Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate an unfamiliar legal process at the same time. At Farshchian Law, our probate attorneys guide personal representatives and beneficiaries through every stage of the Florida probate process, from filing the initial petition to distributing assets to heirs, so families in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and the surrounding communities can focus on what matters most.
We serve clients throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, North Palm Beach, and the surrounding communities of northern Palm Beach County, as well as non-Florida residents and international property owners with assets in the area.
Probate in Palm Beach County
Probate proceedings for estates in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and the surrounding areas of northern Palm Beach County are filed with the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Our attorneys are familiar with the court’s local procedures and filing requirements, and we work to move each estate through the process as efficiently as possible.
North Palm Beach County is home to a significant concentration of vacation homes, golf course communities, and waterfront properties, many owned by residents of other states or countries who spend only part of the year in Florida. This means a meaningful share of the estates handled in this area involve non-Florida residents, seasonal residents, and beneficiaries who live elsewhere. Our attorneys regularly assist personal representatives and heirs in navigating these situations.
Farshchian Law is fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, and we regularly represent clients from Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East who hold property in this part of Florida as part of their estate.
Types of Probate Administration in Florida
Formal Administration
Formal administration is required when the value of the estate’s non-exempt assets exceeds $150,000, or when the deceased passed away within the last two years. This process involves appointing a personal representative, notifying creditors, managing estate assets, resolving debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Formal administration in Florida typically takes six months to a year to complete.
Summary Administration
When the total value of the estate’s non-exempt assets is $150,000 or less, or when the decedent passed away more than two years ago, summary administration offers a faster and simpler alternative. Homestead property is not counted toward the $150,000 threshold, meaning a Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens home can be worth considerably more and the estate may still qualify. Summary administration does not require appointment of a personal representative and is often resolved in six to eight weeks.
Ancillary Administration for Non-Florida Residents
If a person who lived outside of Florida owned real estate or other property in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, or the surrounding area, ancillary administration may be required to transfer that property to the beneficiaries. This is common in North Palm Beach County given the number of seasonal and out-of-state owners in the area. Ancillary administration can proceed as either a formal or summary process depending on the circumstances.
Common North Palm Beach County Estate Situations We Handle
Given the character of the local real estate market, the estates we handle in this area often involve:
- Golf course community and waterfront properties that form the primary asset of the estate
- Seasonal and vacation homes owned by out-of-state families
- Estates with foreign national heirs or beneficiaries living outside the United States
- Properties with complex title histories that require examination before transfer
- Snowbird estates where the decedent spent part of the year in Florida and part elsewhere
- Estates involving both Florida and out-of-state probate proceedings simultaneously
How We Help Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Families and Estates
When you retain Farshchian Law to handle a probate matter in this area, our attorneys take on the full legal burden of the process. Our services include:
- Evaluating the estate to determine which form of probate applies
- Advising the personal representative on their legal duties and responsibilities
- Preparing and filing all required court petitions and documents with the Palm Beach County Probate Court
- Drafting the estate inventory, creditor notices, and distribution orders
- Resolving creditor claims and managing estate debts
- Handling the sale or transfer of local real estate during or after probate
- Facilitating deed transfers and clearing title to real property
- Attending all required court hearings on behalf of the estate
- Distributing assets to heirs in accordance with the will or Florida intestacy law
Avoiding Probate for Florida Property
Many property owners in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens plan ahead so that their assets pass to loved ones without the cost and delay of probate. Common estate planning tools used under Florida law include:
- Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds), which allow a property owner to retain full control during their lifetime while ensuring automatic transfer to a named beneficiary upon death
- Revocable living trusts, which hold property outside the probate estate
- Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and tenancy by the entirety for married couples
- Beneficiary designations on financial accounts and life insurance policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a probate attorney in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens, FL?
Formal administration in Florida requires representation by a licensed Florida attorney. While summary administration does not carry the same requirement, working with an experienced attorney helps ensure the process moves correctly and efficiently, avoiding delays and added costs from filing errors.
How long does probate take in Palm Beach County?
Summary administration can often be completed in six to eight weeks. Formal administration typically takes six months to a year, depending on the size of the estate, the number of creditors, and whether disputes arise among beneficiaries.
Serving Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and North Palm Beach County
Farshchian Law serves clients throughout northern Palm Beach County, including Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, North Palm Beach, and Juno Beach, as well as clients in other states and countries who have estate matters involving Florida property.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you need a probate attorney in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens, FL, contact Farshchian Law today. We offer free consultations and will walk you through the process from the first call.
Miami Office: 305-901-5628
Naples Office: 239-935-8599
Tampa Office: 813-367-0129
Toll-Free: 855-513-5880
Email: Info@JFRealEstateLaw.com