Sarasota, FL Probate Lawyer Serving Sarasota County, Florida

Probate Attorneys Serving Sarasota and Sarasota County, Florida. We Provide experienced Probate Legal for all of West Central Florida and the entire State of Florida.

Call 863.250.2990 today to schedule a Free Consultation with our skilled Probate attorneys.

Over 50 Years of Probate Experience

The loss of a loved one brings with it many emotional and logistical challenges, including the legal process of probate. In Sarasota and throughout Sarasota County, all probate matters are handled by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. This circuit, which also serves Manatee and DeSoto counties, has its own unique procedural rules that require local legal expertise to navigate effectively.

At MTM PROBATE, we provide compassionate and professional legal guidance to families in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and surrounding communities. We are committed to making the probate administration process as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you to focus on your family. Whether you are a local resident or an out-of-state personal representative, we are here to assist.

Our Comprehensive Probate and Estate Services for Sarasota and Sarasota County, Florida

We offer a full range of legal services to address all your probate needs, from straightforward administrations to complex legal disputes. Our services include:

• Formal Administration: This is the standard probate process for estates valued at more than $75,000 or when litigation is involved. We handle every step, from the appointment of a personal representative to the final distribution of assets, ensuring full compliance with Florida law.
• Summary Administration: A more expedited and cost-effective option for smaller estates or those where the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. We help you determine if this streamlined process is right for your situation.
• Ancillary Administration: Required when a non-Florida resident dies owning real estate or other property in Sarasota County. Our firm assists out-of-state families in fulfilling all Florida legal requirements to properly transfer title.
• Estate Litigation: We represent clients in disputes that can arise during probate, such as challenges to a will, claims of undue influence, or improper administration by a personal representative.
• Real Estate Litigation: We handle legal conflicts concerning real property owned by the estate, including title disputes and conflicts over the sale of a property. A key consideration in Sarasota is the court's requirement that orders for the sale of real property specify that proceeds be held in the attorney's trust account until the claims period expires.
• Trust Litigation: Our attorneys are experienced in resolving legal challenges related to the validity or administration of a trust.
• Will Contest: We provide robust legal advocacy for clients involved in disputes over the validity of a will, based on grounds such as a lack of mental capacity or improper execution.
• Intestate Succession: When a loved one dies without a will, Florida's laws of intestacy dictate how their assets are distributed. We guide heirs through this process to ensure a lawful and proper distribution of the estate.

What Makes Probate in Sarasota County Unique?

While Florida's probate law is uniform statewide, the practical administration of an estate in the 12th Judicial Circuit has its own specific characteristics. Our familiarity with the local court's procedures is a significant advantage.

Key aspects of the probate process in Sarasota County include:

• Virtual and In-Person Hearings: The 12th Judicial Circuit has a mix of in-person and Zoom-based hearings. For instance, most non-evidentiary hearings and evidentiary hearings of 60 minutes or less are conducted via Zoom, while certain sensitive matters like guardianship hearings may be in person. Our attorneys are well-versed in the court's technological and procedural requirements for both types of proceedings.
• Emphasis on Local Rules and Checklists: The court provides detailed checklists for specific probate filings, such as a petition for Summary Administration. Following these checklists precisely is essential to avoid rejections and delays. Our firm is meticulous in ensuring all filings are complete and accurate from the start.
• Strict Order Submission Protocol: The court has a specific protocol for submitting proposed orders, which must be in Word format and cannot be submitted until all necessary supporting documentation has been docketed by the Clerk. Knowing and adhering to these rules is vital for a swift probate process.

Additional Estate and Elder Law Services We Provide in Sarasota and Sarasota County, Florida

Proactive estate planning can often prevent the need for probate and litigation altogether. We offer a full suite of services to help you plan for the future and provide for your loved ones, giving you peace of mind.

Our additional legal services include:

• Estate Planning: We work with you to create a comprehensive plan that protects your assets and ensures your wishes are carried out.
• Last Will and Testament: The cornerstone of any estate plan, a will provides clear instructions for the distribution of your property.
• Living Will and Advance Healthcare Directive: These documents ensure your medical wishes are honored if you become incapacitated.
• Power of Attorney: This legal instrument grants a trusted person the authority to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf.
• Conservatorships and Guardianships: We assist with the legal process of appointing a guardian to manage the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated adult.
• Trust Creation: We can help you establish various types of trusts to protect assets, avoid probate, and provide for your beneficiaries.

If you are dealing with a probate matter or need assistance with estate planning in Sarasota or Sarasota County, contact MTM PROBATE today. We are here to provide the expert legal guidance and compassionate support you deserve.

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.

If you are wondering where to find a Probate Lawyer near me in Sarasota, FL and throughout the State of Florida, The MTM Law Firm PLLC is the Law Firm to call. We have a combined 50 years experience in Probate legal matters.