Florida Probate Services

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without also having to sort through an unfamiliar court process, paperwork, and questions about what happens to the property they left behind.

Affordable Legal Help assists families with Florida Summary Administration and helps make the probate process easier to manage from beginning to end. You tell us about the estate and provide the information we need, and we take care of preparing and organizing the paperwork so you can focus on your family and settling your loved one’s affairs.

Summary Administration

Summary Administration is a simplified form of probate available for certain Florida estates.

Most families do not come to us knowing which probate forms they need. They simply know that a loved one passed away and there is a home, bank account, investment, vehicle, or other property that needs to be transferred.

That is where we come in.

We gather the information about the estate, beneficiaries, assets, and creditors and prepare the paperwork based on the information and instructions you provide. We also help you understand the practical steps involved so the process feels organized rather than overwhelming.

Does the Estate Qualify for Summary Administration?

A Florida estate may qualify for Summary Administration when:

• The value of the estate subject to probate in Florida is $150,000 or less, after excluding certain exempt property; or

• The person has been deceased for more than two years.

Other factors may also affect whether Summary Administration is available, including the type of property involved, creditor issues, beneficiaries, and the terms of the Will.

You do not need to figure this out before calling us. Tell us what property needs to be handled and how long ago the person passed away, and we can explain the document preparation services available and what information we need to get started.

How the Process Works

1. Tell Us About the Estate

We start with a conversation about the person who passed away and what needs to be handled.

We will ask about things such as whether there is a Will, who the family members and beneficiaries are, what property or accounts remain, and whether there are any known creditors.

You do not need to know the legal terminology or which forms are required before contacting us.

2. We Let You Know What We Need

Every estate is a little different.

Once we understand what is involved, we will let you know what information and supporting records are needed. This may include bank or investment statements, information about real estate, vehicle information, beneficiary details, creditor information, and other records relating to the estate.

Instead of trying to figure out everything on your own, you will have a clear idea of what to gather and what happens next.

3. We Handle the Paperwork

Once the necessary information has been provided, we prepare and organize the probate paperwork for the estate.

We also explain the practical requirements involving signatures, notarization, original documents, filing, and any other steps needed to move the matter forward.

Our goal is to take the paperwork burden off your shoulders and make the process as straightforward as possible.

4. The Court Reviews the Estate

After the probate documents are filed, the matter is reviewed by the court.

In many cases, the judge will enter the appropriate order based on the paperwork submitted. Occasionally, the court may request additional information or documentation before the estate can be completed.

If that happens, we can assist with preparing the additional paperwork requested by the court.

5. Transferring the Estate Assets

Once the court enters the appropriate probate order, the family can begin transferring the estate assets to the people entitled to receive them.

This may involve providing the court order to a bank, financial institution, title company, government agency, or other organization holding the property.

We help you understand the practical next steps so you are not left wondering what to do after the court process is complete.

Probate Pricing

Every estate is different, so the cost of a Summary Administration depends on the amount of work involved.

The number of assets, number of beneficiaries, and overall complexity of the estate can affect the price.

In most cases, we can provide a quote over the phone after getting some basic information about the estate, so you will know the cost before deciding to move forward.

Call Affordable Legal Help at (352) 729-6973 for a probate quote.

What If Formal Administration Is Needed?

Not every estate can be handled through Summary Administration. Some estates require Formal Administration, which generally involves the appointment of a Personal Representative and attorney representation.

If it appears that Formal Administration may be needed, we can refer you to an attorney who handles that type of probate.

You do not have to determine which type of probate you need before contacting us. Tell us about the estate and what needs to be transferred, and we can help you understand the document preparation services available and point you in the right direction when attorney representation is required.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

Probate is not something most families deal with very often, and it is completely normal not to know where to begin.

If there is a home, bank account, investment, vehicle, or other property that needs to be handled after someone passes away, give us a call. We will listen to what is going on, let you know what information we need, provide a quote, and help make the paperwork side of the process easier to manage.

Call (407) 339-8433 to discuss the estate and receive a quote by phone.