Assisting Clients With Formal Probate Proceedings in Pasco & Hernando Counties

Picture of a gavel with the scales of justice, a sealed will, and a laptop in the background.Residents of Pasco and Hernando Counties can turn to The Lyons Law Group, P.A., for help with formal probate. Since our founding in 2008, our firm has handled countless estate planning and administration matters, and our estate administration attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to effectively represent clients in probate proceedings.

When Is Formal Probate Used?

In Florida, there are two types of probate proceedings: formal probate and summary probate. The more common of the two—formal probate (sometimes referred to as formal administration)—will generally be used when both of the following requirements are met:

  • The decedent’s estate (not including exempt assets) is at least $75,000.
  • The decedent has been dead for less than two years.

If either of the above requirements isn’t met—for example, if the decedent’s estate is less than $75,000, or if he or she has been dead for more than two years—then a simplified alternative known as summary probate may be used (with some exceptions).

What Happens During Formal Probate Proceedings?

In a formal probate proceeding, the court will appoint a personal representative (also known as an executor) to administer the decedent’s estate. Some of the personal representative’s many duties include:

  • Identifying, collecting, valuing, and protecting the decedent’s assets
  • Notifying the estate’s creditors of their right to make claims
  • Objecting to and defending against any improper claims
  • Paying valid claims, statutory amounts for the surviving spouse and family, taxes, and the expenses of administering the estate
  • Distributing remaining assets among the estate’s beneficiaries

While summary probate proceedings can typically be completed in just one or two months, formal probate will usually take at least six months.

Request a Free Consultation

If you’d like to review your options with one of our firm’s estate administration lawyers, contact The Lyons Law Group, P.A., today. We’ll gladly schedule an initial consultation at whichever of our two locations is most convenient for you—we have offices in New Port Richey and Spring Hill—so that we can tell you more about the differences between formal probate and summary probate and help determine which is appropriate for your case.

Our Simple, 3-Step Process

Offering Complimentary Consultations to Area Residents

Whether you’re facing a foreclosure, interested in planning your estate, or involved in a real estate dispute, the relief you need is just a phone call away.

  • 1

    Step 1

    Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation—we have locations in New Port Richey and Spring Hill for our clients’ convenience.

  • 2

    Step 2

    One of our knowledgeable real estate lawyers will sit down with you, discuss the facts of your case, and review any relevant documents.

  • 3

    Step 3

    If you decide to move forward with representation, we’ll take the steps necessary to help you achieve the relief you desire.

Check Out Our Client Reviews

" Lyons Law Group has restored my faith in attorneys. This office is kind and professional and truly has the best interests of their client at heart. They have helped me through some difficult times showing grace and compassion. If you are seeking an ethical attorney, look no further than this office and Andrew Lyons! "
" Mr. Lyons was very compassionate and truly cared for our family and situation. He took the time to listen to our circumstances and answered all of our questions, no matter how many I had. His staff conducted themselves in a very professional manner and I would have no issues referring my family and friends to his firm. Thank you Andy! "

A Premier Real Estate Law Firm

We’re proud to uphold the goals of the legal profession by performing exceptional work and providing second-to-none service.