727-898-5200

Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys
A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.

Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.

Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys
A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.

Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys A Division of Goldberg Law Group, P.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at glenn@goldberglaw.us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

A Living Trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee during your lifetime. The trustee then manages the assets on  

Probate is the court-supervised process of identifying and gathering a deceased person’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries. In Florida, most estates must go through probate unless all assets are exempt or already held in trust. 


 Yes. In most cases, Florida law requires that probate cases be filed by a licensed attorney. This ensures the process is handled correctly and efficiently, especially if real property or disputes are involved. 


 

  • Summary Administration – Can take a few weeks to a few months if no complications.
     
  • Formal Administration – Usually takes 6–12 months, though disputes or comple assets may extend the timeline. 


 

  • Summary Administration is available for smaller estates (less than $75,000 in value, excluding exempt property) or when the person has been deceased for more than 2 years.
     
  • Formal Administration is required for larger or more complex estates and involves appointing a personal representative to oversee the process.
     


 

Certain assets pass outside of probate, including:

  • Property held in a trust
     
  • Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship
     
  • Assets with designated beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts)
     
  • Bank accounts with pay-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations

     


When there is no will, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who inherits. Typically, the spouse and children are first in line, followed by other relatives. The court will appoint a personal representative to handle the estate.

 


Yes, with proper estate planning. Tools such as revocable living trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can help avoid or minimize probate. However, if these steps aren’t taken before death, probate is usually required. 


 

Costs vary depending on the estate size and complexity. Common costs include:

  • Court filing fees
     
  • Attorney’s fees (usually based on Florida’s statutory fee schedule or hourly rates)
     
  • Personal representative compensation
     
  • Accounting or appraisal fees, if needed
     

We provide transparent fee structures and will explain your options during your consultation.


  

Disputes may arise over allegations of undue influence, fraud, or lack of capacity. Our attorneys at Goldberg Law Group handle will contests, trust litigation, and beneficiary disputes, representing clients in probate court to protect their inheritance rights.


© 2025 Goldberg Law Group P.A. | Tampa Bay Probate

944 Fourth Street N. Suite 600, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-898-5200

Copyright © 2025 Tampa Bay Probate Attorneys - All Rights Reserved.

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