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Probate Lawyers in Lakeland Florida. We Provide experienced Probate Legal Services in Polk County, Central Florida and the entire State of Florida.

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November 13, 2024

During probate, is being a Personal Representative a Second Job

Many of our clients are surprised by just how much of the probate process occurs outside the courtroom. A good portion of our clients have never had any experience with probate or any sort of legal proceeding at all, and...

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November 7, 2024

Dealing With Multiple or Simultaneous Deaths in probate

Sometimes when it comes to inherited property, such as a family home, many generations will live in the same house for decades. As long as the mortgage is paid and the property taxes are taken care of, there is no danger...

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October 24, 2024

Marriage, Death, and the Spousal Elective Share in Probate

The phrase "til Death do you part" is not just an expression of the lifelong commitment of a wedding vow. In fact, it is an accurate approximation of the legal boundaries of a marriage. A marriage, very much like a business...

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October 16, 2024

What if there is no will to probate, who gets what?

End-of-life planning can be a scary thing. People, by nature, do not readily wish to confront the idea of their own death, but estate-planning is the only way to explicitly lay out exactly how a person wishes to...

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August 16, 2024

Dealing With Non-Monetary Assets In Probate

Recently, there has been a lot of speculation about the so-called "Great Wealth Transfer" that is estimated to take place over the next 10-20 years as members of the Baby Boomer Generation age and eventually die leaving...

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August 12, 2024

What to do as Personal Representative during probate

We often hear concerns from prospective clients about the probate process with the frequent refrain of "I've never had any experience with this before." It's important to understand that unlike other kinds of legal proce...

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August 2, 2024

Real Estate Sales, Mortgages, and Probates

The real estate market is both a cornerstone and a barometer of the larger American economy: it is the largest and most common form of accumulating and measuring personal wealth. Owning Real Estate is also a major compon...

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July 25th, 2024

A different perspective on why probate takes so long.

"One of the most common questions we hear from new or prospective clients is "How long will the probate process take?" The answer is that there is no simple way to answer that. The wheels of justice turn slowly, and the...

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July 22, 2024

Estate Planning and Real Estate: attempting to avoid probate

Estate planning and probate share a common goal and work in tandem to achieve the best possible results when dealing with the financial and property affairs of...

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July 3, 2024

Ancillary Probate Proceedings: What is It and When Needed?

When it comes to probate proceedings, the question is not where a person died, but rather where they lived that determines which court has jurisdiction for...

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July 1, 2024

Non-Exempt Property and Creditors in Probate

One of the most critical and exhausting aspects of dealing with any probate matter is the handling of creditors' claims. When someone passes away with...

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June 18, 2024

Is it beneficial to appoint a Personal Representative in Probate

When we are approached by a prospective client seeking our probate services one of the first things we ask them is "what is the value of the estate" This is not a...

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June 7, 2024

Probate of Estates of Non-Florida Residents

The National Association of Home Builders estimates there were 1.04 million properties in the State of Florida serving as "second homes" or "vacation homes" as of 2020, an amount that comprises over 1/10th of all second...

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April 6, 2024

Can an Estate be Settled Without Probate in Florida

The passing of a loved one can be an emotional and complex period for families and heirs. In the state of Florida, the process of settling an estate often involves probate, a legal process that validates a will, or in th...

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March 26, 2024

Florida Probate: The Importance of Proving Wills

Navigating the aftermath of a loved one's passing is challenging, particularly when it comes to legal and financial affairs. In Florida, understanding the probate process is crucial, especially when it concerns...

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February 26, 2024

Is a car a probate asset in Florida?

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is challenging, and navigating the legal intricacies of what happens to their possessions, particularly vehicles, adds an extra layer of complexity. In Florida, the process of transfe...

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February 18, 2024

Florida probate and family law

Understanding the intricate relationship between family law and probate is crucial, as these two areas of law often intersect and impact each other significantly. This comprehensive article aims to explore how family law...

