By Vito Bavaro, Esq. | Bavaro Legacy Law, PLLC | Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota, Florida
Probate Attorney Lakewood Ranch | Probate Lawyer Sarasota | Florida Probate Costs | Bradenton Probate Attorney | Lakewood Ranch Estate Planning
When a loved one passes away, one of the first things families ask us is what probate is going to cost. It is a fair question, and you deserve a straight answer before anything gets started.
Here is how it works.
Where the Costs Come From
Most probate costs fall into a few buckets. There is a filing fee to open the estate with the Clerk of Court, and the amount depends on the type of probate. Florida also requires a notice to creditors to be published in a local newspaper, which carries a small publication charge. Certified copies of court documents and recording fees for deeds add a little more.
The largest piece is usually attorney fees. In most cases Florida requires the personal representative to have a lawyer. Florida law sets out what is considered a reasonable fee based on the size of the estate, and families and attorneys can agree to other arrangements in writing.
The personal representative is also entitled to be paid for their time, although many family members choose to waive that. Some estates have other expenses too, like an appraisal, a bond if the court requires one, or the cost of keeping up a house until it sells.
Why One Estate Costs More Than Another
No two families are the same. An estate with one bank account and siblings who get along is a very different job than one with property in two states, creditors to sort out, or heirs who do not agree. The type of probate matters as well. Smaller estates may qualify for summary administration, which is usually quicker and less expensive than full formal administration.
How to Keep Costs Down
Get organized early. Pull together the will, the death certificate, account statements and any deeds. Every document you can find saves time later.
Keep the family talking. Disagreements are the single biggest reason probate gets expensive, and most of them start with someone feeling left out of the loop.
And if you are thinking about your own family, plan ahead. A properly funded revocable living trust and up-to-date beneficiary designations can keep your estate out of probate altogether.
The Bottom Line
Probate in Florida does cost money, but it should never be a mystery. At Bavaro Legacy Law we walk you through the likely costs at your first meeting, before any work begins, so your family can make clear decisions. You can learn more about how the process works on our Florida probate page.
Vito Bavaro, Esq. is the founder and managing attorney of Bavaro Legacy Law, PLLC, serving families across Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and surrounding Manatee and Sarasota County communities. If you are searching for a probate attorney in Lakewood Ranch, a probate lawyer in Sarasota, or straight answers about what probate will cost your family, we are here to help. To schedule a free consultation visit bavarolegacylaw.com or call us directly.
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this post. Please consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation →
Probate Attorney Lakewood Ranch | Probate Attorney Sarasota | Florida Probate Costs | Bradenton Probate Lawyer | Manatee County Probate