Experienced Florida Attorney Handles Probate and Estate Administration for Clients

Reliable lawyer assists executors and administrators in the Lakeland area

To maximize the value of an estate in probate or another administration process, representatives may find it helpful to contact a reputable estate planning attorney. At James A. Barrios, Esq., I advise clients serving as executors or administrators on how to comply with all aspects of estate administration accurately and completely. If you've been appointed to serve in either position, you can benefit from sound legal guidance so you are not held personally liable for losses in the value of estate assets due to errors or misconduct. I guide individuals in the Lakeland area and throughout Florida through probate and estate administration with confidence and efficiency.

Thorough advocate advises clients during every step of probate

Probate can refer to the court process of validating a will so an executor can implement the decedent’s wishes or to the oversight the court provides for an estate administrator who settles an intestate estate — one in which the decedent left no will.

Most executors are not familiar with the relevant laws, and some are even surprised to learn the decedent’s will named them as the responsible party. To complete the process of settling an estate, I may help executors with the following tasks:

• Getting court approval as executor/estate administrator and posting bond
• Filing the will with the appropriate probate court
• Locating beneficiaries
• Finding and assembling assets
• Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
• Hiring valuation, genealogy or other experts, when appropriate
• Paying creditors and claimants
• Collecting amounts owed to the estate
• Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
• Distributing property to beneficiaries

Estate representatives can easily make mistakes due to inexperience, stress and hasty decisions. At James A. Barrios, Esq., I provide clients with reliable, detailed guidance.

Even in seemingly straightforward probate and estate administration matters, disputes among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and the executor can arise. When these conflicts surface, you can rely on my counsel and professionalism in negotiations or in court.

Knowledgeable attorney helps clients become executors and administrators

Distributing a decedent's property cannot take place without an executor or administrator managing and overseeing the process. When a person does not leave behind a will or establish another means of wealth transfer, the most willing and capable relative usually seeks court approval to act as the personal representative of the estate. I can help qualified individuals obtain the status of estate executor or administrator. At James A. Barrios, Esq., my goal is for you to settle your loved one’s estate as efficiently, quickly and easily as possible.

Contact a reliable Florida probate and estate administration lawyer

Probate and estate administration issues can feel overwhelming for people unfamiliar with estate law. James A. Barrios, Esq. helps people throughout Florida to ease the burden. To schedule a consultation, call my Lakeland office at 863-409-1637 or contact me online.