About Lappin Estate Planning Firm
When you’re dealing with probate after losing someone you love, the last thing you need is a law firm that treats you like just another case number.
At Lappin Estate Planning, we’re different. We’re the firm that families across Florida turn to when they need not just legal services, but genuine human support during life’s most challenging times.
Founded with the belief that estate planning and probate services should be stress-free, our firm has been serving Florida families for years.
We get it—legal matters involving family, money, and mortality are sensitive. Every client relationship begins with listening. “What are your concerns?” “What keeps you up at night?” “What do you want to achieve?” These are the questions we ask.
We take the time to understand your unique situation before recommending any course of action. We believe in building lasting relationships, not just processing paperwork.
And while we take our work seriously, we don’t believe legal services have to be confusing or intimidating. That’s why we strive to make our office atmosphere welcoming and our communication style straightforward.
Probate Services
Losing someone is hard enough. Now imagine facing a pile of legal hoops just to settle their affairs. Frustrating, right? At Lappin Estate Planning, we manage the probate process with skill and understanding. We handle the details, so you can focus on what’s important without added stress.
You’re grieving the loss of a loved one when suddenly you’re handed legal documents and told to handle Florida probate administration. That’s not how you were expecting to spend the days and weeks following their passing. Our probate administration lawyer understands the emotional and legal challenges you’re facing. We guide families through every step of the process, handling the paperwork and court requirements so you can focus on what truly matters—honoring your loved one’s memory.
“But aren’t there ways around this whole probate thing?” It’s a question we hear all the time, and the answer isn’t always simple. Probate requirements in Florida can vary based on the value of the estate, types of assets, whether there’s a valid Will and whether there were non-probate assets. Feeling lost in the complicated world of probate requirements in Florida? It’s understandable. Many families come to us after hours of Google searches, more confused than when they started. We don’t just practice probate laws for Florida—they translate them into plain English for you.
Dreading the thought of probate? Many Floridians ask us about finding an alternative to probate in Florida, and we get it—who wants to deal with courts and paperwork while grieving? The good news? There are several legal strategies that can help your loved ones avoid probate entirely. Our alternative probation services can help you establish Revocable Trusts and other probate alternatives that keep assets flowing to your heirs without court intervention.
Why drag out the probate process longer than necessary? A summary administration probate attorney in Florida can fast-track smaller or uncomplicated estates. Unlike regular probate, which can take months or even years, summary administration wraps up quicker. Our team thoroughly understands Florida summary administration requirements and can quickly determine if your situation qualifies, potentially saving you time and legal expenses.
Understanding the Probate Process
“So what exactly is probate, anyway?” It’s a question we hear almost daily, and it’s a good one.
At its core, probate is the court-supervised process of authenticating a deceased person’s Will, reviewing their assets, and paying their final bills and taxes before distributing what’s left to their heirs. Think of it as the legal process that ensures everything gets where it needs to go after someone passes away.
Sounds simple, right? Well, not always.
Florida law recognizes several types of probate:
- Formal administration is the standard probate process, typically used when the estate’s value exceeds $75,000 or when the deceased has been gone for less than two years. This is the most comprehensive form of probate and involves multiple court filings, notices to creditors, and a personal representative who oversees the entire process.
- Summary administration offers a streamlined alternative when the estate is valued at less than $75,000 or when the deceased has been gone for more than two years, according to the Florida Bar. It’s faster and less complex than formal administration, but not every estate qualifies.
- Disposition without administration is the simplest form, available only in very limited circumstances—typically when the deceased left only exempt personal property and the value of non-exempt property doesn’t exceed the cost of final expenses (Florida Statute § 735.301).
So, how does the probate process work? Let’s break it down, step by step:
- File the petition: You initiate the probate process by filing a petition with the probate court in the county where your loved one lived. If they left a Will, you hand that over too, as the court needs to see it’s legitimate. No Will? You still file to let the court know someone’s passed and there’s an estate to handle. This step is like hitting the start button on a slow-moving legal machine with strict court deadlines.
- Notify everyone: The personal representative tracks down heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors to send them notice. Florida Statute § 733.2121 makes it official—you publish a “notice to creditors” in a local newspaper. This gives them a heads-up that the estate is in play. Failure to notify creditors could lead to personal liability for the personal representative.
- Inventory the estate: You list everything the person owned: their property, assets, savings, everything. Florida law requires a detailed inventory. This gets filed with the court but is not available for public viewing.
- Pay the bills: Creditors get 90 days to file claims once the Notice to Creditors is published. The personal representative uses the estate’s funds to cover taxes, funeral costs, and any lingering credit card bills. Florida law is strict: debts are paid before beneficiaries.
- Handle disputes: If there is a dispute involving the estate, the court steps in. Will contests, creditor fights, you name it—this is where things can get ugly. The courts sorts it out, but it drags things longer.
- Distribute what’s left: Finally, the finish line. Once debts are paid and fights are settled, the personal representative hands out what’s left according to what the Will (or law) says. The court gives the final nod, and you’re done.
Look, we get it—nobody wakes up excited to deal with probate. It’s emotional, it’s complicated, and half the time you’re wondering, “Can’t this just be over already?” That’s where Lappin Estate Planning comes in. We’re here to lift the burden off your shoulders. Whether you’re knee-deep in the process now or thinking about how to spare your loved ones from it later, we’re here to help.
The Role of the Probate Court
Ever wondered why we need courts involved in handling someone’s estate in the first place? Couldn’t families just figure it out themselves?
Well, in an ideal world where everyone agrees, all paperwork is perfectly clear, and no creditors are involved—maybe. But we don’t live in that world.
