Florida Probate And Trust Litigation Attorneys

Guiding You Through Contested Estates With Clarity

When a loved one dies, grief is hard enough. If questions about a will, a trust, or the handling of an estate arise on top of that, it can feel overwhelming. As Florida probate and trust litigation attorneys, we help families navigate these conflicts with clarity, strategy, and steady guidance.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we represent personal representatives, beneficiaries, heirs, and trustees in high-stakes probate and trust disputes. Our goal is to protect your rights, work to see that your loved one’s wishes are respected, and help you make informed decisions instead of reacting in the heat of family conflict.

Call today for a free case evaluation at (954) 764-7273. Prefer to write? Send a message through our contact form, and we will respond promptly.

Who We Help And What Is At Stake

If you are reading this, there is usually a specific concern that brought you here. You might be an executor who is being questioned by family members, a beneficiary who cannot get clear answers from a personal representative, or a disinherited heir who believes something changed late in life that does not feel right. In each of these situations, probate rules set real deadlines and procedures that can strongly affect your options.

We work with people in many different roles. Some clients are serving as personal representatives and want to do things properly while also protecting themselves from claims. Others are beneficiaries or heirs who suspect undue influence, lack of capacity, or exploitation when a will or trust was created or changed. Trustees come to us when they are facing accusations about their management of trust assets or when they believe a beneficiary is overreaching. In every case, the decisions you make early in the process can shape the entire outcome.

The stakes in these disputes go far beyond money. A will challenge or fiduciary claim can determine whether a family home is sold, whether a family business survives, and whether a lifetime of savings is distributed according to genuine wishes or last-minute pressure. There can also be consequences for a fiduciary’s personal liability if duties are not carried out properly. We have guided more than 5,000 clients through estate-related conflicts, and we know how important it is to balance legal strategy with the emotional weight of family history.

Why Families Choose Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A.

When you choose a firm to handle a contested estate, you are trusting that team with your family story, financial future, and often your last opportunity to correct something that feels unfair. Families across the state turn to Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. because we bring a combination of experience, meaningful results, and personal attention to probate and trust litigation.

Since 2002, our attorneys have focused our practice on probate, trust, and estate disputes throughout Florida. Over those years, we have represented more than 5,000 clients and have secured over $230 million in verdicts and settlements in estate-related cases. These numbers show the scale and seriousness of matters we handle, and they reflect our commitment to pursuing fair outcomes. Every case is different, and no past result predicts a future one, but this history can reassure you that we are not new to high-stakes litigation.

Our team brings together varied backgrounds that are especially useful in complex estate cases. Some of our attorneys have experience in estate planning and uncontested probates, which helps us understand how documents should be drafted and administered. Others have law enforcement and litigation backgrounds, which is valuable when evaluating potential elder exploitation, suspicious transfers, or possible breaches of fiduciary duty. This mix allows us to look at your situation from several angles at once and identify issues that might be easy to overlook.

Our founding partner, Adrian P. Thomas, holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and a 10 Superb rating from Avvo. He has been included among Florida’s Legal Elite and has been recognized by Forbes Florida and American Lawyer, among other publications. These independent ratings focus on legal ability and professional standards, and they help confirm for prospective clients that our firm is held in high regard within the legal community.

Just as important as credentials is how we treat the people we serve. We understand that probate and trust litigation can deepen family divisions if not handled carefully. We take time to listen to your concerns, explain options in plain language, and outline realistic paths forward. We work to resolve disputes through negotiated solutions when possible, and we also prepare for contested hearings and trials when litigation is necessary to protect your interests.

Key Florida Probate And Trust Disputes

Many people come to us with a strong feeling that something is wrong, but without knowing exactly how the law describes their situation. Understanding the main types of Florida probate and trust disputes can help you see how your concerns may fit into the legal framework and where our attorneys can help.

One common category is will contests. These cases often involve claims that the person who signed the will did not have the required mental capacity, or that someone exerted undue influence when the will was created or changed. Other contests may allege that the document was not executed properly under our state’s requirements, or that there was fraud or forgery. Florida law sets specific timelines for challenging a will after it is admitted to probate, so recognizing these issues early can make a real difference.

Fiduciary disputes are another major area. Personal representatives of estates and trustees of trusts owe duties of loyalty, prudence, and impartiality to the people they serve. When they fail to provide accountings, use estate or trust assets for personal benefit, delay unreasonably, or favor some beneficiaries over others without legal grounds, those actions can lead to claims for breach of fiduciary duty. In some cases, courts may remove a fiduciary or require them to repay losses if a breach is proven.

Trust litigation can involve many of the same themes as probate disputes, but with different procedural rules. Beneficiaries may question how a trust is being interpreted or administered, especially when it comes to discretionary distributions, investment decisions, or amendments made late in life. There may be disagreements about whether a trust amendment is valid or whether a trustee is following the language of the instrument. Because trusts often operate outside of the public probate process, these disputes can be less visible to family members until a problem becomes serious.

