Probate Administration
Guiding Families Through Florida’s Probate Process with Compassion and Clarity
Probate is the court-supervised legal process by which a person’s assets are transferred to their heirs or beneficiaries after death. It is often necessary to formally settle the estate, resolve any debts, and ensure the proper distribution of assets under Florida law.
At Lavargna Law, we help families navigate probate efficiently and respectfully. Whether your loved one had a Will or died intestate (without a Will), we are here to assist the personal representative (Florida’s term for executor) in managing the process from start to finish.
What Is Probate — and When Is It Required?
Probate is necessary when someone passes away owning assets in their individual name that do not automatically transfer to a joint owner or named beneficiary. If a valid Will exists, it must be admitted to probate before the directions in the Will can take legal effect. If there is no Will, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who receives the assets.
Our attorneys help identify probate vs. non-probate assets as the first step. We aim to distribute non-probate assets quickly, and work with the court to manage the remaining assets through the probate process, which concludes with a formal judicial order.
Handling Family Disputes & Complex Estates
While many probate matters are straightforward, complications can arise when families disagree, assets are unclear, or the estate involves business interests or real estate. We work to resolve disputes efficiently and keep the process moving forward — helping you avoid delays, stress, and unnecessary legal costs.
Understanding Florida Homestead in Probate
One of the most critical — and misunderstood — aspects of Florida probate is the treatment of Homestead property. Often the most valuable asset in the estate, the Homestead has unique legal characteristics and must be addressed properly to ensure a lawful and timely transfer to heirs.
With decades of experience in both probate and real estate law, including Board Certification in Real Estate, our team has the knowledge to handle these issues with accuracy and care. In many cases, Homestead property can be transferred to heirs on a faster timeline than other assets — but it requires proper legal strategy and court procedure.
Our Role as Your Probate Attorneys
We represent personal representatives, heirs, and beneficiaries throughout Martin County and the Treasure Coast. Our goal is to make the process:
Clear and understandable
As efficient as possible
Tailored to your specific family and estate situation
When probate is complete, many clients recognize the importance of future planning to reduce or eliminate the need for probate altogether. We’re here to support you not only through estate administration, but also in creating smart, effective estate plans for the next generation.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and need legal guidance, contact Lavargna Law today. We’re here to help you move forward with professionalism, compassion, and experience.