The probate court in Florida serves as the referee, rule-enforcer, and problem-solver throughout the probate proceedings. Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- The court validates the Will. Is this document actually the deceased’s Last Will and Testament? Was it properly executed? The court makes these determinations to prevent fraud and ensure the deceased’s genuine wishes are honored.
- The court appoints the personal representative. This person has a lot of responsibility and authority—they gather assets, pay debts, file tax returns, and ultimately distribute what remains. The court ensures this person is qualified and provides them with the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
- The court oversees the entire administration process. The personal representative doesn’t have unchecked power—they must provide inventories and sometimes accountings to the court. This creates transparency and accountability, protecting the interests of beneficiaries and creditors alike.
In Florida, probate matters are handled by the Circuit Court in the county where the deceased person was domiciled. Each county’s probate division may have slightly different local rules and procedures, though they all operate under the same Florida Probate Code.
The Benefits of Hiring a Probate Lawyer
“Can’t I just handle probate myself?” It’s a fair question, especially when you’re looking at legal fees and thinking about adding expenses during what may already be a financially stressful time. In a formal administration, a Florida attorney is required to represent the Personal Representative unless the Personal Representative is a Florida attorney. Here are some of the advantages of working with a probate lawyer for a summary administration.
1. Explaining Florida’s Specific Legal Requirements
Florida probate law has its own unique quirks and requirements. Did you know that Florida has special rules about who can serve as personal representative if they live out of state? Or that homestead property is treated differently than other real estate? A Florida probate attorney knows these nuances inside and out, helping you avoid pitfalls that could cost time and money.
2. Protection from Personal Liability
As a personal representative, you have a fiduciary duty to the estate. This means you could be personally liable if something goes wrong (e.g., you pay creditors in the wrong order, miss important deadlines, or improperly value assets). An attorney protects you from these risks by ensuring everything is done right.
3. Efficiency and Experience
Think about the first time you tried anything new and complicated. It probably took a while, right? Now think about the hundredth time. A probate attorney has guided many families through this process and knows exactly what needs to happen when. This experience translates to a more efficient process, potentially saving months of unnecessary delays.
4. Handling Complicated Situations
Some estates are more complicated than others. What if there’s a business involved? Investment properties? Beneficiaries who can’t be located? A contested Will? Complicated tax issues? When challenges arise (and they often do), chances are you need experienced legal counsel to deal with them.
5. Stress Reduction
One of the most underrated benefits is the peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional is handling all aspects of probate. During a time of grief, having one less major responsibility on your plate can be priceless.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
While hiring an attorney does involve fees, those fees are often offset by the money saved through efficient administration, proper handling of creditor claims, accurate valuation of assets, and avoidance of costly mistakes. In many cases, a probate attorney can save the estate more than their fee amounts to.
7. Conflict Management
Family dynamics can be complicated, and they don’t magically simplify when someone passes away. On the contrary, they can get even more intense. A probate attorney serves as a neutral third party who can help manage tensions, provide objective information, and sometimes prevent conflicts before they escalate.
8. Access to Professional Networks
Experienced probate attorneys have built networks of trusted professionals—from appraisers and accountants to real estate agents who specialize in estate sales. This network becomes your network, giving you access to qualified experts for every aspect of the estate administration process.
Why Choose Our Probate Lawyers?
The attorney-client relationship is personal, especially when dealing with sensitive matters like probate. You deserve to work with a firm that aligns with your values and communication style. Here’s what makes our approach—here at Lappin Estate Planning—different:
- Exclusive focus on trust and estate administration and planning: Our attorneys don’t just practice probate law alongside a dozen other practice areas (like many other firms do). We focus specifically on trust and estate planning and administration (which probate is a massive part of), with particular knowledge of Florida’s unique legal landscape.
- Transparent, predictable pricing: Legal fees shouldn’t be a mystery or surprise. We provide clear fee structures from the beginning. Hidden costs isn’t how we do business. For many probate matters, we can offer statutory flat-fee arrangements (if the personal representative elects) so you know exactly what to expect financially.
- Compassionate client service: We understand that probate occurs during a time of grief. That’s why we approach every client interaction with empathy and patience. We welcome any questions, promptly address concerns, and we never forget that there are real humans behind every legal matter.
- Plain language communication: Legal jargon has its place—but only in statutes and court filings. When we’re communicating with you, we believe in plain language. You will never leave a meeting or end a phone call wondering what we just said. We translate complex legal concepts into understandable terms without talking down to you.
- Proactive problem-solving: The best way to handle probate complications is to prevent them before they arise. Our approach emphasizes proactive identification of potential issues, allowing us to address them early rather than reactively managing crises.
- Comprehensive support: Probate rarely exists in isolation. Often, other legal matters intersect with the probate process—perhaps real estate transactions, business succession planning, or tax considerations. Our firm can provide guidance on these related matters, offering comprehensive support rather than piecemeal solutions.
What truly sets us apart isn’t just what we do, but how we do it. We don’t just handle probate cases—we guide real people through what might be one of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Contact Us
Probate can feel stressful and intimidating, whether you’re managing a decedent’s estate today or planning to ease the burden for your family tomorrow.
No two probate situations are identical, which is why we start with a personalized consultation. You will speak directly with an attorney who handles probate law cases—someone who can address your specific concerns and outline a clear path forward.
Don’t let uncertainty linger. Reach out today to discuss your needs. Call at (561)-778-8590 or fill out our contact form to get started.
Contact Us
Your future needs a plan—one that makes the most sense for your unique situation. At Lappin Estate Planning, we’re here to guide you through every step, from wills and trusts to asset protection and probate matters. Let’s build a strategy that fits your needs. Contact us today to start planning.
Location
370 Camino Gardens Blvd
Suite 106
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(We recommend entering via the blue awning on the left side of the building)
Phone Number