Four Corners Probate Attorney
Handling a loved one’s estate in Florida can feel confusing and heavy, especially when you are still processing the loss. You might have been told you must open probate, become the personal representative, or deal with property in more than one county. In this moment, you need clear direction and a steady hand, not legal jargon.
At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we help families connected to the Four Corners area understand what probate requires and how to move forward with confidence. Our team brings more than 40 years of combined legal experience to every estate administration matter, and we work to turn an overwhelming process into a structured plan you can follow.
Whether you are serving as a personal representative for the first time, or you are trying to understand if probate is even necessary, we are ready to walk through your options and outline the steps ahead.
Call (888) 835-5840 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
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Probate Administration
Voices of Victory
4.8 Google rating from 150 of our clients
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“No law firm can work miracles, but the next best thing is having Angela on your team.”
“Angela Alcime was a Godsend who helped us navigate some muddy waters and resolve some tough issues. She really knows what she's doing. More than that, she actually cares.”- David L. -
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“Efficient, effective, and such a pleasure to deal with!”
“Angela was exceptional in assisting my family. Within a 5-minute conversation, she knew exactly how to assist my family and worked within our time constraints.”- Norma V. -
“Dug deep and pulled a win for me and my family!”
“If you want a upfront, straight forward, professional go-getter, Justin and his team are all that and more!”- Nathan P. -
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“He is a straight shooter and doesn't sugar coat, which was also very appreciated. I recommend Justin 100% and would definitely use him again if the need arises.”- Shannon Z. -
“Mr. Rickman is a excellent lawyer and will work with you to ensure the goal towards the best outcome.”
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What is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to settle a deceased person’s estate. When someone passes away, their assets cannot simply be "handed over" to heirs if those assets are titled solely in the decedent's name. The probate process serves several essential functions:
- Validating the Will: The court confirms that the Last Will and Testament is authentic and legally binding.
- Appointing a Personal Representative: The court authorizes an individual (often called an executor) to manage the estate’s affairs.
- Settling Debts: Creditors are given a legal window to file claims against the estate.
- Distributing Assets: After debts and taxes are paid, the remaining property is distributed to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs.
Without probate, titles to real estate in Four Corners cannot be transferred, and bank accounts held solely by the deceased may remain frozen.
Florida Probate Laws
Florida has a specific and rigorous set of statutes governing how estates are handled. As of 2026, several key aspects of Florida probate law remain vital for residents of Four Corners to understand:
Types of Probate Administration
Florida offers two primary forms of probate:
- Formal Administration: This is the standard form of probate used for estates with over $75,000 in non-exempt assets or when a personal representative must be appointed to handle complex affairs.
- Summary Administration: An expedited "shortcut" for estates valued at less than $75,000 (excluding the primary home) or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
The Florida Homestead Act
Florida provides unique protections for a "homestead" (primary residence). While the home is often exempt from the claims of most creditors, it still requires a specific court order during probate to officially transfer the title to heirs while maintaining its protected status.
Personal Representative Qualifications
Under Florida law, a personal representative must be a Florida resident OR a close relative (spouse, sibling, child, etc.). Additionally, Florida generally requires a personal representative to be represented by a licensed attorney, as the potential for legal error is high.
The Process of Probate
While every estate is unique, a typical probate case in Four Corners follows these standard steps:
- Filing the Petition: We file a petition for administration with the circuit court in the county where the deceased lived.
- Letters of Administration: The court issues "Letters of Administration," which give the personal representative the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
- Notice to Creditors: We publish a legal notice in a local newspaper and send direct notices to known creditors. In Florida, creditors generally have 90 days from the date of publication to file a claim.
- Inventory and Appraisal: The personal representative must identify, gather, and value all probate assets.
- Payment of Debts and Taxes: Valid creditor claims, final income taxes, and administrative expenses are paid from the estate’s funds.
- Final Distribution and Discharge: Once all obligations are met, the court authorizes the distribution of assets to beneficiaries, and the personal representative is "discharged" from their duties.
