Probate attorneys · Coral Gables & Miami-Dade
Summary Administration, a Faster Path Through Florida Probate
For smaller estates, or when a loved one passed away more than two years ago, Florida offers a shorter probate process. We will tell you quickly whether the estate qualifies and handle it for you.
✓ Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney on our team✓ Formal, summary & ancillary administration✓ Clear updates at every step
Find out if the estate qualifies
Tell us a little about the estate and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.
What summary administration is
Summary administration is a simplified form of probate. Instead of appointing a personal representative and running a full administration, the court enters an order that releases the assets directly to the people entitled to them.
It is available when the value of the probate estate, not counting exempt property, is $75,000 or less, or when the person passed away more than two years ago. Creditors still have to be addressed, so the petition must be prepared carefully.
Confirm the estate qualifies
Identify probate and exempt assets
Address known and reasonably ascertainable creditors
Prepare and file the petition
Obtain the order of summary administration
Help transfer assets to beneficiaries
Is summary administration right for this estate?
The right process depends on the size of the estate, when the person passed away and what the assets are.
Smaller Estates
Probate estates valued at $75,000 or less, not counting exempt property, can often use summary administration.
Older Estates
If the person passed away more than two years ago, summary administration may be available regardless of estate size.
Homestead Property
Protected homestead is handled separately. We help families confirm homestead status and clear title.
Bank and Investment Accounts
We help release accounts that were in the person’s name alone and have no named beneficiary.
Creditor Issues
We make sure creditors are properly addressed so beneficiaries are protected after distribution.
Family Agreement
Beneficiaries generally join in the petition. We help coordinate signatures and answer questions.
Discover
Tell us about your loved one and the assets that need to be transferred.
Evaluate
We confirm whether summary administration is available.
Administer
We prepare the petition and see it through to the court order.
How long does summary administration take?
Summary administration is usually much faster than formal administration because there is no personal representative to appoint and no three-month creditor period. Timing still depends on the court and on gathering the required information. At your first meeting, we give you a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. For advice about your situation, schedule a consultation.
Does summary administration skip creditors?
No. The petition must address creditors, and beneficiaries who receive property can remain responsible for valid claims for a period of time. Handling this correctly is part of our job.
What counts as exempt property?
Florida exempts certain property from creditors, such as some household furniture and personal effects and up to two motor vehicles within limits. Protected homestead is handled separately from the probate estate.
Can we use summary administration if there is a will?
Yes. Summary administration is available whether or not there is a will, as long as the estate qualifies.
What if the estate does not qualify?
We will explain formal administration and what it involves for your situation.
