When you lose a loved one, seeing to their final affairs is incredibly difficult. If your family member has left behind even a modest estate, some assets require that a court order the distribution of the assets. Probate is governed by the Florida Statutes and the Florida Probate Rules. If you need to open a probate due to the passing of a loved one, you should consult with an attorney for advice on how to proceed and whether attorney representation is required.

Probate in Florida is divided up into two sections: summary probate administration and formal probate administration. Summary administration is available when there is less than $75,000.00 in the value of assets required to be transferred through the probate court. If a case qualifies for summary administration, a personal representative may be able to represent themselves in the probate court proceedings. Formal administration is required if the value of assets to be probated is over $75,000.00 in the value of the assets to be transferred through probate court. If a case qualifies for Formal administration, a personal representative must be represented by an attorney in the probate case.

Even if the probate case you are involved in is a summary administration, it pays to be represented by an attorney in the proceedings. Being a personal representative is quite a bit of work, and having an attorney to represent you during the process makes things less stressful and can save time. We know what it’s like to lose a loved one, and we know what a difference it can make to have someone who cares on your side.

In Florida, the presumptively valid attorney’s fees for probate cases are set by statute. 

We observe these limits, so you know you won’t overpay, and you get an attorney who will handle your case at each step of the process. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, schedule your free 30-minute consultation now to determine if you need to begin probate, what your next steps should be, and what you can expect.