When a loved one passes away, the legal responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. Probate is the court-supervised process of administering an estate, and it involves specific procedures, deadlines, and legal obligations. At Messina Law Group, P.A., we help personal representatives and families navigate probate administration and summary administration in Florida with clarity and structure.
Our goal is simple: help move the estate forward properly so assets can be distributed efficiently and in accordance with Florida law.
Formal administration is the standard probate process for most estates. This process typically includes filing the will with the court, appointing a personal representative, identifying and securing estate assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and expenses, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries.
Personal representatives have fiduciary duties under Florida law. They are responsible for handling estate assets correctly, maintaining accurate records, and complying with court requirements. Errors such as missing deadlines or distributing assets too early can create unnecessary complications. We guide personal representatives through each step to help ensure compliance and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
In certain situations, summary administration may provide a more streamlined alternative to formal probate. Summary administration may be available when the estate is valued at $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
Unlike formal administration, a personal representative is not appointed in summary proceedings. Instead, a petition is filed identifying estate assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. Creditors must be notified, and once the court is satisfied that requirements are met, it will issue an order allowing distribution of assets.
While summary administration can be faster and more cost-effective in qualifying cases, it is not appropriate for every estate. We help families determine which process makes the most sense based on the estate’s size, structure, and any complicating factors.
Whether you have been appointed as personal representative or are a beneficiary seeking guidance, our firm provides practical legal support from start to finish. We focus on helping estates move forward efficiently while ensuring the process is handled correctly under Florida law.
Probate involves legal responsibilities that should be handled carefully from the beginning. If you need assistance with formal probate administration or summary administration, we are ready to help.
Call Messina Law Group, P.A. today at (813) 492-7798 to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation.
Paul and Jennifer were absolutely amazing to work with! After months of searching for an attorney to handle our family’s complex estate, Paul agreed to take it on. He found a way to work out the difficult components and thoroughly explained each step as we went along. I highly recommend using Paul and his team for any type of probate or estate needs.
Working with Paul and his team was an excellent experience. They were not only knowledgeable and efficient, but also genuinely caring and attentive throughout the entire process. Their communication was clear and straightforward, which helped ease a lot of stress during a challenging time. I truly felt supported and well-represented every step of the way. I’m very grateful for their thoughtful approach and highly recommend their services.
After the loss of a loved one, the legal process should not add to the stress. At Messina Law Group, P.A., we help families navigate Florida probate administration efficiently and correctly. Whether handling formal administration or summary administration, our team provides steady guidance so estates are settled properly and beneficiaries can move forward.
Comprehensive legal support for estates that require full court-supervised probate proceedings in Florida.
Streamlined probate solutions for qualifying estates, designed to reduce time, expense, and procedural complexity.
Advising executors and personal representatives on their legal duties, deadlines, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Assistance with identifying estate assets, resolving creditor claims, and ensuring proper distribution to beneficiaries.
2550 Permit Place
New Port Richey, Florida 34655
4865 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
By Appointment Only
3030 N. Rocky Point Dr. W., Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33607
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4175 Woodlands Parkway
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
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