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February 16, 2024

Florida probate limits

Introduction The realm of probate law often presents misconceptions, one of which is the nature of the probate process itself. Contrary to common belief, probate is not an adversarial legal process but primarily an admin...

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February 9, 2024

Who pays probate attorney fees

Who Bears the Cost of Will Probate? Often, individuals are curious about who shoulders the financial responsibility for probating a will. This question arises frequently, especially when dealing with the probate of a par...

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February 5, 2024

Florida probate: Summary vs Formal

Introduction Navigating the complexities of probate in Florida involves understanding the two primary types of administration: formal and summary. This article aims to explore these processes, dissecting their nuances an...

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February 3, 2024

Florida probate without administration

Florida's probate framework offers distinct paths for estate management post-death, one of which is Disposition Without Administration. This method diverges from Formal and Summary Administration, typical...

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January 29, 2024

Determining Exempt Property During Florida Probate

The Florida probate process can be an arduous task, but it's crucial to ensure that a deceased individual's assets are correctly and legally dispersed. One often overlooked, yet integral aspect of this procedure is deter...

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January 29, 2024

Florida Probate Rules - Part III

RULE 5.406. PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE EXEMPT PROPERTY Rule 5.406 involves the identification and determination of exempt property, which is not subject to creditor claims. This rule protects certain assets for the benefit...

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January 28, 2024

Probate who can apply

In Florida, the determination of who is given preference and priority to serve as a personal representative in probate proceedings is primarily guided by Section 733.301 of the Florida Statutes. In the probate of an inte...

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January 18, 2024

Are Florida probate records public?

Dealing with the affairs of a deceased loved one is a solemn duty, yet it's shrouded in legal intricacies. For the estate executors and beneficiaries in the picturesque lands of Florida, the task at hand is further compl...

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January 16, 2024

What are Florida probate fees

Introduction When managing a loved one’s estate in Florida, understanding probate costs, particularly attorney fees, is crucial. This article aims to provide clarity on these expenses, focusing on the formal administrati...

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January 7, 2024

Florida Probate Rules - Part II

RULE 5.341. ESTATE INFORMATION Rule 5.341 requires that certain information about the estate be provided to interested parties. This includes data on the estate's assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. Transparency and ...

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January 5, 2024

What is ancillary probate in Florida

INTRODUCTION Ancillary administration in Florida is a specific probate process applied to nonresidents who own assets within the state at the time of their death. This process ensures that such assets, whether real estat...

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January 5, 2024

How long is probate in Florida

Introduction Probate in Florida is a process that can vary in duration depending on several factors. This comprehensive article aims to elucidate how long probate can take in Florida, highlighting the differences between...

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January 4, 2024

What triggers probate in Florida

Introduction The probate process in Florida is initiated following the death of an individual and involves a series of critical steps to trigger the process. This guide aims to delve into the specifics of what triggers t...

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January 4, 2024

Where to file probate in Florida

Navigating Probate Filing in Florida: A Comprehensive County-by-County Analysis. Introduction Probate in Florida involves a series of legal steps to manage and distribute a deceased person's est...

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January 3, 2024

How to go through probate in Florida

Introduction The probate process in Florida is an essential legal procedure following someone's death, involving the distribution of their estate under court supervision. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the pr...

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January 3, 2024

Can you do probate yourself in Florida

Introduction: Probating a loved one's estate in Florida without legal assistance can be a complex undertaking, requiring a thorough understanding of the state's probate laws. This detailed guide will delve into the specifi...

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January 2, 2024

How to avoid Florida Probate

Introduction Probate, the process for settling an estate in Florida, can often be cumbersome and costly. Many Floridians seek ways to avoid this process to ease the transfer of their legacy. This detailed guide offers in...

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January 2, 2024

Florida Probate No Will

Introduction Navigating the probate process in Florida can be a challenging task, especially when deciphering the differences between estates with a will (testate) and those without (intestate). This comprehensive guide...

