Probate Attorney in Pembroke Pines, FL
Call (954) 404-8274 to schedule a consultation and get clear guidance on settling your loved one's estate.
A probate attorney in Pembroke Pines helps families settle a loved one's estate after death, including managing assets, paying debts, and distributing property according to the will or Florida law. At Carol L. Grant, P.A., we guide personal representatives and families through every step of the probate process across Broward County and Miami-Dade County. Whether you're facing formal administration, dealing with creditor claims, or handling real estate matters, we work with you to create a clear path forward during a difficult time. Call (954) 404-8274 to discuss your situation.
What Our Clients Say
Real families, real experiences, real peace of mind
Who We Help With Probate
We help clients who are dealing with the loss of a loved one and need to settle their estate. You may have been named as personal representative in a will and aren't sure what to do next. Maybe there was no will, and you need help understanding how Florida's intestacy laws apply. You might be facing questions about homestead property, creditor claims, or family disagreements about asset distribution. We also work with families who need to administer trusts after a death or handle probate matters when the deceased owned property in Florida but lived elsewhere.
Our Probate Attorney Services
Formal Probate Administration
Formal probate administration is Florida’s full, court-supervised process for settling an estate when there are significant assets, disputes, or unclear estate documents. It requires appointing a personal representative, filing detailed inventories, providing notices to creditors, and following strict timelines set by Florida’s probate code. We guide personal representatives through each step: opening the estate, managing creditor claims, coordinating asset valuations, and ensuring distributions are handled properly. If your loved one’s estate doesn’t qualify for Summary Administration, we help make the formal probate process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Estate Administration
When someone dies with a will in Florida, their estate typically goes through probate. This means filing paperwork with the court, identifying assets, notifying creditors, and distributing property according to the will. As personal representative (also called an executor), you have serious legal responsibilities, and mistakes can lead to personal liability. We guide you through each step, from filing the petition to closing the estate. Whether your case involves real property, complex family dynamics, or disputes among heirs, we handle the court filings, deadlines, and legal requirements so you can focus on your family during a difficult time.
Trust Administration Services
Many people create trusts to avoid probate, but that doesn't mean there's no work involved after they pass away. If you've been named as a trustee, you're responsible for managing trust assets, filing tax returns, making distributions to beneficiaries, and keeping accurate records. Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries, and they can be held personally liable for mistakes. We help trustees understand their obligations, communicate with beneficiaries, resolve disputes, and ensure the trust is administered according to its terms. Whether the trust holds real estate, investments, or business interests, we provide the legal support you need to fulfill your role with confidence.
Ancillary Probate
Ancillary probate is required when someone passes away owning real estate or other titled property outside their home state. It’s an extra legal step layered on top of the primary probate case, and it often surprises families who aren’t expecting it. We help streamline this process by preparing the necessary filings, coordinating with the out-of-state court, and guiding the personal representative so the property can be legally transferred or sold without delays. If your loved one owned property in multiple states, we can help make the cross-state probate process much easier to navigate.
Creditor Claims Management
After someone dies, creditors have a limited window to file claims against the estate. As personal representative, you must publish notice to creditors, review claims for validity, and either pay or object to them. Not all claims are legitimate, some may be expired, improperly filed, or inflated. We help you evaluate each claim, negotiate when appropriate, and file objections in court when necessary. Properly handling creditor claims protects the estate and ensures that heirs receive their rightful inheritance. In Pembroke Pines and throughout Broward County, we've seen cases where improper creditor management delayed estate closure by months or even years.
Real Estate Matters and Homestead Issues
Florida homestead laws can complicate probate, especially when the deceased owned a primary residence. Homestead property may be protected from creditors and can't always be freely devised by will. If minor children are involved, there are additional restrictions on how the home can be transferred or sold. We handle all real estate issues in probate, whether that means transferring title to heirs, selling property to pay debts, or resolving disputes over who has the right to live in the home. Homestead questions often arise in Pembroke Pines estates, where family homes represent significant value and emotional attachment.
Personal Representative / Executor Guidance
Serving as a personal representative in Florida comes with serious legal duties, strict timelines, and detailed reporting requirements. Many people accept the role without realizing how much the probate court expects from them. We help you navigate each step, opening the estate, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, managing assets, filing inventories and accountings, and ensuring every action complies with Florida probate law. Our goal is to make your responsibilities clear, prevent costly mistakes, and keep the estate moving smoothly from start to finish.
Why Choose Carol L. Grant, P.A. for Probate
Carol L. Grant has dedicated decades to helping South Florida families through difficult transitions. She understands that losing a loved one is hard enough without adding legal confusion and court procedures. Her practice focuses on making the probate process as clear and manageable as possible.
Carol doesn't just handle paperwork. She takes time to explain what's happening at each stage, answer questions in plain language, and help personal representatives feel confident in their decisions. Her background includes serving as a resource for financial advisors and social workers on estate settlement matters, which means she brings both technical knowledge and a practical understanding of what families need during this time.
Whether you're dealing with a straightforward estate or facing complications like missing heirs, disputed claims, or family conflict, Carol works with you to find solutions that honor your loved one's wishes and protect the interests of beneficiaries.
