Free Probate Complexity Assessment | The Siegel Law Group

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Named Executor?
Lost Someone Without
a Will? Don't Wait.

$15,000+

minimum attorney fees to probate a $500,000 Florida estate — and that's before court costs, appraisal fees, and months of delay. Florida Statute §733.6171 sets attorney compensation at 3% of the estate's value. Most families don't know this until it's too late.

Source: Florida Statute §733.6171 — Compensation of Attorney for Personal Representative

5 questions. Free. Find out how complex your probate situation actually is — and what The Siegel Law Group can do to protect your family's time, money, and sanity.

Barry D. Siegel, Esq. Probate & Estate Attorney · 24+ Years

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

Barry D. Siegel, Esq. Probate Attorney · 24+ Yrs

Free Probate Complexity Assessment 5 questions · Instant results · No obligation

How Complex Is Your Probate Situation?

5 quick questions. Completely confidential. You'll receive an instant complexity assessment with specific next steps — and find out exactly what Florida probate means for your family.

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🔒 Confidential · Free · Attorney-reviewed results · No obligation ever

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Case Complexity

Assessing...

Question 1 of 5 — Your Role

What is your relationship to the estate you're dealing with?

This determines your legal standing and obligations under Florida law — and how urgently you need to act.

📋

I was named executor (personal representative) in the willYou have specific legal duties that begin immediately — and personal liability if you get them wrong

👨‍👩‍👧

I am a beneficiary or heir — not the executorYou have legal rights to information and timely distributions that executors are often slow to honor

❓

There was no will — I'm trying to figure out what happens nextFlorida intestacy law controls everything, and someone must petition the court to be appointed administrator

⚠️

I received a notice of probate proceedings or a creditor claimYou have strict, non-extendable deadlines to respond — missing them can permanently waive your rights

1 of 5

Question 2 of 5 — Estate Documents

What estate planning documents did the person who passed leave behind?

The documents — or lack of them — determine which legal process applies and how long it will take.

✅

A funded revocable living trust — assets were transferred into itProbate may be avoided entirely — the trust controls distribution privately and quickly

📄

A will — but no trustThe will must be filed with the probate court — full formal administration likely required

🚫

No will and no trust — nothing was left behindFlorida intestacy statutes control everything — court appoints an administrator, family members may disagree on who

🤷

I'm not sure what documents exist or where they areA very common situation — locating and validating documents is often the first legal challenge

2 of 5

Question 3 of 5 — Estate Size

Approximately what is the total value of the estate — real estate, accounts, investments, and personal property combined?

Under Florida Statute §733.6171, attorney fees in probate are calculated as a percentage of the estate. Knowing the size tells you what probate is likely to cost.

🏠

Under $75,000Summary administration may be available — a faster, less expensive alternative to formal probate

💵

$75,000 – $300,000Formal administration likely required — attorney fees run approximately $2,250–$9,000 under the statutory schedule

💵💵

$300,000 – $1 millionStatutory fees of $9,000–$30,000 — plus additional fees for real estate, contested issues, or business interests

🏆

Over $1 millionComplex administration with significant fee exposure — creditor claims, tax filings, and multi-asset coordination are common

3 of 5

Question 4 of 5 — Florida Real Estate

Does the estate include real estate in Florida titled in the deceased's name alone?

Florida real property titled in a deceased person's name alone cannot be sold, transferred, or refinanced until the probate court clears title. This is often the most time-sensitive issue families face.

🏡

Yes — a primary residence (homestead property)Florida's Homestead Law creates specific inheritance rules that can override a will — and affect who can live in or sell the home

🏢

Yes — non-homestead property (rental, vacation, land, or commercial)No homestead complications, but title must still be cleared through probate before any transfer or sale

🏘️

Yes — both homestead and other propertyMultiple property types require separate handling and significantly extend the probate timeline

🚫

No — no Florida real estate in the estateProbate may still be required for other assets, but without real property the process is generally simpler

4 of 5

Question 5 of 5 — Timing

How long ago did the person pass away?

Florida probate has strict creditor claim windows and filing deadlines. The longer you wait, the more complicated — and expensive — the process can become.

📅

Within the last 30 daysEarly stage — key decisions about the probate process and asset protection can still be made proactively

🗓️

1 to 6 months agoThe creditor claim window is open — moving quickly limits the family's exposure to unexpected claims

⏳

6 months to 2 years agoThe estate may have complications from delayed action — some deadlines may have already passed

⚠️

More than 2 years ago — or I am not sureA long-delayed estate can face significant legal hurdles — including missing heirs, stale claims, and title issues that require court intervention

5 of 5

Named Executor? Lost Someone Without a Will? Don't Wait.

Named Executor?
Lost Someone Without
a Will? Don't Wait.