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January 1, 2024

Florida probate forms and petition for administration

Steering through the intricacies of probate in Florida can resemble a complex maritime voyage. One of the most critical anchors in this process is the Florida probate petition for administration and its associated forms...

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January 1, 2024

Florida Probate Will

Introduction Understanding the probate process in Florida is crucial for anyone handling a deceased person's estate. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing clear answers to common questions and offering insi...

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August 16, 2023

How to Release Bank Funds of the Decedent During Probate

Introduction: Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, and dealing with financial matters only adds to the complexity. As you navigate the probate process in Florida, one of the crucial tasks is releasing fu...

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July 25, 2023

The Changing Landscape of Florida Probate: A More Technical Era

The landscape of probate law in Florida has undergone significant changes over the last five years, transforming from a primarily complex process to a technical and legally intricate one. This has made the probate proces...

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July 18, 2023

Understanding Florida Probate Compensation for Attorney & PR

Navigating the Florida probate process can be intricate due to the range of laws and regulations that dictate proceedings. Three crucial statutes you should familiarize yourself with are 733.707(1)(a), 733.106(3), and 73...

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July 11, 2023

Defining the "Best Interest of the Estate" in Florida Probate

In Florida, as with many jurisdictions, the process of probate can often be a complex and lengthy process. A critical consideration during this process is what's considered to be in the "best interest of the estate." But...

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July 8, 2023

The Hunt for Missing Heirs in a Florida Probate

The probate process in Florida, like in other states, can be complex and challenging, especially when beneficiaries or heirs are missing or cannot be found. This often adds another layer of difficulty to the already intr...

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July 5, 2023

Resolving Disputes Among Beneficiaries During the Florida Probate

The probate process in Florida can be complex and emotionally challenging, especially when disputes arise among beneficiaries. These conflicts can significantly prolong the probate proceedings and strain relationships am...

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July 3, 2023

Understanding the Appointment of the Personal Representative

Florida's Probate Statute 733.301 addresses an integral part of the probate process: the appointment of the personal representative, a crucial figure who undertakes the responsibility of administering the decedent's esta...

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June 30, 2023

Florida Estate for Sale

Florida probate law is laden with intricate statutes that guide personal representatives in administering a decedent's estate. One such law, Florida Statute 733.613, specifically deals with the personal representative's...

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June 27, 2023

Unpacking Florida Probate Statute 733.707: Priority of Payment

The probate process in Florida, as with many states, is a structured legal operation that ensures the proper handling and distribution of an estate after someone passes away. At the heart of the Florida probate laws is S...

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June 26, 2023

In Florida When is probate required

In Florida, as mentioned in these posts before, the legal process known as probate often follows after a decedent passes away with assets in their name. This process ensures that the decedent's debts are settled and thei...

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June 25, 2023

How to Avoid Common Mistakes as a Personal Representative

Serving as a Personal Representative in the Florida probate process is a significant responsibility that comes with numerous challenges. Navigating the complexities of estate administration while fulfilling your duties r...

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June 25, 2023

What is Florida Probate

Probate is a taxing and difficult process, not to mention an emotional experience, and dealing with the legalities of probate can add additional stress. Understanding probate laws is essential for navigating the process...

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June 25, 2023

Probate in Florida: What Happens to Your Car?

The probate process has many twists and turns. And, the ensuing legalities of such a process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure about how different assets, like a car, are handled. This blog post aims t...

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June 23, 2023

A Closer Look: What Assets Avoid Probate in Florida?

When a loved one passes away, their estate generally undergoes probate, a court-supervised process that oversees the collection and distribution of their assets. However, not all assets are required to go through probate...

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June 23, 2023

Most Probates Qualify for a Flat Fee

Navigating through the maze of Florida probate can often be a daunting task. It's a time-consuming and complex process that requires a lot of paperwork, court appearances, and legal expertise. Thankfully, you don't have ...

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June 23, 2023

What Areas of Law Overlap with the Probate of an Estate

The probate process in Florida is not just a matter of legal formality; it's a gateway to an intricate labyrinth of legal intricacies and overlaps. The estate of a deceased individual, under probate, may find itself enta...

