Pinellas County Probate Attorney
Losing someone you love is hard - and probate can feel like one more overwhelming burden. De Paz Law provides steady, practical guidance for families and personal representatives across Pinellas County, helping you understand what probate is, when it's required in Florida, and what needs to happen next. If you're in Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay region, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and care.
What Is Probate in Florida?
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person's estate after death. Even when there's a will, Florida probate is often still required to legally transfer assets, resolve debts, and ensure the right people receive what they're entitled to.
Probate may be necessary if your loved one owned:
- Real estate in Florida (including a homestead, condo, or investment property)
- Bank or investment accounts not set up with beneficiaries
- Assets titled solely in their name
- Property that requires a court order to transfer
If you're unsure whether probate is needed, we can review the situation and explain your options quickly.
How Probate Works in Pinellas County
While every estate is different, most Florida probate matters follow a similar path:
- Determine whether probate is required and which type applies
- File the initial documents with the probate court (often in Clearwater for Pinellas County matters)
- Appoint a personal representative (executor) to act on behalf of the estate
- Identify and secure assets, notify beneficiaries and interested parties
- Address creditor notices, valid debts, and required filings
- Distribute assets and close the estate properly
Our job is to handle the details, keep the process organized, and help you avoid costly delays or missteps.
What We Handle for Executors and Personal Representatives
Serving as an executor (personal representative) comes with legal duties - and potential liability if things are handled incorrectly. We help with:
Guiding the appointment of the personal representative
Identifying estate assets and handling transfers
Coordinating real estate and title issues
Addressing creditor claims and required notices
Supporting distributions to heirs and beneficiaries
Closing the estate efficiently and correctly
Common Probate Scenarios We Help With
Probate with a Will
Yes - you may still need probate even if there's a will. We help ensure the will is properly filed and followed, and the estate is administered according to Florida requirements.
Probate without a Will (Intestate Estates)
If someone dies without a will, Florida law determines who inherits. We guide families through the intestate process and help reduce confusion and conflict.
Out-of-State Heirs and Families
If you live outside Florida, we can often manage the process with minimal travel using secure communication and virtual meetings.
Real Estate and Homestead Issues
Pinellas County estates frequently involve homes, condos, and inherited property. We help address deed transfers, homestead-related concerns, and clean title issues.
Creditor and Debt Questions
We guide personal representatives through proper notice requirements, creditor claims, and the correct steps to resolve estate debts.
Can Probate Be Avoided or Shortened?
In some cases, probate can be reduced or avoided - often through proper estate planning, beneficiary designations, and trusts. If you're planning ahead (or trying to simplify what's next for your family), we can help you explore strategies that fit your situation.
Related Probate Services
If you're trying to determine the right probate path, these pages can help:
Why Families Across Pinellas County Choose De Paz Law
Probate is personal - and it requires both precision and compassion. Clients choose De Paz Law because we provide:
- 10+ years of Florida estate and probate experience
- Guidance for thousands of families
- Team-based support (not a one-attorney bottleneck)
- Clear communication and step-by-step direction
- Modern convenience: secure portal, efficient document workflows, virtual meetings
- Deep local familiarity with Pinellas County procedures and common estate issues
We serve clients throughout Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg, Belleair, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Seminole, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, and the broader Tampa Bay area.
FAQs
Do I need a probate attorney in Florida if there's a will?
Often, yes. A will typically must be filed and administered through the probate process to transfer certain assets legally.
How long does probate take in Pinellas County?
It depends on the estate type, complexity, creditor issues, and court timelines. We'll explain what to expect based on your situation and help keep things moving.
What does an executor have to do in Florida probate?
Executors must manage estate assets, follow court rules, notify interested parties, address debts, and distribute property properly. We provide guidance throughout so responsibilities are handled correctly.
Can probate be avoided in Florida?
Sometimes. Trust-based planning and proper beneficiary designations can reduce or avoid probate depending on the assets involved.
What Happens Next
If you're dealing with a recent loss, you don't have to figure probate out alone. We'll review what your loved one owned, whether probate is required, and the most efficient path forward - then handle the filings and guide you step-by-step.