Lake Nona Probate Attorneys

Experienced Probate Attorneys in Lake Nona, FL

Losing a loved one is never easy, and handling their estate afterwards can make it feel even worse and more overwhelming. That’s why our Lake Nona probate attorneys are here to guide families through the legal process of settling estates in Central Florida. Whether you’re dealing with a simple will or a complex estate, we ensure every legal requirement is met — from filing petitions and managing assets to resolving disputes—so you can focus on what truly matters: your family.

Simplifying the Florida Probate Process for Families

Probate can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with legal terminology or court procedures. Our attorneys break down each step clearly, from validating the will to distributing assets. We handle all filings, deadlines, and communications with the court, ensuring the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Handling Estates With or Without a Will

If your loved one passed away with a valid will, we ensure it’s properly admitted to probate and that their wishes are honored. If no will exists, we help navigate Florida’s intestate laws to determine rightful heirs and distribute assets accordingly.

How Can I Avoid Probate in Lake Nona, Florida?

The probate process can be time-consuming, expensive, and exhausting. With strategic estate planning, it is possible to bypass it altogether. From joint ownership and living trusts to gifting assets and designating beneficiaries with Pay-on-Death and Transfer-on-Death arrangements, various strategies can help you sidestep probate and ensure a smoother transition of assets.

• Establish a Living Trust – A living trust, also known as a revocable trust, is a legal entity created to hold ownership of an individual’s assets during their lifetime. Upon the individual’s death, these assets are transferred directly to the beneficiaries named in the trust, bypassing the probate process. This ensures an easier and more private transition.
• Gift Your Assets – In estate planning, gifting involves transferring assets to others while you’re alive. It reduces the size of your estate, potentially avoiding or minimizing probate. While gifting can be a strategic way to avoid probate, it’s important to understand the potential tax implications before proceeding.
• File for Joint Ownership – Joint ownership is a property ownership arrangement where two or more individuals hold rights to the same asset. Upon the death of one owner, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) regardless of the deceased’s will. This transfer occurs without probate and simplifies the asset distribution process.
• Pay-on-Death & Transfer-on-Death – Pay-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) allow you to designate a beneficiary who will inherit your assets, such as bank accounts or securities, directly upon death. This occurs outside of probate, making the transfer process quicker, cheaper, and less complicated for your beneficiaries.

Understanding the Probate Process in Central Florida

Probate serves to validate wills, pay outstanding debts, and distribute property legally and fairly. Understanding how the process works helps families avoid confusion and costly mistakes. Florida’s probate system is court-supervised, meaning every major step — appointing a personal representative, gathering assets, and notifying creditors — must be done according to specific procedures and timelines.

Formal vs. Summary Administration

Florida offers two main probate processes. Formal administration is required for larger or more complex estates and involves full court supervision. Summary administration is faster and applies when assets are under $75,000 or the decedent has been deceased for over two years. Our local probate attorneys evaluate your case and recommend the most efficient path, handling all filings to avoid unnecessary delays.

Duties of the Personal Representative

A personal representative (also called an executor) is responsible for managing the estate throughout probate. This includes gathering all assets, notifying heirs and creditors, paying valid debts, and ultimately distributing what remains. We guide executors through every step, helping them fulfill their fiduciary duties lawfully and avoid potential liability.

Navigating Creditors, Taxes & Asset Distribution

Part of the probate process involves settling financial obligations and ensuring fair distribution of all assets. We work hard to help our clients review claims from creditors, handle estate taxes, and legally manage transfers of real estate, investments, and personal property. Our main goal is to protect the beneficiaries’ inheritance while ensuring full compliance with Florida probate laws.

Resolving Probate Disputes & Contested Estates in Lake Nona

Even with a valid will, conflicts can arise between beneficiaries, heirs, or executors. Our Lake Nona probate lawyers are experienced in resolving estate disputes with professionalism and discretion. We aim to preserve family relationships whenever possible, but we’re fully prepared to litigate when necessary to defend your rights.

Will Contests & Challenges

Disputes over a will often involve claims of undue influence, fraud, or lack of mental capacity. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate these matters, gathering evidence and expert testimony when needed. We represent clients on both sides—those contesting a will and those defending one—to ensure the true intentions of the deceased are honored.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty or Mismanagement of the Estate

Executors and trustees are legally obligated to act in the best interests of the estate. When they fail—through negligence, misuse of funds, or favoritism—beneficiaries may take legal action. We help clients identify fiduciary breaches, recover lost assets, and petition for the removal or replacement of mismanaging representatives.

Mediation & Litigation for Complex Probate Cases

Most probate disputes can be resolved through legal mediation for a faster, smoother outcome. However, if these dosagreements escalate, our law firm can provide strategic litigation to make sure your best interests are protected. Our Lake Nona, FL probate attorneys can present strong, evidence-based arguments to safeguard your rights and ensure fair enforcement of state probate laws.

Schedule a Consultation With a Lake Nona Probate Attorney

If you’ve recently been tasked with managing a deceased love one’s assets and are unsure how to proceed, contact Walker Flick for a free telephone consultation to dicuss your situation. We understand how confusing and tedious the probate process can be, especially if you have no experience and have just experienced the death of someone close to you — that’s why our lawyers are here to help guide you through the process.