Probate Law : Understanding the Process and Your Role

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating the legal system. Yet in Florida, the distribution of a person’s assets after death often requires probate—a court-supervised process that ensures debts are paid and property is transferred to heirs.

According to EstateExec, it takes an average of 16 months—or about 570 hours of work—to settle an estate in the U.S. This timeframe highlights how complex and time-consuming probate can be for surviving family members and personal representatives.

At Peter J. Snyder, P.A., we help families in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Deerfield Beach understand the probate process and move through it with clarity and confidence.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal procedure through which a deceased person’s estate is administered. The process involves:

• Validating the will (if one exists)
• Appointing a personal representative (sometimes called an executor)
• Identifying and valuing the estate’s assets
• Notifying creditors and paying valid debts
• Filing necessary court documents
• Distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries

Without proper guidance, probate can feel overwhelming—especially during a time of grief.

The Role of the Personal Representative

In Florida, the probate court appoints a personal representative to oversee the estate. If you’ve been nominated in a will, this role comes with significant legal responsibilities, including:

• Safeguarding and inventorying the deceased’s property
• Managing ongoing financial matters such as mortgages, taxes, or insurance
• Addressing creditor claims and paying legitimate debts
• Filing accountings and reports with the court
• Distributing assets according to the will—or state law if no will exists

A personal representative is held to a fiduciary standard, meaning they must act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

Common Challenges in Florida Probate

Even straightforward estates may encounter obstacles such as:

• Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
• Creditors filing late or contested claims
• Unclear or outdated wills
• Property located in multiple states
• Difficulty locating assets or financial accounts

Having an attorney guide you through these challenges can reduce delays and help ensure that the estate is properly administered.

How an Attorney Can Help

Working with a probate attorney provides several benefits:

• Education and Guidance: Understanding your role and responsibilities as a personal representative.
• Court Compliance: Ensuring all filings and notices meet Florida’s legal requirements.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing disputes before they escalate into costly litigation.
• Efficiency: Streamlining tasks to reduce time and expense in the probate process.

Attorney Peter J. Snyder offers clear explanations and steady guidance at every step, helping families navigate probate while preserving relationships and reducing unnecessary stress.

Probate vs. Avoiding Probate

While probate is sometimes unavoidable, certain estate planning tools—such as living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership—can reduce the need for court involvement. This is why estate planning and probate often go hand-in-hand.

If you’re beginning the probate process or want to minimize its impact on your family in the future, consulting with a lawyer is a crucial step.

Serving Boca Raton and Surrounding Communities

Attorney Peter J. Snyder has been helping families in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Deerfield Beach for decades. Whether you are facing probate now or planning ahead for the future, he provides reliable legal counsel to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Call Today for Guidance Through Probate

If you’ve been named as a personal representative or need support with probate in Florida, you don’t have to go through the process alone.

📞 Call 561-220-7765 to schedule a consultation with Peter J. Snyder, P.A. and learn how probate works—and how to move forward with peace of mind.