs associated with probate?
Costs common to probate include court filing fees, legal fees, personal representative fees, and appraisal costs. These are typically paid using the assets of the estate before final distribution.