Probate and Trust Administration
The loss of a loved one is stressful and demanding in many ways. Being tasked with handling probate or trust administration can be overwhelming due to the requirements and complexities of the process. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced probate and estate administration law firm can lessen your burden while protecting the financial interests of the beneficiaries and heirs.
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we can help you meet the legal requirements, distribute the assets, and avoid disputes, which can become costly and lengthy litigation. We frequently counsel and represent successor trustees, personal representatives, beneficiaries, and heirs, and are prepared to deal with any complication.
Probate Administration
Wills must go through a court proceeding known as probate to be given legal effect after a person’s death. Probate is also required for someone who dies without a will. Probate does not, however, have to be complicated, lengthy, or expensive if handled by an experienced probate attorney.
Most formal probate proceedings handled by our office take around six months from start to finish and cost in the range of $2500-$3500, plus costs. Some cost less, and others cost more. Summary administration probate proceedings usually take about two weeks. Each probate proceeding is unique based on particular circumstances, and the cost and time involved will vary. Our office will quickly evaluate your probate case and advise you on the procedure and cost.
Contact C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., for Assistance in all Probate Matters
Our experienced legal team can provide you with competent, efficient, and reasonably priced representation in all areas of probate administration, including:
- Formal administration
- Summary administration
- Distribution without administration
- Ancillary administration
- Beneficiary or heir representation
- Probate disputes
Trust Administration
One advantage of having a trust is that the estate does not require a probate proceeding. The estate is administered by the “successor trustee” according to the trust’s terms and the
requirements under Florida law. Settling an estate in a trust can happen quickly or be ongoing for years, as the successor trustee is tasked with managing the estate as written. For example, a trust may be established for a decedent’s children that will be disbursed once they reach a certain age. Or, a trust may be created for the care of a disabled adult, which may require the trustee to have ongoing obligations.
Most successor trustees need legal counsel to settle an estate properly. C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., can guide a successor trustee to administer a trust fairly to prevent conflicts. With our experienced counsel, a successor trustee can avoid time-consuming disputes and costly litigation.
Efficient Ways to Serve You Better
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we have developed and utilized computer software programs to quickly and accurately produce the court papers and pleadings involved in settling an estate. This increased efficiency allows us to expedite the process and reduce costs. As a result, our charges for probate and trust administration services are reasonable compared to other attorneys in the Central Florida area.
We invite you to contact C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., at (407) 656-1576 to speak to a knowledgeable, experienced probate and trust administration lawyer. We have the focused skill set to help you settle an estate effectively and efficiently. Our office location is Winter Garden, Florida, and we represent clients throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