How to Avoid Probate
Many clients ask how they can save their families from the time and expense of probate. Effective estate planning is the only way to bypass the court system. Common strategies include:
- Revocable Living Trusts: Assets placed in a trust do not go through probate. They are managed by a successor trustee and can be distributed almost immediately after death.
- Joint Ownership: Property held as "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" or "Tenants by the Entirety" (for married couples) passes automatically to the survivor.
- Pay-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD): Designating beneficiaries on bank accounts and brokerage accounts allows these funds to skip probate.
- Lady Bird Deeds: Also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, this allows a Florida homeowner to maintain control of their property during their life while transferring it automatically to a beneficiary upon death.
Probate FAQs
Here are several frequently asked questions about probate:
How long does probate take in Four Corners?
A Summary Administration can often be completed in several weeks to two months. A Formal Administration typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the assets and the speed of the court.
What happens if there is no Will?
If someone dies without a Will (intestate), Florida’s "intestacy laws" determine who inherits. Generally, assets go to the surviving spouse and children, but the process still requires court supervision to ensure the correct heirs are identified.
Do I have to come to Florida if I live out of state?
In most cases, no. As your Four Corners probate attorney, we can handle the vast majority of filings and hearings electronically. We frequently assist out-of-state executors who are managing the Florida estate of a deceased relative.
How long does Florida probate usually take?
Many Florida probate cases take several months, and some take longer when assets are complex or disputes arise. The court’s schedule, creditor claim periods, and the number of beneficiaries also affect timing. We explain realistic timelines for your situation so you understand what to expect.
What is my responsibility as personal representative?
A personal representative must gather and protect assets, deal with creditors, keep accurate records, and distribute remaining property according to Florida law and any valid will. We guide you through each duty step by step, prepare filings, and help you avoid mistakes that could create personal liability.
Do I need a local attorney if assets span counties?
It is usually helpful to work with a local attorney when an estate involves assets across counties near the Four Corners community. Venue, procedures, and clerk expectations can differ. Our team works with the probate divisions in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties and helps coordinate multi-county issues.
How will your team keep me updated?
We work to return calls and messages promptly and to update you at every meaningful step. Our attorneys and experienced staff coordinate to keep your matter moving and to let you know what has happened, what is coming next, and what decisions you will need to make.
Our Core Values
We always provide our clients with a realistic assessment of their likelihood of success and are driven by three core values:
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True Commitment
At our firm, unwavering dedication defines everything we do. We stand by our clients with integrity, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
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Delivery of Effective Results
We are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to delivering strategic, timely, and results-driven solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
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Bang for Your Buck
We want you to receive maximum value for your legal investment - experienced representation, transparent pricing, and results that matter.
Why Families Trust Our Probate Team
When you are choosing a probate lawyer, you are not just hiring someone to file forms. You are trusting a team to protect your loved one’s legacy, guide you through unfamiliar courts, and help you avoid mistakes that can create delay or conflict. Families in and around Four Corners turn to us because we combine local knowledge with a calm, organized approach.
Our attorneys handle probate and estate administration matters that involve Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Polk County. These counties intersect around the Four Corners community, and each Circuit Court has its own procedures, expectations, and clerk practices. Because we work in these courts regularly, we understand how to prepare filings correctly, anticipate requirements, and help matters move as efficiently as the system allows.
From the beginning of a case, we focus on structure and clarity. We sit down with you, review the will and asset information, and build a practical plan that explains how we expect your matter to unfold. We walk you through realistic best and worst-case scenarios, so you are not surprised by timelines, court hearings, or creditor issues. Clients know what we are doing and why, and they know what decisions will be coming next.
Behind the scenes, our experienced paralegals play a central role in moving your case forward. They help ensure filings are prepared promptly, keep documents organized, and support steady communication. This team model allows us to return calls and messages quickly, even when attorneys are in court, and to provide detailed updates throughout longer administrations.
We are also mindful that every dollar spent on administration reduces what is available for heirs. Our firm is intentionally structured to provide strong representation without inflated prices. We focus on efficiency, avoid unnecessary steps and costs, and work to ensure that the value you receive is clear at every stage.
To talk with our probate attorney team about your situation, call (888) 835-5840.