Palm Beach Probate Lawyer
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Attorney Travis Walker.
The days and weeks following a loved one’s death are full of emotional ups and downs. However, things can be even worse if your loved one dies without a will or there are disputes over the will’s interpretation. However, even if there is a will and no one disputes it, the probate process can still be long and complex, requiring specific knowledge of the laws and procedures to handle the complicated problems that can arise. A skilled and experienced probate attorney can help you navigate the process and fulfill your loved one’s wishes.
While you can attempt to handle probate on your own, a probate lawyer in Palm Beach can answer your questions and help avoid mistakes that can lengthen the probate process and expose you to liability. The Law Offices of Travis R. Walker, P.A., has a team of attorneys well-versed in Florida probate laws. When you hire our team, you can rest assured we’ll treat your case with the care and respect it deserves.
How The Law Offices of Travis R. Walker Can Help With Your Probate Case in Palm Beach
The Law Offices of Travis R. Walker, P.A., has extensive experience navigating the probate process in Palm Beach County. We understand the nuances of probate law unique to Palm Beach, and we can make your experience smooth and efficient, avoiding complexities that hinder the probate process.
Our firm, led by attorney Travis Walker, has over 17 years of experience handling complicated probate cases. Travis is well-known for his commitment to Florida law. He has a proven track record of success in probate lawsuits and claims.
We take a client-centered approach to all our cases. We prioritize open communication, helping clients understand how the probate process unfolds and addressing your concerns with genuine empathy and understanding.
The death of a loved one may be emotionally overwhelming, and dealing with the complexities of probate can make it even worse. Our firm handles everything for you so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Client Testimonials
We are proud of the services we provide our clients. Here is what prior clients say about our firm:
“Travis has a wealth of knowledge in many legal areas. I always give his law office whenever I need advice—from taxes, wealth management, probate, and family law. I would not hesitate and have referred family and friends to his legal team. Everyone is happy and feels their voice and needs have been heard. Furthermore, I have many people tell me his team will go that extra mile that many other law firms will not.” – Patric L.
“Amazing law firm. They are the best in town. They will be there for you through [your] probate case [and] make sure that you are well represented.” – Tanya C.
“Travis Walker Law is phenomenal for family law and estate planning. Travis Walker, Scott Harlowe, Daphne, and the entire team are compassionate, kind, and patient—exactly what you need during life’s difficult moments. Their support and expertise are invaluable. Highly recommend this firm!” – Lysette2381
Understanding Probate in Palm Beach, Florida
Probate is a legal process to administer deceased individuals’ estates by validating their wills and distributing their assets under the terms. If an individual dies without a will, their estate still goes through probate, but the courts decide how to distribute their assets based on the rules of intestate succession.
There are several steps involved in probate:
1. Will Validation
If your loved one has left a will, the probate process begins with filing the will in the probate court. Once the will is filed, the court will appoint the designated personal representative, or executor, to oversee the estate’s administration.
2. Identify and Notify Heirs
Your loved one’s will may designate the heirs who will receive assets. If so, the estate’s representative will notify them of the will and their status as an heir. If the will fails to name the heirs or the deceased died without a will, the court will identify the heirs based on Florida’s intestacy laws.
3. Inventory Assets
The personal representative will inventory, appraise, and gather the deceased’s assets. Assets may include bank accounts, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, life insurance policies, real estate, and vehicles.
4. Pay Debts and Taxes
Before distributing your loved one’s assets, the personal representative must pay outstanding debts to creditors. Creditors have three months after they receive notification of the individual’s death to file a claim. The representative must also file all final tax returns and pay any taxes owed. The representative pays the debts and taxes with money from the estate’s account.
5. Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries
After paying debts and taxes, the court will distribute the remaining assets according to your loved one’s will. If there is no will, the court will decide who receives assets based on Florida’s intestacy law. Once everything is distributed, the personal representative will file a petition to close the estate.
Services Offered by Travis Walker Law Probate Lawyers in Palm Beach
The Law Offices of Travis R. Walker, P.A., offers several probate-related services at our Palm Beach office, including the following:
- Estate Administration – We can assist in estate administration, from probating the will in the appropriate court to gathering assets and determining outstanding debts. We also handle notifying heirs and creditors per Florida law, filing tax returns, and overseeing the final distribution of remaining assets.
- Will Validation – We can review the will and identify the appropriate heirs. We will also file the will in the proper court to initiate the probate process.
- Asset Distribution – Our Palm Beach probate lawyers can oversee the asset distribution process to designated heirs, working to align distribution with the deceased individual’s wishes.
- Handling Disputes – Disputes are not uncommon during probate. We can navigate any conflicts that arise, including disagreements among surviving heirs and loved ones. We also represent clients in disputes concerning the validity of an individual’s will, such as claims that the deceased lacked capacity when creating the will or was under undue influence.
- Estate Planning and Trust Administration – Many clients come to us for help with estate planning, including drafting a will and setting up a trust. We can work with you to build a solid estate plan outlining how you want your assets distributed upon your death.
Challenges of DIY Probate in Palm Beach
While handling probate alone may seem tempting, it may cost you in the long run. Some of the potential problems of the DIY approach include:
- Improper documentation – It’s easy to make a mistake when legal documents with the probate court. Even the smallest of errors can result in significant delays. In the worst cases, a mistake can cause a dispute or legal challenge.
- Disputes – A dispute can lead to a lengthy legal battle that drains estate assets.
- Taxes – A Palm Beach probate attorney can identify potential tax savings opportunities and avoid traps that can lead to higher tax liability.
- Real estate – If your loved one leaves real estate property, handling its transfer properly is essential to avoid costly errors. Our skilled attorneys can assist in the transfer process, avoiding mistakes and financial losses.
Often, a loved one’s death takes a severe emotional toll. While we can’t bring your loved one back, we can ease the administrative burden you’re facing so you can focus on healing.
Benefits of Hiring a Palm Beach Probate Lawyer
Our seasoned attorneys will handle the probate process smoothly and efficiently, saving you significant time and money while avoiding the common mistakes that make probate much more challenging than it needs to be. We’ll examine your case for all local probate requirements, reducing the chances of a delay that extends the process.
If a dispute arises, we can represent your interests in the case, helping to reach a swift conclusion and avoiding stressful conflicts between interested parties. You can lean on our team for emotional support during the entire process, and we will be there to provide legal guidance for any questions you have.
Hiring a probate lawyer is critical if a loved one has left complex assets, such as real estate. Your attorney can help streamline the distribution of property and work towards a seamless transfer. Our lawyers can also assist if an interested party contests the will or its contents.
To schedule a probate consultation, call us at 772-708-0952 or complete our intake form.
Common Questions About Probate in Palm Beach, FL
You may have questions about hiring a Palm Beach probate attorney. Here are some of the most common inquiries and our answers.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost in Florida?
The initial consultation with our team is free. During this consultation, we’ll review your case, determine your legal needs, and explain our fee structure.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Probate in Florida?
No, it is not necessary to hire a lawyer for the Florida probate process. However, having a lawyer can expedite probate and reduce the chances of costly errors that delay the claims process.
How Long Does Probate Take in Palm Beach County?
Probate typically takes six to nine months to complete in Palm Beach County.
How Much Does an Estate Have To Be Worth To Go to Probate in Palm Beach, Florida?
There are no minimum financial requirements for an estate to go to probate. Anyone who dies with assets in Palm Beach is subject to the probate process, regardless of whether they leave a will.
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