Florida Probate Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL | Siegel Law Group â Free Consultation

Florida Probate Attorneys · Boca Raton · Naples · West Palm Beach · Fort Lauderdale

★★★★★ BBB Accredited · Law Firm 500 Honoree · 24 Years in South Florida

Navigating a Loved One's
Estate Shouldn't Mean
Navigating It Alone.

Whether you were named executor, just lost someone without a will, or received a notice from a Florida court — the probate process is complex, public, and unforgiving of mistakes. The Siegel Law Group guides South Florida families through every step with compassion and clarity.

Compassionate guidance from day one — no jargon

24+ years administering Florida estates of all sizes

Handling formal administration, summary administration, and intestate estates

Phones answered 24/7, including weekends

Barry D. Siegel, Esq. — Florida Probate Attorney, Boca Raton FL

Understand Your Probate Situation Free 2-minute estate complexity assessment

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Tell us about your situation. We will identify your specific probate path and what needs to happen next.

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Estate Complexity

Assessing...

Question 1 of 5 — Your Role

What is your role in this situation?

This determines what your legal responsibilities are and what steps need to happen first.

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I was named executor or personal representative in a willI have been handed a significant legal responsibility and I am not sure what to do

👨‍👩‍👦

I am an heir or beneficiary — I want to understand my rightsSomeone I love passed away and I want to know what I am entitled to

📄

There is no will — no one knows what happens nextMy loved one passed without estate planning and the family is unsure of the process

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I received a court notice or creditor claim and I am confusedA letter arrived from the probate court or a creditor and I do not know how to respond

1 of 5

Question 2 of 5 — Estate Documents

Did your loved one have a will, trust, or any estate planning documents?

This is the single most important factor in determining which Florida probate process applies.

✅

Yes — a revocable living trust was in placeAssets in the trust pass outside of probate; some assets may still require administration

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Yes — there is a will, but no trustA will must be filed with the court and go through formal or summary administration

🚫

No will and no trust — they passed intestateFlorida intestacy law determines who inherits; the process is more complex without a will

🤷

I am not sure — we cannot find any documentsWe may need to search for or legally establish whether a valid will exists

2 of 5

Question 3 of 5 — Estate Value

Approximately what is the total value of the estate — property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets?

Florida has different probate processes based on estate size. This determines which track applies and how long the process takes.

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Under $75,000 (excluding homestead property)Florida summary administration — a faster, less expensive simplified process

💵💵

$75,000 to $300,000Formal administration is typically required — usually 9 to 18 months

💵💵💵

$300,000 to $1 millionFormal administration with multiple assets, creditor periods, and court filings

🏆

Over $1 millionComplex administration — may involve tax considerations, creditor disputes, and multi-asset coordination

3 of 5

Question 4 of 5 — Florida Real Estate

Did your loved one own real estate in Florida?

Florida real estate is one of the most complex probate assets. Homestead property has unique rules that affect distribution, protection from creditors, and transfer to heirs.

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Yes — a primary Florida residence (homestead)Florida homestead law has special rules about who can inherit and how it transfers

🏘️

Yes — investment property, rental, or second homeNon-homestead real estate must go through probate if not in a trust

🏠

Yes — both a primary residence and other real estateMultiple properties significantly increase the complexity of administration

🔑

No real estate — just financial accounts and personal propertyNo Florida real property in the estate

4 of 5

Question 5 of 5 — When Did They Pass

How long ago did your loved one pass away?

Florida probate has strict deadlines. Creditors have 90 days to file claims. Estates should be opened within 2 years of death. Delays can complicate distribution and create personal liability for the executor.

📅

Within the last 30 daysWe are in the immediate period — important first steps need to happen now

🗓️

1 to 6 months agoStill well within normal timing — but key deadlines are approaching

⏳

6 months to 2 years agoCreditor claim period may have passed — but the estate still needs to be formally closed

⚠️

More than 2 years agoFlorida probate should have been opened — delay can create title problems and executor liability

5 of 5

3–5%

Of estate value paid in Florida probate fees

12–24

Months average Florida probate duration

90 days

For creditors to file claims after notice

100%

Public record — anyone can search the court file

What Most Executors Don't Know

The 4 Most Costly Florida Probate Mistakes — And How to Avoid Every One

Being named executor is an honor — and a serious legal responsibility. Executors who make these mistakes can be held personally liable. Most of them happen simply because no one explained what the job actually requires.

