Florida Probate Attorney

When a loved one passes away, the last thing you want to worry about is dividing up assets or spending hours discussing them with lawyers.

 

But when someone passes away, Florida law requires their estate to be officially "settled" through a court-supervised process called probate. The purpose of the probate court is to make sure debts are paid, and assets go to the right people. 

 

You shouldn't have to figure that out alone; it can cost you and your family serious time, money, and stress when everyone should be focusing on healing.

 

That's where we come in. With over 40 years of combined experience in probate law, our team at atCause Law has helped hundreds of Floridians right here in Tampa Bay get through this process without the confusion. We know Florida probate law inside and out—and will take you through every step, procedure, and strategy clearly so you feel confident in our process.

What the Probate Process Actually Involves

 

Every estate is a little different, but here's what the probate process typically looks like in Florida:

• Filing a petition with the probate court in the county where the person lived

• Validating the Will (if there is one)

• Appointing a personal representative to manage the estate

• Finding, inventorying, and valuing all assets

• Notifying creditors and paying off debts (generally, the decedent's assets will pay for the probate proceeding cost, funeral expenses, and creditors)

• Distributing what's left to the rightful beneficiaries

 

A probate attorney handles all of this for you correctly. You don't have to know everything that has to do with probate and spend hours studying to prepare yourself to handle the court; that’s what we’re here for. 

​

Our Drive To Help Tampa Bay Families

 

We didn't start atCause Law to be another “stuffy” firm where you feel like a case number. We started it because we've seen firsthand how draining the legal system can be for families who are already grieving, and we knew there was a better way to do this.

 

Every attorney on our team chose this work because it matters. Helping a family in Tampa Bay get through one of the hardest chapters of their lives smoothly, with everything in order, that's why we show up every day.

• Flat-fee billing. You know exactly what you're paying before we start. 

• Clear communication. We explain what's happening at every step clearly. We strive to provide every client with transparent, open communication. If something changes, you hear it from us first.

• Local roots. We're based right here in downtown Clearwater and have been serving families across Pinellas County and the greater Tampa Bay area for years. This is our community too.

• Full-service support. From the very first filing to the final distribution of assets, we handle the whole thing. You won't be handed off or left to figure out the next step on your own.

​

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long does probate take in Florida?

​

Smaller, simpler estates can sometimes be resolved in just a few months through a process called Summary Administration. Larger estates typically take six months to a year or more. 

​

Can You Avoid Probate?

​

Sometimes, yes. Assets held in a living trust, accounts with a named beneficiary (like life insurance or a 401k), and property owned jointly with survivorship rights typically skip probate entirely.

 

If you're planning ahead, working with an estate planning attorney now can save your family a lot of time, stress, and money later. We offer full estate planning services so you can get everything set up the right way.

 

Do I need a probate attorney if there's already a Will?

 

In most cases, yes. A Will tells the court how to distribute assets, but it doesn't replace the

probate process. It makes it easier. 

​

What happens if someone dies without a Will in Florida?

 

The state decides how assets get divided, usually starting with the closest surviving relatives. This can get complicated fast, especially in blended families. A probate attorney helps make sure things are handled fairly and according to the law.

​

Contact atCause Law Today 

​

Whether you're just starting the probate process or you're already deep in it, our probate attorney is ready to help. We'll walk you through exactly what needs to happen, handle all the legal parts, and keep you in control the whole way through.