Helping Families Navigate Probate in Bradenton and the Gulf Coast of Florida
If you have recently lost a loved one and need help handling bank accounts, investment accounts, or other assets, we provide experienced probate guidance for families throughout Manatee, Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast Counties.
When Someone Passes Away, the Legal Process Can Feel Overwhelming
Families are often surprised to learn that banks and financial institutions cannot release funds without court authority. Probate provides the legal framework that allows a Personal Representative to access accounts, resolve outstanding matters, and distribute assets properly.
You May Need Probate If…
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A bank or brokerage account is frozen.
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Computershare or another institution is requesting "Letters of Administration"
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Assets were left outside of a Trust
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There is a Will but financial institutions will not release funds
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You discovered an unclaimed property account
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Family members disagree on who should get what and there is no Will
Formal Administration
Formal Administration is Florida’s standard probate process, typically required when an estate exceeds $75,000 in non-exempt assets or the person passed away within the last two years. This court-supervised process appoints a Personal Representative to handle creditor claims, manage assets, and distribute property according to Florida law. A Florida probate attorney can help guide families through each step and avoid costly delays.
Summary Administration
Summary Administration is a simplified Florida probate process available when the estate is valued at $75,000 or less (excluding exempt assets) or the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. This option allows assets to be distributed more quickly without ongoing court supervision. Many families choose this route to save time and reduce probate costs when eligible.
Role of the Personal Representative
The Personal Representative is the individual appointed by the Florida probate court to manage and settle the estate. Their responsibilities include identifying assets, paying valid debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries in accordance with Florida law. Because of the legal and financial responsibilities involved, many Personal Representatives work closely with a Florida probate attorney to ensure everything is handled properly.
Why Families Trust Worley Elder Law
✔ Focused experience in probate and estate administration
✔ Clear guidance for Personal Representatives
✔ Flat-fee probate options for predictable costs
✔ Local experience with Manatee and Sarasota probate courts
✔ We understand this process not just professionally, but personally—having
helped our own families navigate loss and the legal steps that follow
Florida Probate FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Losing a loved one is never easy, and no legal process can take away that grief. What we can do is help make the probate process as clear, smooth, and manageable as possible—so you can focus on what matters most: your family and honoring your loved one’s life.
We offer complimentary consultations to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
Proudly serving clients throughout Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.
This website has been designed by Worley Elder Law, PLLC for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice. Information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us, however, contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.