Distributing Assets Before Debts Are Paid

Florida law requires all valid creditor claims to be satisfied before any assets are distributed to heirs. An executor who distributes assets early can be held personally responsible for unpaid debts — out of their own pocket. Creditors have 90 days after notice (or 2 years from death) to file claims. Distribution must wait.

The Law: Debts come before distributions

Assuming a Will Avoids Probate

A will tells the court what the deceased wanted. It does not avoid the court process — it just guides it. Every will in Florida must be filed with the probate court. Assets titled solely in the deceased's name, without a beneficiary designation, must go through formal or summary administration regardless of what the will says.

The Law: A will still requires court administration

Missing Florida's Homestead Rules

Florida homestead property does not pass simply — it has unique constitutional protections that affect who can inherit it and how it transfers. A surviving spouse and minor children have rights to homestead property that can override the will entirely. Getting homestead wrong can cloud the title and create years of legal problems for heirs.

Florida law: Homestead rules override the will

Waiting Too Long to Open the Estate

Many families delay starting the probate process out of grief, confusion, or the hope that it will somehow resolve itself. In Florida, estates should be opened within 2 years of death. Extended delays create title problems, make it harder to locate and secure assets, and can result in family members receiving notices of potential default from the court.

The Law: Act within 2 years of death

We Handle Every Probate Situation

Whatever Brought You Here, We Have Guided Families Through It Before

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You Were Named Executor — And It Feels Overwhelming

Being named executor means you are legally responsible for gathering assets, notifying creditors, paying debts, filing tax returns, managing the court process, and distributing the estate correctly. You can be held personally liable for errors. You do not have to do this alone — and you should not.

We guide you through every step, personally

📄

No Will Was Left Behind — Intestate Administration

When someone dies without a will in Florida, state law determines who inherits and in what shares. The court must appoint a personal representative. Family dynamics can become complicated quickly. We help establish the legal process clearly and fairly — with your family's peace as a priority.

Florida intestacy law has a specific process we know well

⚡

Summary Administration — The Faster Florida Option

If the estate is valued under $75,000 (excluding homestead property) or the deceased has been gone more than 2 years, Florida may allow a simplified process called summary administration. This is significantly faster and less expensive than formal administration — but it must be done correctly to produce a valid court order.

We handle summary administration efficiently

👨‍👩‍👦

Family Disputes — Keeping the Peace Through a Hard Process

Grief and money are a difficult combination. Disputes over distributions, challenges to the will's validity, concerns about how the executor is handling the estate, and disagreements among heirs are all situations we navigate regularly — with a focus on resolution rather than prolonged conflict.

We protect your interests while pursuing resolution

Why Families Choose Siegel Law Group

Probate Is Difficult Enough. Your Attorney Should Make It Simpler.

Barry D. Siegel, Esq. Founder and CEO · Probate · 24+ Years

⚖️

Probate & Trust AdministrationGuiding South Florida families through estate administration with compassion and precision since 2000

24 Years of Probate Administration. Every Type of Estate. Every Family Dynamic.

Probate is one of the most technically demanding areas of Florida law — and one of the most emotionally charged. You are administering a loved one's final wishes while grieving, often under pressure from family members, creditors, and the court simultaneously. The attorney you choose to guide this process matters more than most people realize.

Barry Siegel and his team have administered hundreds of Florida estates — from small summary administrations to complex multi-million-dollar estates with business interests, multiple properties, and creditor disputes. They know Florida's specific homestead rules, the differences between formal and summary administration, the creditor claim process, and how to keep the court process moving efficiently so your family is not waiting for years.

What sets The Siegel Law Group apart is not just experience — it is accessibility. When you have a question at 8pm on a Thursday, someone answers. When a court deadline is approaching, the team is already ahead of it. No case gets lost in a pile. No family goes weeks without an update.

