Delray Beach Probate Attorney
Serving Probate, Trust, and Litigation Clients in all Delray Beach Communities
If you have been placed in charge of a deceased family member or friend's affairs, our Delray Beach probate attorneys are here to help you maximize the tax efficiency of their estate, manage their assets after death and minimize the administrative burden of settling their final affairs.
At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we provide professional legal counsel to clients across Palm Beach County in a range of probate, trust, litigation, and estate administration scenarios.
Contact us online or call us at (954) 764-7273 to discuss your loved one's estate and how our Delray Beach probate lawyers can help you through the process.
The Stories That Matter
Read Our Client Thank You Notes
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"Please know how much I appreciated your hard work and effort representing me!"Jeff, please know how much I appreciated your hard work and effort representing me! Thank you for putting up with me and for never making me feel inept.- S.H.
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"We cannot adequately express our gratitude for your excellent work in the resolution of this matter."I don't think there is a better way to express how we feel about these attorneys than to show our final message to them: Ryan & Adrian: We cannot adequately express our gratitude for your excellent work in the resolution of this matter. While certainly- MB & KB
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"Would not hesitate to use him in the future."
Took the time to explain to me what was going on with my case in way that made sense. Would not hesitate to use him in the future.
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"Adrian, Thanks, you’re doing a great job and you’re the best and only lawyer that has been ethical and professionally serious about this case."Adrian, Thanks, you’re doing a great job and you’re the best and only lawyer that has been ethical and professionally serious about this case. You have great communication skills as well. Thank you.- L.A.
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"I appreciate all your help with my case and your professionalism"Hi Michele, I appreciate all your help with my case and your professionalism. Jeff and Esther were extremely helpful, especially considering the difficult circumstances.- S.J.
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"Thank you for your time, kindness and help."Mr. Trinkler, Just want to say thank you for your time, kindness and help.- G.W.
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"Michele, Thank you. This speaks to the excellent work Mr. Thomas & yourself have done."Michele, Thank you. This speaks to the excellent work Mr. Thomas & yourself have done.
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"Thank you for all you have done."Hi Ryan, Thank you for all you have done. Truly feeling relief and a release, being free from lawsuit. Just wanted to tell you how much I depended on you, and appreciate all you have done.- E.D.
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Understanding How The Probate Process Works in Delray Beach
The probate process in Delray Beach, Florida, follows a series of steps to manage a deceased person's estate. Here’s an overview of how it generally works:
- Determine if Probate is Necessary: Assess whether the deceased left assets solely in their name. If assets exceed Florida's threshold for probate, the process will likely be necessary.
- Filing the Will and Petition: If there’s a will, it should be filed with the court along with a petition to open probate. If there is no will, a petition for intestate probate is filed.
- Appointment of Personal Representative: The court appoints a personal representative (executor) to manage the estate. If there’s a will, it usually names this person; otherwise, the court appoints someone according to intestacy laws.
- Notifying Heirs and Creditors: The personal representative must notify all heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors of the probate proceedings. This often includes publishing a notice in a local newspaper.
- Inventory and Appraisal: The personal representative must take inventory of the deceased's assets and may need to have them appraised.
- Settling Debts and Taxes: The personal representative pays any valid debts and taxes owed by the estate using estate funds.
- Distributing Assets: After debts and taxes are settled, the personal representative distributes the remaining assets according to the will or, in the absence of a will, according to Florida's intestacy laws.
- Closing the Estate: Once all assets have been distributed and obligations fulfilled, the personal representative files a final accounting with the court, and the estate is officially closed.
The Delray Beach probate attorneys at Adrian Philip Thomas can help represent you through each step and decision in probate administration. Contact us for a consultation.
How Long Does Probate Take?
Probate takes about three months in Florida. This period allows creditors to settle their claims with the estate. However, not all cases take this long. Simple estates, or those without disputes, may wrap up in a few months. Complex cases that face legal challenges may take several years.
Reasons to Hire a Probate Attorney in Delray Beach, Florida
Hiring our probate attorney in Delray Beach, Florida, can be highly beneficial for several reasons:
- We understand the specific laws and regulations governing the probate process in Florida, helping to ensure compliance and avoid legal pitfalls.
- We can guide you through each step, from filing the initial petition to finalizing the estate.
- We can prepare and file all necessary documents with the court and assist with creating an accurate inventory of the deceased’s assets.
- We can mediate and represent your interests in court if disputes arise among heirs or beneficiaries.
Navigating the probate process can be emotionally taxing, especially after a loss. Hiring our law firm can alleviate stress and provide reassurance that the process is being handled correctly.
If you are interested in hiring a Delray Beach probate administration lawyer, dial at (954) 764-7273 or reach out online.