Probate Attorney Fort Lauderdale | Florida Probate Administration | Kristen Weiss Legal
Our Approach

"Probate doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can be a dignified, manageable process — even during one of life's hardest moments."

Losing someone you love is difficult enough. The last thing your family should have to navigate alone is a complicated legal process. At Kristen Weiss Legal, we guide South Florida families through Florida probate with compassion, clear communication, and genuine care.

We handle every step efficiently, keep you informed throughout, and work hard to make the process as seamless as possible — so you can focus on your family, not the paperwork. Whether your matter is straightforward or complex, you won't be left wondering what comes next.

What We Handle

Florida probate services
handled with care.

Every probate matter is different. We tailor our approach to the specific needs of your family and the complexity of the estate.

I.

Formal Administration

Required for most estates in Florida, formal administration involves appointing a personal representative to manage and distribute estate assets under court supervision. We guide personal representatives through every step — from opening the estate to final distribution — with precision and care.

II.

Summary Administration

A faster, simplified alternative to formal administration, available when the estate's probate assets are valued at $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. We help families determine eligibility and complete the process as efficiently as possible.

III.

Disposition Without Administration

The simplest form of Florida probate, available in limited circumstances where the estate consists only of exempt property and preferred funeral expenses. We assess whether your family qualifies and handle the process from start to finish.

IV.

Trust Administration

When a loved one passes with a revocable living trust, the trust must be properly administered — even though probate is avoided. We guide trustees through their legal obligations, asset distributions, accountings, and creditor notices to ensure the trust is administered correctly and efficiently.

V.

Creditor Claims

Florida law requires proper notice to creditors during probate, and creditors must file claims within strict deadlines. We handle creditor notification, review and object to improper claims, and work to protect the estate's assets for the benefit of the rightful beneficiaries.

VI.

Ancillary Probate

When a non-Florida resident dies owning real property in Florida, a separate Florida probate proceeding — called ancillary administration — is required. We handle ancillary probate for families whose loved ones owned Florida property, coordinating seamlessly with out-of-state counsel when needed.

How We Work

You'll never wonder
what comes next.

Probate can feel like a maze — deadlines, court filings, creditor notices, and asset inventories. We handle all of it. From the moment you contact us, we take the procedural burden off your shoulders and keep you informed at every turn.

Our goal is simple: guide your family through this process as smoothly and efficiently as possible, so you can focus on healing — not paperwork. We serve clients throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County, in person and virtually.

1
Initial Consultation

We meet to understand the estate, identify the appropriate probate process, and explain exactly what to expect — including timelines, costs, and next steps.

2
Filing & Court Process

We prepare and file all required court documents, handle creditor notices, and manage all deadlines — keeping the process moving forward without delays.

3
Asset Management

We assist the personal representative in identifying, valuing, and managing estate assets — including real property, financial accounts, and personal property.

4
Final Distribution & Closing

Once creditors are resolved and taxes addressed, we coordinate final distributions to beneficiaries and close the estate — completing the process with care and precision.

Common Questions

Probate FAQs.

Answers to the questions South Florida families ask most about Florida probate.

Not necessarily. Assets held in a revocable living trust, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, and accounts with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) typically pass outside of probate. However, assets titled solely in the name of the deceased — with no beneficiary designation — generally must go through Florida's probate process.
Summary administration is a simplified, faster process available when the estate's probate assets are valued at $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been dead more than two years. Formal administration is required for larger estates and involves a more structured court process with a personal representative appointed to manage and distribute estate assets.
Summary administration can often be completed in a matter of weeks. Formal administration typically takes six months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether creditors make claims, and the court's schedule. We work efficiently to move your matter forward and keep you informed every step of the way.
Ancillary probate is required when a person who lived in another state (or country) dies owning real property in Florida. Because Florida has jurisdiction over real property located within the state, a separate Florida probate proceeding is necessary to transfer that property — even if the primary probate is being handled elsewhere.
In most cases, yes. Florida law requires that a personal representative in a formal probate administration be represented by a licensed Florida attorney (unless the personal representative is the sole beneficiary). Even in summary administration, having an attorney ensures the process is handled correctly, deadlines are met, and your family's interests are protected.
We're Here to Help

Let us guide your family
through this.

Schedule a confidential probate consultation with Kristen Weiss, Esq. Serving families throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County — in person and virtually.

Book a Consultation