We also see cases where alleged financial exploitation of an elderly person before death later leads to probate or trust litigation. This might involve large transfers to a caregiver, abrupt changes in beneficiary designations, or joint accounts that divert funds away from an estate. Our attorneys draw on both estate planning knowledge and investigative skills when evaluating these patterns and advising clients on possible claims or defenses.

What To Do If You Suspect A Problem

Once you suspect that something is wrong with a will, a trust, or the way an estate is being administered, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Acting too quickly without guidance can inflame tensions, but waiting too long can allow deadlines to pass or assets to be moved. We encourage people to gather information calmly and seek legal advice as early as reasonably possible.

Some initial steps are often helpful. Collect any estate planning documents you have, such as prior wills, trusts, or powers of attorney, along with recent account statements and significant correspondence. Keep emails, letters, and text messages that relate to the estate or any pressure placed on the person who passed away. If you are a fiduciary, keep organized records of everything you do on behalf of the estate or trust, including receipts and communications with beneficiaries.

Florida probate and trust law includes specific time limits for objecting to personal representative appointments, challenging wills, or contesting certain trust actions once formal notices are given. Courts typically enforce these deadlines strictly. That is one reason we suggest speaking with counsel promptly if you receive formal papers that you do not understand or if you feel uneasy about how things are proceeding.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation without worrying about upfront cost. During this meeting, we listen to your account, review any documents you can provide, and explain the legal context in clear terms. We outline potential options, which may range from monitoring a fiduciary more closely to sending information requests to filing a contest or claim in the appropriate court.

We also talk with you about the practical and emotional implications of each path. Some clients want to move forward quickly to protect their rights, while others are concerned about preserving relationships where possible. Our job is to give you a clear understanding of what is involved so you can decide how you wish to proceed.

How Our Florida Litigation Team Works With You

Contested probate and trust matters can span months or, in more complex situations, longer. Having a clear sense of how your legal team operates can make that time less stressful. Our attorneys approach each case with careful evaluation at the outset, followed by a strategy that is adjusted as new information comes to light.

When you engage our firm, we start by gathering and reviewing relevant documents, including estate planning instruments, court filings, account records, and communications that may bear on intent or misconduct. We discuss with you the family dynamics and history that often influence how a dispute may unfold. From there, we work with you to identify the goals that matter most, whether they involve protecting a core inheritance, clearing your name as a fiduciary, or addressing concerns about a vulnerable relative.

Our attorneys handle matters in probate and civil courts throughout the state, with deep experience in South Florida probate divisions in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Familiarity with how judges in these venues typically manage calendars, hearings, and evidentiary issues helps us plan the pacing and presentation of your case. At the same time, our statewide reach allows us to coordinate effectively if an estate involves property or proceedings in more than one county.

We strive to resolve disputes through targeted negotiation and, when appropriate, mediation. Many families prefer to reach a confidential resolution that avoids a public trial. When that is possible on terms that are fair, we help our clients weigh those options. When necessary, we prepare for contested hearings and trials, present evidence, and advocate in court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer questions, and explain the implications of each development so that you do not feel left in the dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contest a will in Florida?

You should speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect a problem, because Florida law sets short deadlines after certain notices. The exact timing depends on when the will is admitted to probate and when you receive formal documents. A consultation allows us to review your situation and identify specific time limits.

How long does Florida probate litigation usually take?

Contested probate cases can last from several months to longer, depending on issues, court schedules, and how many parties are involved. Some disputes are resolved through negotiation relatively early, while others proceed to hearings or trial. We discuss likely timelines after reviewing the complexity of your matter.

How do your fees work for probate disputes?

We discuss fees openly during your free initial consultation. Depending on the type of case and your role, fee structures may include hourly arrangements or other models permitted by Florida law. Our goal is to align the approach with the circumstances of your dispute and to avoid surprises about cost.

Can you help if I live outside Florida?

Yes, we regularly represent clients who live in other states but are involved in Florida estates or trusts. We handle filings in the appropriate Florida courts and coordinate communication by phone, email, and video when needed. This allows you to pursue your rights here without constant travel.

How will your team handle family conflict?

We recognize that family relationships are often as important as legal outcomes. Our attorneys work to reduce unnecessary conflict, use clear communication, and consider mediation or negotiated solutions when appropriate. At the same time, we are prepared to litigate firmly if needed to protect your interests.

Talk With Our Team About Your Probate Or Trust Dispute

If you are facing questions about a will, a trust, or the handling of an estate, you do not have to sort it out alone. A conversation with our Florida probate and trust litigation attorneys can help you understand your options, your deadlines, and practical next steps tailored to your situation.

To schedule your free consultation with Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., call (954) 764-7273.