Experienced. Resourceful. Effective.

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Estate, Probate And Trust Administration: Your Legacy Is In Good Hands

The attorneys at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., have extensive knowledge of estate administration strategies that enables them to guide our clients through the administration of estates and trusts — even in complex matters involving extensive assets and ancillary probate.

We offer our clients the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their legacy is in qualified hands at VanNess & VanNess, P.A.

When the time comes for a will or trust to fulfill its purpose, we advise fiduciaries of their rights, duties and obligations under the law. Our attorneys remain active and involved in each case to ensure a proper and efficient estate settlement. We make it our business to be available and responsive to our clients.

We oversee every factor involved in probate and trust administration. The administration of an estate involves:

  • The filing of all relevant documents with the court according to Florida statutes
  • The review of tax documents prepared by accounting professionals
  • Providing all notices required to beneficiaries and creditors as required by Florida law
  • Assisting clients with missing heir searches
  • Preparation and review of final accountings when an estate or trust administration is complete

Our attorneys also have the experience to foresee potential disputes. All of our attorneys are members of the real property, probate and trust law section of The Florida Bar, and our firm is highly regarded in the legal community for the level of advocacy and legal services we provide.

Probate Under Florida Law

Probate is a process set up by the courts that disposes of a person’s estate (property) after death. This process can last nine to 12 months, including deadlines and requirements set out in the Florida statutes that must be followed by the attorney and fiduciary appointed by the court. From managing creditor claims to distributing assets to the appropriate heirs or beneficiaries, allow VanNess & VanNess, P.A., to be your guide through the complex probate process.

Under Florida law, if the decedent had a will, it must be filed with the probate court within 10 days of learning of the person’s death. After opening a probate case in the county where the individual lived, all assets and liabilities of the decedent at the time of death are determined. The decedent’s estate is concluded when the probate process is finished and the property is ready to be distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

Our attorneys advise personal representatives and trustees (when applicable) throughout the administration process. We can answer your questions about probate and nonprobate assets and what property must pass through the estate or go directly to beneficiaries:

  • Can the house be sold, and if so, when?
  • How do you collect on a life insurance policy?
  • What bills do you pay?
  • What is the transfer tax in Florida?

We have the answers to your many questions and appreciate the opportunity to assist our clients in central Florida and statewide with probate and trust administration. Our firm also partners with out-of-state counsel when a decedent owned property in another state at the time of death.

Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this process and have guided countless families through probate and trust administration.

Experienced Guidance Based On Current Florida Law

At VanNess & VanNess, P.A., our attorneys remain current with changes in Florida’s laws regarding estate and trust administration, as well as changes to the law for state and federal estate and gift taxation.

To contact our lawyers to discuss the probate or trust administration process, call our Crystal River office at 352-436-4333 or toll free at 866-697-6221 to schedule a confidential consultation. You may also complete our convenient online contact form.