Probate Attorney in West Palm Beach

Compassionate Guidance Through Florida Probate

If you have recently lost a loved one and are being told that you need to open probate, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and worried about what happens next. Florida probate can feel technical and impersonal, especially if you are trying to manage everything in West Palm Beach while you are still grieving.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we assist personal representatives, beneficiaries, heirs, trustees, and other family members in understanding and navigating Florida probate and estate administration. We focus our work on probate, trust, and estate disputes and administration throughout the state, including matters that go through the probate division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Palm Beach County.

Our firm has represented thousands of clients in estate-related matters since 2002. Call (954) 764-7273, we offer a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before you make any big decisions. 

Why Families Turn to Our Firm

When probate or estate administration becomes your responsibility, you are often stepping into a legal system you have never dealt with before. You need a team that works every day in Florida probate and trust law and that understands both routine administration and serious disputes involving wills, trusts, and fiduciary conduct.

Since 2002, our attorneys have represented more than 5,000 clients in probate, trust, and estate disputes across Florida. That depth of experience means we have seen a wide range of family situations, asset structures, and conflicts, from modest estates with one bank account to complex estates involving multiple properties and trusts. We draw on that history to anticipate problems early and to help you avoid common traps.

Our work in estate and trust litigation has resulted in over $230 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. These results are not a promise of what will happen in any particular case, because every matter is different, but they do show that we know how to pursue fair outcomes when the stakes are high, and rights need to be protected.

Our founding attorney has earned an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and a 10 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been recognized among Florida’s Legal Elite and honored by publications such as Forbes Florida and American Lawyer. These outside recognitions reflect how the legal community views our work, and they give many clients added confidence when they are choosing a probate lawyer in a difficult moment.

Clients also tell us they value how we treat them. We listen carefully, explain options in everyday language, and work to resolve matters through negotiation when that is realistic. When negotiation is not enough, we are prepared to litigate in courts across Florida to protect our clients’ interests. Whether you are a personal representative trying to do things correctly or a beneficiary who feels sidelined, we work to provide clarity, integrity, and strong advocacy.

How Probate Works in Florida

Understanding the basic probate framework can make this process feel less intimidating. In Florida, probate is the court-supervised process used to identify a decedent’s assets, pay valid creditors, and transfer remaining property to beneficiaries or heirs. Many estates that involve real property or significant financial accounts require some form of probate, even when there is a will.

Most estates in this region that require formal administration are handled through the probate division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Palm Beach County. That court typically appoints a personal representative, sometimes called an executor, to gather and manage the assets, deal with creditors, and ultimately distribute what remains according to the will or, if there is no will, according to Florida law.

Florida has more than one type of probate procedure, including summary administration for certain smaller or older estates and formal administration for most other matters. Which path is available in a particular case depends on factors like the total value of probate assets, the age of the debts, and how assets were titled. Part of our role as probate lawyers is to review the facts and recommend an appropriate approach.

Beneficiaries and heirs have rights during this process. They are generally entitled to notice of important filings, the opportunity to object in certain situations, and an accounting that shows how estate assets were handled. If there are concerns about how a personal representative is managing the estate, or about the validity of a will or trust, those concerns can often be raised in the probate proceeding itself.

Our attorneys handle uncontested estate administrations, where everyone is working cooperatively, as well as contested matters involving will challenges, trust disputes, and fiduciary duty claims. By combining knowledge of Florida probate statutes with practical experience in Palm Beach County proceedings, we work to move cases forward efficiently while protecting the interests of the people we represent.

Common Estate Administration Problems

Even when a family starts probate with the best intentions, issues can arise that slow everything down or create real financial risk. Personal representatives may not realize how strict their duties are under Florida law, and beneficiaries may not know what to do if they suspect something is going wrong.

We frequently see disputes around the meaning of will provisions, the validity of last-minute changes, or whether a decedent actually had the capacity to sign a document. Allegations of undue influence sometimes surface when one person received a much larger share than others, particularly if that person was heavily involved in the decedent’s daily life or finances toward the end.

There can also be questions about how estate assets are managed. Personal representatives are expected to safeguard property, keep careful records, and avoid using estate funds for their own benefit. When someone believes those duties have been breached, it can lead to petitions for removal, demands for accountings, and claims for surcharge. Our background in estate and trust litigation, as well as law enforcement experience within our team, can be helpful in cases involving suspected exploitation of the elderly, financial fraud, or hidden transfers.

Sometimes, tension is less about bad intent and more about a lack of communication. Beneficiaries may feel left in the dark about timelines, sales of property, or the handling of personal items. In those cases, having a clear legal framework and a neutral explanation of duties can reduce conflict and help families move forward.

