Florida Probate Attorney | The Law Office of Virginia Lee Perez
Losing a loved one is never easy and navigating the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. If you are exploring probate in Florida, chances are you are already under stress. At the Law Office of Virginia Lee Perez, we are here to guide you through the probate process with compassion, clarity, and efficiency. Our mission is to help you settle your loved one’s affairs and transfer assets to the rightful heirs with as little inconvenience and delay as possible.
We proudly assist families with probate cases throughout the state of Florida, whether your loved one lived or had property in Key West, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee or anywhere in between.
What Is Probate in Florida?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves:
- Identifying and collecting the decedent’s assets
- Paying valid debts and final expenses
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the Will or Florida law if there is no Will
If your loved one had a Last Will and Testament, the probate court will confirm its validity and ensures the wishes in the Will are followed. If there was no Will, the estate is considered intestate, and Florida law will dictate who receives the remaining assets.
Why Do I Need a Florida Probate Attorney?
In Florida, probate is not something you can handle on your own, an attorney is required by law for both formal and summary probate administrations. Working with an experienced probate lawyer ensures that:
- You comply with Florida probate laws and deadlines
- The correct type of probate is used (summary vs. formal)
- Estate assets are distributed properly
- Court filings, notices, and creditor claims are handled efficiently
- You avoid unnecessary delays, expenses, or disputes
Whether your loved one had a small estate or a more complex portfolio of assets, a skilled attorney helps minimize complications and stress during an already challenging time.
Types of Probate in Florida
Florida offers two main types of probate administration:
1. Summary Administration
- Available if non-exempt estate assets are under $75,000, or if the decedent passed away more than 2 years ago
- Typically, faster, and less costly
- Does not require appointment of a personal representative
2. Formal Administration
- Required if estate assets exceed $75,000 or if summary administration is not an option
- Involves appointing a personal representative (executor)
- Includes court oversight, creditor notification, and asset management
- May take several months to a year (or more) depending on complexity
We handle both types of probate and will determine the most efficient path forward based on your unique circumstances.
How Our Office Can Help
At The Law Office of Virginia Lee Perez, we take pride in making the Florida probate process as simple, stress-free, and efficient as possible. We provide:
- Statewide probate representation no matter where you are in Florida
- Guidance on whether probate is even required
- Help identifying estate assets and debts
- Assistance with court filings, timelines, and legal notices
- Protection of your rights as an heir, beneficiary, or personal representative
- Advice on avoiding future probate issues through proper estate planning
We Handle Florida Probate Statewide
Whether you are in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Duval, Orange, or beyond, we can assist you remotely or in person. Our firm uses secure, digital-friendly processes to handle probate matters efficiently, wherever you are in Florida.
