Probate attorneys · Coral Gables & Miami-Dade
Formal Probate Administration in Florida
Named personal representative of an estate? We open the case, guide you through every court requirement and keep the estate moving until it is closed, so you are never left guessing.
✓ Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney on our team✓ Experienced with Miami-Dade probate court✓ Clear updates at every step
Talk with our probate team
Tell us a little about the estate and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.
What formal administration involves
Formal administration is the standard form of probate in Florida and the one used for most estates. The circuit court appoints a personal representative, who collects the estate assets, gives notice to creditors and beneficiaries, pays valid claims and expenses, and distributes what remains under court supervision.
Personal representatives have real legal duties and can be held personally responsible for mistakes. Our team handles the filings and deadlines with you, so the estate is settled correctly and you can focus on your family.
Petition for administration and letters of administration
Notice of administration to beneficiaries
Notice to creditors and the claims period
Inventory of estate assets
Sale or transfer of real property and homestead
Final accounting, distribution and discharge
How we support personal representatives
Formal administration has many moving parts. We handle the legal work and keep you informed at each stage.
Opening the Estate
We prepare the petition, oath and related filings so the court can appoint you as personal representative.
Creditor Claims
We publish the notice to creditors, review claims as they come in and object to claims that are not valid.
Assets and Real Estate
We help you locate, value and secure estate assets, including Florida real property and protected homestead.
Beneficiary Communication
We keep beneficiaries informed and work to resolve questions before they turn into disputes.
Taxes and Accountings
We coordinate final income tax and estate tax filings and prepare the accountings the court requires.
Closing the Estate
We handle distribution, receipts and the petition for discharge so the case is properly closed.
Discover
Tell us about your loved one, the will and the assets involved.
Evaluate
We confirm the right type of administration and outline the timeline.
Administer
We guide the estate through court, from appointment to discharge.
How long does formal administration take?
The creditor period alone runs three months from the first publication of the notice to creditors, so most formal administrations take several months at a minimum. Estates with real estate in several places, tax filings or disagreements among beneficiaries can take a year or longer. At your first meeting, we give you a realistic timeline for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. For advice about your situation, schedule a consultation.
Who can serve as personal representative?
Usually the person named in the will. If there is no will, Florida law sets an order of preference, starting with the surviving spouse. A personal representative who lives outside Florida must generally be a close relative.
Do I need a lawyer for formal administration?
In most cases, yes. Florida probate rules generally require the personal representative to be represented by a Florida attorney, unless the personal representative is the only person interested in the estate.
Is the personal representative paid?
Florida law allows reasonable compensation for the personal representative, and the statute provides a schedule based on the size of the estate. Many family members choose to waive it.
What if the estate qualifies for something simpler?
Some estates qualify for summary administration, which is shorter. We will tell you at the outset which process fits.