Signs that an estate administration may need legal attention include:

• Long periods with no information about the status of the case
• Unexplained sales or transfers of estate property
• Pressure on an elderly or ill person to change a will or trust
• Personal use of estate funds by a fiduciary
• Refusal to provide reasonable financial information to beneficiaries

Whether you are serving as a personal representative or are concerned as a beneficiary, an estate administration attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations, assess the seriousness of any issues, and plan a path forward. Our goal is always to address problems early, before they grow into larger disputes, and to protect our clients if litigation becomes necessary.

What To Do After a Loved One Dies

It is common to feel that you are expected to fix everything immediately after a death. In reality, most probate steps do not need to happen overnight. Taking a little time to understand the process and getting guidance from a probate attorney can prevent missteps and reduce stress.

In the first days and weeks, your main focus is often on funeral arrangements and supporting other family members. Legal tasks come into play gradually. It can be helpful to locate important documents, such as any wills, trust papers, life insurance policies, and account statements, and to make a simple list of known assets and debts. You should also secure real property and valuables so that nothing is lost or removed without agreement.

Before you begin paying significant debts from your own funds or from estate assets, it is wise to talk with a lawyer who handles Florida probate. Some obligations are handled inside the probate case, and paying certain bills too early can create problems later. If you have been named as personal representative in a will, or expect to be appointed, we can walk you through what that role involves before you formally accept it.

Practical steps many families find helpful include:

• Gathering any wills, trust documents, and prior estate planning papers
• Securing the home, mail, and personal property of the person who died
• Making a simple list of bank accounts, real estate, and other assets
• Avoiding large distributions or transfers until you understand the rules
• Scheduling a free consultation with our firm to review the situation

During our initial meeting, we typically review available documents, discuss which type of probate may apply, and explain what the court will generally expect in Palm Beach County. We also answer questions about timing, potential disputes, and your responsibilities. Our aim is that you leave that conversation with a clearer picture of your options and the confidence that you do not have to handle this alone.

Working With Our Probate Attorneys

Choosing the right legal team can make a real difference in how manageable probate feels. When you work with us, you can expect direct communication with attorneys who practice in Florida probate courts regularly, including those that serve the West Palm Beach area and the rest of Palm Beach County.

We represent personal representatives, beneficiaries, trustees, and other interested parties, so we understand the pressures and concerns on all sides. If you are appointed to administer an estate, we help you prepare filings, respond to creditor claims, and understand your fiduciary duties. If you are a beneficiary, we help you evaluate whether the process is on track or whether you may need to take action to protect your interests.

Our attorneys explain each step in plain language and keep you informed about developments, so you are not guessing about what is happening in your case. We work to resolve issues through careful planning and negotiation when possible, which can save time, cost, and conflict. When a matter is contested or when a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to present your position in court.

In many probate and estate administration matters, fees are paid from estate assets, subject to court oversight, although the exact structure depends on the situation and on our agreement with you. We always start with a free consultation, so you can ask questions about fees, timelines, and next steps without any upfront financial commitment.

If you are looking for an estate administration lawyer West Palm Beach families can rely on for both straightforward guidance and strong advocacy when needed, our team is ready to speak with you. We serve clients whose cases are filed in Palm Beach County, as well as clients who live out of state but have Florida estates to administer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need probate if there is a will?

In Florida, many estates require probate even when there is a valid will. The will guides who receive property, but the court process is often still needed to appoint a personal representative, handle creditors, and transfer assets. We can review your situation and explain which procedure may apply.

How long does probate usually take in Palm Beach County?

The length of probate depends on factors such as the type of administration, the number of assets, and whether there are disputes. Some estates can be completed in several months, while complex or contested cases may take longer. We work to keep your matter moving and to address delays proactively.

How are probate attorney fees paid in Florida?

In many Florida probate cases, attorney fees are paid from estate assets, subject to court oversight and reasonableness standards. The specific arrangement in your case will depend on the estate and our engagement agreement. We explain fee options clearly during your free consultation so you know what to expect.

I am a beneficiary, should I have my own lawyer?

Many beneficiaries feel more comfortable having their own lawyer, especially if they have concerns about transparency, delays, or unfair treatment. We represent beneficiaries and heirs in reviewing accountings, raising objections when appropriate, and negotiating resolutions. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and make informed decisions.

What if I suspect a will or transfer is not valid?

If you suspect undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper transfers, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly. Time limits often apply to challenges in probate. Our team handles will contests and fiduciary disputes and can evaluate the information you have, then outline potential options for action.

Resolve West Palm Beach Probate Matters With Qualified Legal Guidance

Navigating the Florida probate process can be overwhelming during a period of grief. Delays or missteps in administering an estate in West Palm Beach can lead to unnecessary court costs, creditor disputes, and prolonged stress for your family. 

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential probate evaluation.