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June 23, 2023

Why a Probate Attorney Should Help Sell the Estate Real Property

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with the legal aspects of probate can be overwhelming. One crucial aspect of probate is the handling of any real property owned by the deceased person. E...

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June 22, 2023

Florida Probate Rules -Part I

RULE 5.200. PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION Rule 5.200 in Florida's probate process involves filing a Petition for Administration. This crucial step initiates the probate process, requiring the submission of the decedent’s w...

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If you have questions about Probate issues, don’t wait—make sure your legal rights are protected. Call 863.250.2990 today to schedule your Free Consultation with our Probate attorneys.


Matthew T. Morrison

Attorney, Matthew T. Morrison

A graduate of Jones Law, he is our team lead for the probate department and case management. He is the one to establish the plan in court.


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Carlos E. Carrillo

Attorney, Carlos E. Carrillo

A graduate of St Thomas Law, Carlos is head of client management and client relations. He is the master of what happens out of court.


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Carlos E. Carrillo

Attorney, Carlos E. Carrillo

A graduate of St Thomas Law, Carlos is head of client management and client relations. He is the master of what happens out of court.


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  • "Excellent experience. Provided needed legal documents for a medical emergency. Exceptional support and efficiency in communication made the process stress free. My compliments to Mathew Morrison and his staff. Highly recommend."
    — Brandy Wingate
  • "Shelee M. was very helpful with my situation. She was able to look at my property deed on line and took my problem to the attorneys immediately. She was kind and helped resolve my situation and expeditiously. I would highly recommend this firm and will use them again myself."
    — Paulette Copley
  • "This firm was very helpful in my probate case. They were excellent and willing to help no matter what. They were able to resolve my case fast. I was impress with their work. I give them a 10 out of 10. Thank you again from the Mangual family."
    — Elmo Mangual
  • "I was very happy with the compassion and caring about the loss of my brother. The professional handling of the legal issues was the very best that I could have asked for. Thank you."
    - Stephen Brown
  • "Omgoodness!! Had an emergent issue, spoke with Shelee, not only did she take the time to listen and understand our problem, she obtained the solution!! If you EVER have a need for a probate attorney, MTM law firm is amazing!!"
    - Paula Halterman

Probate Lawyers serving Polk County Florida, including: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Babson Park, Bowling Green, Bradely Junction, Brewster, Combee Settlement, Crooked Lake Park, Crystal Lake, Cypress Gardens, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Fussels Corner, Gibsonia, Green Pond, Haines City, Highland Park, Highlands City, Hillcrest Heights, Jan Phyl Village, Inwood, Kathleen, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Lakeland Highlands, Mulberry, Polk City, Willow Oak, Wahneta, Waverley, Hillsborough County Florida, including: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Citrus Park, Temple Terrace, Apollo Beach, Balm, Bealsville, Bloomingdale, Cheval, Dover, Egypt Lake-Leto, Fort Lonesome, Gibsonton, Greater Carrollwood, Greater Sun Center, Gulf City, Hopewell, Keysville, Lake Magdalene, Lithia, Lutz, Mango, Orient Park, Palm River-Clair Mel, Pebble Creek, Progress Village, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Sun City, Thonotosassa, Town 'N Country, Turkey Creek, Valrico, Westchase, Wimauma, Ybor City, Orange County Florida, including: Orlando, Maitland, Apopka, Winter Park, Alafaya, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Bithlo, Christmas, Doctor Phillips, Eatonville, Edgewood, Fairway Shores, Goldenrod, Gotha, Hunter's Creek, Lake Buena Vista, Lockhart, Meadow Woods, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlovista, Pine Castle, Pine Hills, Southchase, South Apopka, Taft, Tangerine, Union Park, Wedgefield, Williamsburg, Windermere, Winter Garden, Zellwood, Central Florida and throughout the State of Florida.


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