Probate Attorney serving Palm Coast, FL

Attorney Bonnie Berns is an experienced probate attorney serving clients in the Palm Coast, FL, area who need assistance with elder law and estate planning. She helps clients from all over Volusia County, including Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and Deltona.

There are four types of probate in Florida:

Ancillary Probate Administration – An ancillary administration applies when the decedent owns real property in Florida but is a resident of another state. An ancillary personal representative manages the probate process, including attending court hearings, paying creditors, and distributing assets to heirs.

Disposition without Administration – Disposition without administration is also known as a Small Estate Proceeding. Under certain circumstances, when there are only enough assets in the estate to cover funeral and burial expenses, or medical costs incurred during the last 60 days before death, heirs and beneficiaries may be able to avoid probate to claim these assets to cover those expenses.

Formal Administration – The formal administration is the most common way property of an estate is probated in Florida. The personal representative usually works closely with a probate lawyer to help understand the court process and ensure legal requirements are met to facilitate a smooth transfer of the decedent’s assets to heirs and beneficiaries.

Summary Administration – Summary administration is a simplified probate process that may be an option for estates with less than $75,000 in assets, not including their homestead, and the death occurred at least two years prior.

Florida Probate Law

Florida probate law can be complicated, and an estate may qualify for more than one type of probate. Consulting with an experienced probate attorney can help you understand which is more beneficial for your situation. And with estate planning, we can often help you avoid the probate process altogether so that you direct the distribution of property and assets instead of the courts.

Visit our website or contact the Law Office of Bonnie Berns at 386-672-4040 to consult with an experienced probate attorney serving Palm Coast, FL, today!.