Probate Attorney in Winter Garden

Losing a family member is difficult. Handling the estate afterward can make an already stressful time feel overwhelming.

Probate is the court process used to identify a deceased person’s assets, address valid debts and expenses, and distribute the remaining property. The Pyles Law Firm guides personal representatives and families through each step with clear explanations and practical advice.

Does Every Estate Require Probate?

No. Some property may pass directly to another person through:

  • A valid beneficiary designation

  • Joint ownership with survivorship rights

  • A payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designation

  • A properly funded trust

Other property may require probate before it can be transferred. We review how each asset is owned and explain which process may be necessary.

Types of Florida Probate

Formal Administration

Formal administration is Florida’s standard probate process. The court appoints a personal representative who is responsible for gathering and protecting estate property, addressing creditor claims, paying approved expenses, and distributing assets according to the Will or Florida law.

Summary Administration

Summary administration is a streamlined option available to some estates.

Effective July 1, 2026, Florida increased the estate-value threshold for summary administration from $75,000 to $150,000. An estate may qualify when the value of the property subject to administration in Florida—excluding qualifying exempt property—does not exceed $150,000. Summary administration may also be available when the person has been deceased for more than two years.

The value of the estate is only one consideration. Creditor claims, disputed property, missing information, and other circumstances may affect whether summary administration is appropriate.

Ancillary Administration

Ancillary administration may be required when someone lived outside Florida but owned real estate or other probate property here. We can coordinate the Florida proceeding with the family and attorneys handling the estate in another state.

What Does a Personal Representative Do?

A court-appointed personal representative may be responsible for:

  • Locating and protecting estate property

  • Gathering financial and ownership records

  • Notifying creditors and reviewing claims

  • Paying approved expenses and taxes

  • Distributing property as authorized by the court

  • Completing the steps required to close the estate

The personal representative has legal duties to the estate, its beneficiaries, and its creditors. We help clients understand those responsibilities and complete them properly.

Florida Homestead and Probate

Florida homestead property often requires special attention. Who receives the property may depend on the person’s marital status, minor children, ownership records, and estate-planning documents.

A court order may be needed before homestead property can be sold, transferred, or placed in the beneficiaries’ names.

How Long Does Probate Take?

There is no single timeline. The length of a probate case depends on the type of proceeding, the assets involved, creditor issues, real estate, taxes, missing information, and whether disagreements arise.

Organized records and cooperation among the interested parties can help the process move more efficiently.

What Should You Gather?

Helpful starting information includes:

  • The original Will and any amendments

  • A certified death certificate

  • Bank, investment, and retirement statements

  • Deeds and other property records

  • Information about debts and expenses

  • Names and contact information for beneficiaries

You do not need to locate everything before speaking with us. An initial consultation can help identify what is needed.

Clear Probate Guidance From a Local Firm

The Pyles Law Firm is a family-operated law firm near downtown Winter Garden. We assist personal representatives and families with probate matters in Orange, Lake, Seminole, Sumter, and other Florida counties.

We explain the process in plain English, help you understand the next step, and work toward an orderly resolution of the estate.

Speak With a Probate Attorney

Call (407) 298-7077 or visit our Online Scheduling page to arrange a consultation.

Our office is located at 1305 E. Plant Street in Winter Garden, Florida.