Who We Help
Is this for me?
Families handling a loved one’s estate
We are there to help you through this difficult process.
Personal representatives / executors
You have significant responsibilities and we are here to help you navigate the probate process with ease.
Out-of-state heirs dealing with Florida property
Knowledgeable Florida attorneys to help you from a distance.
What We Do
Probate Services
Probate can be confusing and time-consuming. Let FLProb8 stand beside you and guide you through this complicated and lengthy process.
Formal Probate Administration
Summary Administration
Ancillary Probate
Personal Representative Guidance
Court Filings & Probate Compliance
Who We Help
FLProb8 assists:
- Personal Representatives (Executors)
- Surviving Spouses
- Adult Children
- Beneficiaries
- Out-of-State Heirs
- Individuals unsure whether probate is required
If you are asking:
- “Do I need probate in Florida?”
- “How long does probate take?”
- “What are my responsibilities as personal representative?”
- “What do I do next?”
We can provide clarity.
How it Works?
When someone passes away, their assets often must go through a legal process called probate. Probate can feel confusing — especially during an emotional time.
FLProb8 provides statewide Florida probate guidance, helping families and personal representatives understand what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.
Why Choose FLProb8 for Florida Probate?
- Statewide Florida Probate Focus
- Clear, direct communication
- Structured, step-by-step process
- Experience handling both simple and complex estates
- Remote-friendly representation
Probate is a legal process — but it also happens during a time of grief.
We approach every matter with professionalism and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
At FLProb8, we know you have questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Florida probate.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Florida?
In almost all cases — yes.
Under Florida law, a personal representative must be represented by an attorney in formal probate (with very limited exceptions). Summary administration technically does not always require one, but practically speaking, most people still need legal guidance.
Why?
- Court pleadings must be properly drafted.
- Statutory notice requirements are strict.
- Personal representatives have fiduciary duties.
- Mistakes can create personal liability.
Short answer: It depends on the type of probate and whether it’s contested.
- Summary Administration: Typically 1–4 months
- Formal Administration: Usually 6–12 months (sometimes longer)
- Ancillary Probate: Varies based on complexity
Delays commonly occur due to:
- Creditor claims (creditors have 90 days after notice)
- Missing heirs
- Disputes between beneficiaries
- Real estate sales
- IRS or tax issues
In almost all cases — yes.
Under Florida law, a personal representative must be represented by an attorney in formal probate (with very limited exceptions). Summary administration technically does not always require one, but practically speaking, most people still need legal guidance.
Why?
- Court pleadings must be properly drafted.
- Statutory notice requirements are strict.
- Personal representatives have fiduciary duties.
- Mistakes can create personal liability.
Probate assets typically include:
- Real estate solely in the decedent’s name
- Bank accounts without a payable-on-death (POD) designation
- Investment accounts without transfer-on-death (TOD) designation
- Personal property titled only in the decedent’s name
Typical non-probate assets include:
- Assets in a revocable trust
- Joint accounts with rights of survivorship
- Life insurance with named beneficiaries
- Retirement accounts with beneficiaries
- Lady Bird deeds / enhanced life estate deeds
If there is no will, Florida’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits.
General outline:
- If married with no children outside the marriage → spouse inherits everything.
- If children from another relationship exist → spouse may share with children.
- If no spouse or children → parents, then siblings, then extended relatives.
Many probate disputes arise in blended families.
Short answer: The estate pays — not the family (in most cases).
Valid debts (credit cards, medical bills, final expenses, etc.) are paid from estate assets during probate. Heirs generally are not personally responsible, unless:
- They co-signed on a debt
- They improperly took estate assets
- They are the surviving spouse in certain limited situations
Florida uses the term personal representative instead of “executor.”
Their duties include:
- Gathering and protecting assets
- Notifying creditors and beneficiaries
- Paying debts and taxes
- Managing real estate
- Distributing inheritances
- Reporting to the court
They also carry fiduciary responsibility, meaning mistakes can create personal liability — which is why attorney guidance is critical.
Usually no in-person hearings are required for uncontested cases.
Most Florida probates are handled through:
- Written filings
- Court orders
- Attorney communications