Steps In The Florida Probate Process

Last updated on July 1, 2025

Regardless of the type of estate and assets involved, the probate process requires following strict rules and guidelines established by Florida statute and the courts. Working with a Florida probate attorney ensures the probate administration is handled properly for the benefit of all interested parties, including the state executor (also called the “personal representative”), potential creditors, and the estate beneficiaries.

At Feldman & Feldman, Counsellors at Law, P.A., we help families throughout Coral Springs and South Florida handle probate with clarity and compassion. With over 30 years of experience in probate, estate planning, elder law and special needs matters, we have the expertise and knowledge to move a probate administration forward as efficiently as possible without unnecessary delays.

What To Expect During The Florida Probate Process

While every probate administration is unique, these are the typical steps in a formal Florida probate administration (of course, depending upon the nature and complexity of the estate, many additional responsibilities and other requirements may apply):

● Petition for administration: A legal request is filed with the court to start the probate process.
● Appointment of personal representative: The court authorizes someone (usually named in the deceased person’s last will & testament) to manage the estate.
● Notifying creditors: The personal representative must send property notice to any “reasonably ascertainable” estate creditors and publish a notice in the local newspaper to notice any other potential creditors of the estate.
● Inventory and appraisal: Estate assets are identified and valued, then an estate inventory is prepared and filed with the court an served on all interested parties.
● Paying debts and taxes: Before estate assets may be distributed to the beneficiaries, valid debts of the decedent, as well as any taxes and other administrative expenses, must be paid.
● Accounting: The personal representative prepares and notices all interested parties with an “accounting” of the estate finances and expenses.
● Distribution of assets: The remaining property is distributed to the estate beneficiaries and the personal representative files to be discharged by the court and the estate closed.

These steps must be handled in accordance with strict deadlines and under the procedures as set forth in Florida statute and the Rules of Probate. In fact, every personal representative in a probate is required to have a lawyer represent them. Engaging a lawyer who can properly guide you through the probate process is not just helpful – it is necessary.

Work With Dedicated Coral Springs Probate Attorneys

Rather than delegating your matter to staff members, our attorneys at Feldman & Feldman, Counsellors at Law, P.A., remain directly involved throughout your case and oversee every probate administration personally. Connect with our Coral Springs probate attorneys today by calling 954-228-6074.