Law Firm 500 Honoree

BBB Accredited

Avvo Rated

100+ Combined Years

Phones 24/7

Learn Before You Decide

Watch Barry Siegel Explain Florida Probate — Plainly

Most families have never dealt with probate before. Barry explains the process clearly, without legal jargon, so you know exactly what to expect before you call.

From a Real Client

When It Felt Impossible, Barry Siegel Made It Manageable

Thousands of South Florida families have trusted The Siegel Law Group through the most difficult moments of their lives. Here is one of them, in their own words.

★★★★★

"Barry and his team gave us peace of mind we did not even know we were missing. Every question was answered, every document explained. We finally have a plan that actually protects our family."

👤

John

Siegel Law Group Client · South Florida

What Florida Probate Actually Looks Like With Us

We Make a Complex Legal Process Understandable at Every Step

Free Consultation — We Map Your Situation

Every probate is different. We start by understanding the complete picture: who the heirs are, what assets exist, whether there is a will, what debts may be outstanding, and whether the estate qualifies for summary administration or requires formal administration. You leave with a clear roadmap — no guesswork.

We Handle the Court Filing and Administration

We prepare and file the petition to open the estate, secure your appointment as personal representative, and handle all required court notices, creditor publications, and documentation. You are never left navigating the court process alone or wondering what comes next.

Asset Inventory, Creditor Claims, and Debt Settlement

We help you gather and value estate assets, respond to creditor claims within the required timeframes, determine which debts must be paid, and settle the estate's obligations — in the legally correct order, so you are never exposed to personal liability as executor.

Final Distribution and Estate Closing

Once debts are settled and all court requirements are met, we prepare the final accounting, secure court approval, and guide the distribution of assets to heirs exactly as the will directs — or as Florida law provides in the absence of a will. The estate is formally closed, titles are clear, and the family can move forward.

Client Testimonials

Families Who Trusted Us Through Their Hardest Moments

5.0

★★★★★

Hundreds of Verified 5-Star Reviews Google · Avvo · BBB · and more

★★★★★

"When my father passed without a will, I had no idea what to do. The probate court felt impossibly intimidating. Barry's team walked me through every single step, explained everything in plain language, and handled the entire process. My family was protected and the estate was closed correctly. I cannot thank them enough."

Michael S. — Boca Raton, FLGoogle

★★★★★

"I was named executor in my mother's will and felt completely overwhelmed by the responsibility. I was worried about making a mistake that would affect my siblings. Barry's team guided me through everything — creditors, court filings, the homestead property — and the estate was settled fairly and completely. I trusted them with something irreplaceable."

Linda T. — West Palm Beach, FLAvvo

★★★★★

"We came to Siegel Law Group after my husband passed suddenly without any estate planning in place. I was devastated and completely lost in the legal process. Barry's team handled everything with compassion and professionalism. The estate was closed, the home was protected, and my family came through it intact. They are my attorneys for life."

Carol H. — Delray Beach, FLGoogle

Law Firm 500 Honoree
2021 and 2022

BBB
Accredited Business

Avvo
Client Choice Award

24+ Years
Florida Probate Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

What Florida Families Ask About Probate

Probate is unfamiliar territory for most families. These are the questions we hear most often. If yours is not here, call us — the first conversation is always free.

Probate is a court-supervised process for distributing a deceased person's assets, paying their debts, and legally transferring ownership of their property to heirs or beneficiaries. In Florida, probate is required for assets titled solely in the deceased's name that do not have a beneficiary designation. Not everything goes through probate — retirement accounts, life insurance with named beneficiaries, joint tenancy property, and assets held in a properly funded revocable living trust all pass outside of probate. A consultation with our team will identify exactly which assets require probate in your situation.

Florida has two main probate processes. Formal administration is the standard process — required for estates over $75,000 (excluding homestead property) — and involves appointing a personal representative, a formal creditor notice period, court supervision, and a final accounting before assets are distributed. This process typically takes 9 to 24 months. Summary administration is a simplified, faster alternative available for estates under $75,000 in non-exempt assets, or for any estate where the deceased passed more than 2 years ago. Summary administration does not require appointment of a personal representative and can sometimes be completed in weeks rather than months. Our team will assess which process applies to your situation.

