Following a funeral at Chapel Hill Cemetery or Beulah Cemetery, family members are often faced with the reality of settling a loved one’s estate. The probate court process can be difficult to navigate. Deadlines, required filings, and legal notices must all be handled correctly. A Winter Garden, FL, probate lawyer can guide you through each step, helping you access the funds needed to cover funeral costs and manage other important expenses.
Navigating the probate process without legal support can be challenging for anyone who has never been through that process before. The estate planning attorneys at the Law Office of Cameron H.P. White, P.A., can provide practical, step-by-step help to simplify the probate process and reduce the risk of costly delays.
Setting our law firm apart is our dedication to providing clear and effective legal guidance that ensures you comply with the requirements set out by the probate courts. We never rush the process and can take time to answer your questions in full so you stay informed throughout the process and know that we are handling every detail of your case with care.
Probate proceedings can be complex and emotionally taxing, especially when families are unprepared. In Orange County, there were 3,096 probate filings during the 2022–2023 fiscal year, highlighting the prevalence of these cases. Despite this, only 24% of Americans had a will in 2025, according to a recent poll.
This lack of preparedness often leads to prolonged court processes and potential disputes among heirs. In Winter Garden, where the median home sold price is $575,297, substantial assets can require careful legal handling. Orange County’s senior population stands at 183,681, accounting for 12.75% of the total population, suggesting a growing need for probate services.
The probate process can easily take several months to well over a year to complete if the estate lacks proper planning. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your family avoid serious delays when settling your estate. One tool you can use is called a revocable living trust, which allows assets to bypass probate entirely.
You can also designate beneficiaries for your life insurance or retirement plans so that you can instantly take over those accounts upon your death. Keeping documents updated and organized can also reduce confusion and potential disputes after your passing.
Keeping your documents updated and organized will also reduce confusion and potential disputes. A clearly written will, if structured properly, can help streamline the process. In growing communities like Winter Garden, where property values are rising, formal probate is often required, but careful planning can reduce the time and cost your family spends in court.
Probate involves more than filing forms. The structured legal process comes with strict deadlines, formal notices, and court oversight. Any mistakes you make during probate can lead to costly delays, disputes among beneficiaries, or even personal liability for the person administering the estate.
Legal representation during this important period ensures that you complete each step correctly, whether you are notifying creditors or distributing assets. A probate attorney can also help resolve unclear wills, settle disagreements between heirs, and ensure that all court-required documents are submitted properly.
In a place like Winter Garden, where many families own valuable real estate, probate often includes complex filings that require professional attention. Working with a lawyer takes the guesswork out of the process and helps prevent unnecessary stress.
A: The cost of hiring a probate lawyer in Florida depends on how involved the estate is. Smaller, uncontested estates usually cost less than those with disputes or complex assets. Some lawyers charge hourly, while others follow state guidelines for percentage-based fees. It’s advisable to ask for an itemized breakdown to know exactly what services are included before agreeing to representation.
A: Florida probate rules are detailed and unforgiving. While hiring a lawyer isn’t mandatory for every case, most courts expect legal representation, especially in formal proceedings. Errors in filing or notice can delay distribution or trigger court action. If you’re managing anything beyond the simplest estate, working with counsel helps keep the process on track and legally compliant.
A: A probate lawyer works on estate matters after someone passes away, guiding executors or beneficiaries through the court-supervised process. An estate lawyer helps clients create wills, trusts, and plans while they’re still alive. The roles often overlap, but one focuses on planning ahead, and the other steps in when it’s time to carry out someone’s final instructions.
A: In Florida, a person generally has 90 days to contest a will after receiving a Notice of Administration. If formal notice isn’t given, that window may be extended. Challenges are usually based on fraud, duress, or lack of capacity. Once probate is finalized, it’s far harder to make changes, so any concerns must be raised as early as possible.
Probate involves more than filing paperwork. If you have been named to manage someone’s estate, you will be responsible for following legal procedures, handling notices, and making sure assets are distributed properly. This process can be unfamiliar and time-consuming, especially during a period of loss.
The Law Office of Cameron H.P. White, P.A., is here to answer your questions, explain what comes next, and help you stay on track with each required step. Whether the estate is simple or more involved, we will help you carry out your role with confidence. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can support you through the Florida probate process with clarity and care.
