Probate Attorney in Pembroke Pines, FL
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they pass away, validating their will, paying debts, and distributing assets to heirs.
At Carol L. Grant, P.A., we help families throughout Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Cooper City, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and surrounding areas in South Florida handle every aspect of probate with clarity and compassion. Whether you're serving as a personal representative, contesting a will, or simply trying to understand what happens next, we're here to make the process less stressful. Our firm focuses exclusively on helping families protect what matters most, offering personalized guidance through probate administration, litigation, trust matters, and everything in between.
Common Probate Services We Offer
Formal Probate Administration
Formal probate administration is Florida’s full, court-supervised process for settling an estate when there are significant assets, disputes, or unclear estate documents. It requires appointing a personal representative, filing detailed inventories, providing notices to creditors, and following strict timelines set by Florida’s probate code. We guide personal representatives through each step: opening the estate, managing creditor claims, coordinating asset valuations, and ensuring distributions are handled properly. If your loved one’s estate doesn’t qualify for Summary Administration, we help make the formal probate process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Estate Administration
When someone dies with a will in Florida, their estate typically goes through probate. This means filing paperwork with the court, identifying assets, notifying creditors, and distributing property according to the will. As personal representative (also called an executor), you have serious legal responsibilities, and mistakes can lead to personal liability. We guide you through each step, from filing the petition to closing the estate. Whether your case involves real property, complex family dynamics, or disputes among heirs, we handle the court filings, deadlines, and legal requirements so you can focus on your family during a difficult time.
Trust Administration Services
Many people create trusts to avoid probate, but that doesn't mean there's no work involved after they pass away. If you've been named as a trustee, you're responsible for managing trust assets, filing tax returns, making distributions to beneficiaries, and keeping accurate records. Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries, and they can be held personally liable for mistakes. We help trustees understand their obligations, communicate with beneficiaries, resolve disputes, and ensure the trust is administered according to its terms. Whether the trust holds real estate, investments, or business interests, we provide the legal support you need to fulfill your role with confidence.
Ancillary Probate
Ancillary probate is required when someone passes away owning real estate or other titled property outside their home state. It’s an extra legal step layered on top of the primary probate case, and it often surprises families who aren’t expecting it. We help streamline this process by preparing the necessary filings, coordinating with the out-of-state court, and guiding the personal representative so the property can be legally transferred or sold without delays. If your loved one owned property in multiple states, we can help make the cross-state probate process much easier to navigate.
Creditor Claims Management
After someone dies, creditors have a limited window to file claims against the estate. As personal representative, you must publish notice to creditors, review claims for validity, and either pay or object to them. Not all claims are legitimate, some may be expired, improperly filed, or inflated. We help you evaluate each claim, negotiate when appropriate, and file objections in court when necessary. Properly handling creditor claims protects the estate and ensures that heirs receive their rightful inheritance. In Pembroke Pines and throughout Broward County, we've seen cases where improper creditor management delayed estate closure by months or even years.
Real Estate Matters and Homestead Issues
Florida homestead laws can complicate probate, especially when the deceased owned a primary residence. Homestead property may be protected from creditors and can't always be freely devised by will. If minor children are involved, there are additional restrictions on how the home can be transferred or sold. We handle all real estate issues in probate, whether that means transferring title to heirs, selling property to pay debts, or resolving disputes over who has the right to live in the home. Homestead questions often arise in Pembroke Pines estates, where family homes represent significant value and emotional attachment.
Personal Representative / Executor Guidance
Serving as a personal representative in Florida comes with serious legal duties, strict timelines, and detailed reporting requirements. Many people accept the role without realizing how much the probate court expects from them. We help you navigate each step, opening the estate, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, managing assets, filing inventories and accountings, and ensuring every action complies with Florida probate law. Our goal is to make your responsibilities clear, prevent costly mistakes, and keep the estate moving smoothly from start to finish.
Probate Problems?
Get These 10 Common Probate Questions
Probate can be complex as well as time-consuming depending on the nature of the assets, amount or extent of debts and the relationships among beneficiaries. Get this list of 10 common questions today
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Serving Pembroke Pines and Surrounding South Florida Communities
Our office is located in Pembroke Pines, and we proudly serve families throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties. We understand the needs of South Florida residents and the unique concerns that come with planning for the future in our community.
Whether you're dealing with probate administration, trust matters, or estate litigation, you don't have to figure it out alone. We're here to provide the legal guidance and personal support your family needs.
Get Help with Probate Matters
If you're facing probate in Pembroke Pines or anywhere in South Florida, Carol L. Grant, P.A. is ready to help. We offer personalized service, clear communication, and decades of experience helping families through difficult transitions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your probate needs.