Steady guidance after a loss.
Guidance for personal representatives and families through Florida probate, from opening the estate to final distribution.
Probate Administration with Curtis LeBlanc
When someone dies owning property in their own name, a Florida court usually has to oversee transferring it. Probate confirms the will, appoints a personal representative, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes what remains to the right people.
Curtis guides personal representatives and families through each step in the Palm Beach County courts, keeps deadlines on track, and explains what is happening along the way, so you can focus on your family.
How Curtis can help.
Every matter is different. These are the situations clients most often bring to him.
Formal administration
Opening the estate, appointing the personal representative, inventory, creditor claims and final distribution.
Summary administration
A shorter process available for smaller estates and when the decedent died more than two years ago.
Small estates without administration
Some very small estates can be resolved without a full probate case.
Creditor claims
Publishing notice to creditors, reviewing claims and objecting to those that should not be paid.
Ancillary administration
Florida property owned by someone who lived in another state.
Estate & beneficiary questions
Help for heirs and beneficiaries who need to understand their rights and the timeline.
What to expect.
Clear steps, explained up front.
Review
Curtis reviews the will, the assets and who the heirs are, and recommends the right type of administration.
Open the estate
Petitions are filed and the personal representative receives Letters of Administration from the court.
Settle & close
Creditors are noticed, debts paid, assets collected and distributed, and the estate is closed.
Probate Administration questions, answered.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
No. Assets with a named beneficiary (life insurance, many retirement accounts), jointly owned property with survivorship rights and property held in a funded trust usually pass outside probate. Probate is needed for property titled in the decedent's name alone.
Does a personal representative need a lawyer in Florida?
In most cases, yes. The Florida Probate Rules generally require a personal representative to be represented by a Florida attorney, unless the personal representative is the only person interested in the estate.
How long does probate take?
A straightforward formal administration often takes several months, partly because creditors have three months from first publication of the notice to creditors to file claims. Disputes, real estate sales and tax issues can add time.
What is summary administration?
A faster process available when the estate (not counting exempt property such as protected homestead) is worth $75,000 or less, or when the person died more than two years ago.
These answers are general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation. Laws change; call to discuss your specific facts.
Talk to Curtis about probate administration.
Start with a free 20-minute consultation.