No — this is one of the most common misconceptions about estate planning. A will does not avoid probate. A will is a legal document that tells the probate court how the deceased wanted their assets distributed. But the assets themselves must still go through the court-supervised probate process before they can be transferred to heirs. The only way to truly avoid Florida probate is through a properly funded revocable living trust, beneficiary designations, or joint titling of assets. If your loved one only had a will, probate is almost certainly required for their titled assets.

When someone dies without a will in Florida, they are said to have died "intestate." Florida's intestacy laws determine who inherits and in what proportions — generally prioritizing spouses, then children, then more distant relatives. The court must appoint a personal representative to manage the estate. Intestate administration follows the same formal probate process as estates with a will, but without the guidance a will provides. Family dynamics can become complex. Our team has guided many families through intestate estates and can help ensure the process is completed fairly and correctly under Florida law.

The duration depends on the type of administration and the complexity of the estate. Summary administration can sometimes be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. Formal administration — the standard process — typically takes 9 to 18 months for straightforward estates, and 18 to 36 months for complex estates with contested issues, real estate complications, creditor disputes, or business interests. The 90-day creditor claim period alone is a required minimum delay in formal administration. Our team works to keep the process moving as efficiently as possible and communicates with you throughout so you always know where things stand.

Florida's homestead law is one of the most complex and consequential aspects of Florida probate. The primary residence of a Florida decedent is subject to constitutional homestead protections that can override what the will says about who inherits it. Specifically: if the deceased was survived by a spouse or minor child, the homestead cannot be devised freely — the surviving spouse has specific rights that must be honored, regardless of the will's provisions. Homestead property is also protected from most creditor claims, and it passes through a different legal mechanism than other assets. Getting homestead wrong can create title problems that affect the property for decades. Our team handles homestead situations routinely and correctly.

Yes — and this is the most important thing executors need to understand before acting. A personal representative in Florida has a fiduciary duty to the estate and its beneficiaries. If you distribute assets before all creditor claims are paid, fail to properly account for estate assets, pay improper expenses, or make distributions that are not court-approved, you can be held personally responsible for those errors. This is not a theoretical risk — it happens, and it can be financially devastating. Working with an experienced Florida probate attorney from the start of the process is the most important protection you have as an executor.

Florida sets statutory attorney fees for probate based on the value of the estate — typically 3% of the estate value for estates up to $1 million, with declining percentages for larger estates. These fees are paid from the estate, not out of pocket by the executor or heirs. There are also court filing fees, publication fees for creditor notice, and other administrative costs. The total cost of formal administration is typically 3 to 5 percent of the estate's gross value. Summary administration is significantly less expensive. During your free consultation, we give you a clear, transparent estimate of expected costs for your specific situation before any work begins.

You Should Not Be
Navigating This Alone.

Florida probate is a legal process with deadlines, court filings, and real consequences for mistakes. A free consultation with Barry Siegel's team gives you a clear picture of exactly what your situation requires — and exactly how we can help. Phones answered 24 hours a day.

Or call us directly: (561) 559-6232 · Phones answered 24/7

📞 Call Now

Navigating a Loved One'sEstate Shouldn't MeanNavigating It Alone.

The 4 Most Costly Florida Probate Mistakes — And How to Avoid Every One

Whatever Brought You Here, We Have Guided Families Through It Before

You Were Named Executor — And It Feels Overwhelming

No Will Was Left Behind — Intestate Administration

Summary Administration — The Faster Florida Option

Family Disputes — Keeping the Peace Through a Hard Process

Probate Is Difficult Enough. Your Attorney Should Make It Simpler.

24 Years of Probate Administration. Every Type of Estate. Every Family Dynamic.

Watch Barry Siegel Explain Florida Probate — Plainly

When It Felt Impossible, Barry Siegel Made It Manageable

We Make a Complex Legal Process Understandable at Every Step

Families Who Trusted Us Through Their Hardest Moments

What Florida Families Ask About Probate

You Should Not BeNavigating This Alone.

Navigating a Loved One's
Estate Shouldn't Mean
Navigating It Alone.

You Should Not Be
Navigating This Alone.