Palm Beach Probate Help, Focused on Summary Administration
When a loved one passes away in Palm Beach County, the size and circumstances of the estate often determine how simple — or complicated — the court process will be. Many Florida families are surprised to learn that a modest estate may qualify for summary administration, a streamlined path under the Florida Probate Code that avoids much of the time and expense of a full court case. This site explains probate through that small-estate lens, so you can understand which road your family may travel.
What Probate Is in Florida
Probate is the court-supervised process of identifying a decedent’s assets, paying valid debts, and transferring what remains to the rightful beneficiaries. In Florida, probate is governed by Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes. Assets that pass by beneficiary designation, joint ownership with survivorship, or a properly funded revocable trust (Chapter 736) generally bypass probate altogether. What is left in the decedent’s sole name is what the court typically administers.
Summary vs. Formal Administration
Florida offers two main probate tracks. Summary administration is available when the value of the probate estate (excluding exempt property such as protected homestead) is $75,000 or less, or when the person has been deceased for more than two years. Formal administration is the fuller process used for larger or more complex estates and involves appointing a personal representative to manage the estate. For many Palm Beach households — a paid-off condo, a bank account, a vehicle — the summary route is the realistic and welcome option.
Why the Small-Estate Angle Matters Here
Palm Beach County sees a wide mix of estates, from waterfront properties to retirement-community apartments. A surprising number of estates are eligible for summary administration once homestead and other exempt assets are set aside. Understanding that distinction early can save your family months of waiting and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Homestead and Florida’s Tax Picture
Florida’s homestead protection under Article X, Section 4 of the state Constitution shelters a primary residence from most creditors and restricts how it can be devised when a spouse or minor child survives. Importantly, Florida imposes no state estate tax and no inheritance tax, which removes a layer of complexity that families in other states face.
Explore the Topics
From this homepage you can read about formal administration, summary administration, ancillary probate for out-of-state property and heirs, the duties of a personal representative, and contested-estate litigation. Each page is written with the small-estate perspective in mind.
This site provides general information about Florida probate, not legal advice for your specific situation. Probate rules turn on precise facts and deadlines. Consult a licensed Florida attorney before acting.
For more on our Florida practice, see our overview of Florida probate administration. Morgan Legal Group's affiliated New York office also handles New York elder law.