Formal Probate
Formal probate administration may be required when an estate needs a personal representative appointed to gather assets, address creditors, manage estate issues, and distribute property.
Serving Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and throughout the rest of Florida.
Court-Supervised Estate Administration
Formal administration is the traditional Florida probate process. It is often used when an estate does not qualify for summary administration, when a personal representative needs authority, when assets must be collected or sold, or when the administration requires ongoing court supervision.
We help personal representatives understand their responsibilities and move the estate through the process as efficiently as possible.
Formal Probate May Be Needed When
Formal probate may be appropriate if:
The estate does not qualify for summary administration
Letters of administration are needed
A personal representative must collect or manage assets
Real estate must be sold or transferred
Creditors need to be formally addressed
There are multiple beneficiaries or heirs
The estate has unresolved debts, taxes, expenses, or disputes
A financial institution requires formal authority
How Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning, PLLC Can Help
Open formal probate administration
Assist with appointment of personal representative
Prepare notices to creditors and beneficiaries
Advise on inventory and estate administration duties
Coordinate sale or transfer of estate assets
Assist with creditor claims and expense issues
Prepare closing documents and distribution paperwork
How our process works
Open the estate
We prepare and file the initial probate documents.
Personal representative appointment
We assist with obtaining letters of administration when appropriate.
Notice and inventory phase
We help address notices, inventory, and creditor issues.
Asset administration
We guide the personal representative through asset collection, management, sale, or transfer.
Distribution and closing
We assist with final accounting, distribution, and estate closing steps as applicable.
Helpful Information to Bring to a Consultation
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Death certificate
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Original will and codicils
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List of beneficiaries and heirs
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Asset and account information
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Real estate deeds
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Known debts and bills
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Tax information if available
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Prior attorney or court correspondence
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Do not worry if you do not have every document. We can help identify what is missing based on your situation.
Serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast
Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning serves clients in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and the rest of Florida when appropriate.
Talk With Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning
If you are unsure what your family needs, the best next step is a consultation. We can review the facts, identify available options, and help you decide what legal path makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a personal representative do? A personal representative is appointed to administer the estate, collect assets, address debts, communicate with beneficiaries, and distribute assets under court supervision.
How long does formal probate take? Timing varies. Formal probate often takes several months or longer depending on assets, creditors, family cooperation, and court processing.
Do personal representatives need an attorney? Florida probate matters often require legal representation for the personal representative except in limited circumstances. A lawyer can help with filings and fiduciary responsibilities.
Can probate real estate be sold? Often yes, but the authority, will language, homestead status, and court requirements should be reviewed before sale.