How Our Probate Process Works
Initial Consultation and Estate Review
We start by reviewing the will (if there is one), discussing the deceased person's assets and debts, and explaining what type of probate proceeding applies to your situation. You'll leave this meeting with a clear understanding of the steps ahead.
Opening the Probate Case
We prepare and file the petition with the appropriate Florida court, help you qualify as personal representative, and obtain the letters of administration that give you legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Asset Management and Creditor Notification
We help you identify and secure estate assets, publish required notices to creditors, prepare the inventory for the court, and respond to any creditor claims that come in during the claims period.
Distribution and Case Closing
Once debts are paid and all court requirements are met, we prepare the final accounting, obtain court approval for distributions, transfer assets to beneficiaries, and close the probate case.
Important Things to Know About Probate
Florida law requires most estates to go through some form of probate unless the deceased person created a trust or used other probate-avoidance tools. The type of probate depends on the estate's value and how assets were titled. Summary administration is available for estates valued at less than $75,000 or when the person died more than two years ago, and it's faster than formal administration. Formal administration is required for larger estates and involves more court supervision.
Personal representatives must be appointed by the court before they can legally act on behalf of the estate. Even if you're named in the will, you can't access accounts, sell property, or make distributions until the court issues letters of administration.
Florida gives creditors a limited time to file claims against the estate. Known creditors must be notified directly and have 30 days to respond. Unknown creditors have 90 days from the date of published notice. Homestead property receives special protection under Florida law and may pass outside of probate even when there's a will, depending on the family situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
How long does probate take in Florida?
Formal administration typically takes six months to a year, though complex estates can take longer. Summary administration can often be completed in a few months. The timeline depends on factors like creditor claims, whether anyone contests the will, tax issues, and how quickly beneficiaries can be located and assets distributed.
Do all estates have to go through probate in Florida?
Not all estates require probate. Assets held in a revocable living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries, property owned jointly with right of survivorship, and some other assets can pass outside of probate. Very small estates with limited assets may also avoid full probate proceedings. We can review your loved one's estate and explain what process applies.
What does a personal representative do?
The personal representative manages the entire estate settlement process. Your duties include locating and securing assets, paying valid debts and taxes, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, preparing required court documents, maintaining estate records, and distributing property according to the will or Florida law. You have a legal duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.
How much does probate cost in Florida?
Probate costs include court filing fees (usually a few hundred dollars), personal representative fees (calculated as a percentage of the estate value under Florida law), attorney fees (also based on estate value), and sometimes costs for appraisals, accountings, or publication notices. The total cost varies based on estate size and complexity. We provide clear fee information upfront so you can plan accordingly.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Florida?
When there's no will, Florida's intestacy laws determine who inherits the estate. Generally, the spouse and children receive priority, but the exact distribution depends on the family situation. The court appoints a personal representative (usually a family member) to administer the estate. The probate process is similar to when there's a will, but the distribution follows state law rather than the deceased person's stated wishes.
Can I avoid probate disputes in my family?
While you can't eliminate the possibility of conflict, clear communication helps. As personal representative, keeping beneficiaries informed about the process, being transparent about estate assets and expenses, following legal requirements carefully, and treating all beneficiaries fairly can reduce tensions. When disputes do arise, we can help you address them through mediation or, if necessary, probate litigation.
What if the deceased person owned property in multiple states?
You'll need to open probate in each state where the person owned real estate. The primary probate happens in the state where the person lived. Ancillary probate proceedings handle property in other states. We can coordinate with attorneys in other jurisdictions or handle Florida ancillary probate for estates being administered elsewhere.
How are creditors handled during probate?
Florida law requires personal representatives to publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. Creditors then have a limited time to file claims. The personal representative reviews each claim, and we help you determine which claims are valid and must be paid. Invalid or questionable claims can be disputed through the court.
What is a homestead property and how does it affect probate?
Homestead property is the deceased person's primary residence in Florida. It receives special protection under Florida's constitution. Depending on whether the person was married and had minor children, homestead property may pass directly to certain family members regardless of what the will says. These rules can be complex, and we help families understand how homestead laws apply to their situation.
Do I need an attorney for probate?
Florida law requires personal representatives in formal administration to be represented by an attorney. Even when legal representation isn't required (like in some summary administrations), probate involves court procedures, legal deadlines, and potential liability. Having an attorney helps you fulfill your duties correctly, avoid mistakes that could delay the process or create personal liability, and give you confidence that everything is handled properly.
Probate Problems?
Get These 10 Common Probate Questions
Probate can be complex as well as time-consuming depending on the nature of the assets, amount or extent of debts and the relationships among beneficiaries. Get this list of 10 common questions today
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Areas We Serve
Carol L. Grant, P.A. serves families throughout Broward County and Miami-Dade County. We regularly assist clients in Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Davie, Cooper City, Miramar, Weston, Hollywood, Plantation, and surrounding communities. Whether you live in South Florida or are handling probate here for a loved one who lived elsewhere, we're here to help.
Speak With a Probate Attorney in Pembroke Pines
If you've recently lost a loved one and need help with probate, or if you've been named as personal representative and don't know where to start, we can help. We offer an initial consultation to review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your options. There's no obligation, and you'll leave with a better understanding of what to expect. Call (954) 404-8274 or schedule a consultation online to get started.