How much does probate cost in Florida?

Opening probate on an estate in Florida consists of expenses that can be placed into two categories: Attorney’s fees andCosts associated with the probate proceeding.  Attorney’s fees are based on your agreement with your Florida probate attorney for the services he or she provides.  Typically, attorney’s will bill at a flat rate, on an hourly basis, or on a contingent basis depending on the aspects of your case.  With attorney’s fees, you will generally have a good estimate of exactly how much you will be paying after the Florida probate proceeding has commenced.

The costs, however, can be more variable, and will ultimately depend on the complexity of your estate administration.  Florida probate costs can include:

• Court filing fees
• Recording costs
• Publishing Notice to Creditors
• Express courier or mail service (Fedex, UPS, etc.)
• Costs for obtaining certified copies of records
• Costs associated with locating heirs and family descendants

Palm Beach probate litigation attorneys know that, because of the costs and expenses associated with opening probate, it is always best to complete the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Summary administration is sometimes available to Florida estatesthat are valued below $75,000.  However, when summary administration is not available, the best way to speed up estate administration is to plan and prepare ahead of time.

See http://www.pankauskilawfirm.com/ for videos and information on Wills in Florida, Florida Trust Law, Estate Planning, and Estate Administration in Florida.