Trust • Experience • Results
Sarasota Probate Attorneys
Helping Sarasota County Families Navigate the Probate Process. The loss of a family member is a difficult time.
Trust • Experience • Results
Why You Need a Sarasota Probate Attorney
For families in Sarasota, settling an estate means working with the Sarasota County court system. Our experienced probate attorneys at the Barnes Walker office on Ringling Boulevard are here to provide clear guidance and compassionate representation to navigate this process efficiently.
Our highly recommended Sarasota probate attorneys will help you navigate through this time with care and expertise to help you through this process.
The primary purpose of probate is to ensure that your loved one's final debts and taxes are paid and that their remaining assets are legally transferred to the correct heirs, either according to their will or, if no will exists, according to Florida law.
While very simple estates may not require legal counsel, a probate attorney is essential in most cases. We ensure all complex legal documents are filed correctly and on time, protect the executor from personal liability, and help prevent costly mistakes or family disputes that can arise during this stressful time.
Our team will help you determine the necessary steps, whether it's a formal administration through the Sarasota County Clerk of Court or a simpler summary administration.
Trust • Experience • Results
Comprehensive Probate Services
From our law office in Sarasota, we provide a complete range of probate and estate administration services to clients throughout Sarasota County, including:
- Filing the petition with the court to open the probate case.
- Legally notifying all heirs, beneficiaries, and potential creditors.
- Identifying, inventorying, and appraising all estate assets.
- Managing the estate's finances, including paying final bills and taxes.
- Responding to and resolving creditor claims against the estate.
- Coordinating the sale of estate property, such as real estate.
- Preparing and filing all necessary court documents and accountings.
- Distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries.
- Filing the final petitions to formally close the estate.
Trust • Experience • Results
Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Clients
Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key are popular destinations for out-of-state residents who own second homes.
If your loved one was not a Florida resident but owned a condo or other property here, Florida law requires a separate 'ancillary probate.'
Our attorneys are highly skilled in managing ancillary probate for out-of-state executors with assets in Sarasota County.
Trust • Experience • Results
Sarasota Location
Sarasota Office: 1776 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota Probate FAQ's
Probate matters for Sarasota County residents are handled by the Sarasota County Clerk of Court. The main historic courthouse is located at 2000 Main Street, with the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center located at 2002 Ringling Blvd. Our office is conveniently located nearby, and our attorneys are at these courthouses regularly on behalf of our clients.
A typical formal administration takes a minimum of 3 to 6 months, but complex estates can take a year or more. Summary administration is faster when the estate qualifies. We can assess your timeline during a consultation.
Legal fees can be structured in a few ways: as a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the estate's value, as permitted by Florida law. We are transparent about our fees and will discuss the best option for your situation during our consultation.
If a person passes away without a valid will (known as dying "intestate"), Florida law provides a clear "line of succession" to determine who inherits the assets. We guide families through this process to ensure the law is followed correctly.
Meet Our Sarasota Probate Attorneys
While our entire firm's expertise is at your disposal, your primary contacts at our Sarasota office will be Jeff Goethe and John Shea.
They have deep roots in the Sarasota community and a strong working relationship with the 12th Judicial Circuit court system.
Speak with an AttorneyTrust • Experience • Results
Highly Recommended
We're One of the Highest Rated in Probate
Contact Our Sarasota Office
You don't have to navigate this complex legal process alone while you are grieving.
The first step is a simple, confidential consultation to understand your situation and your options. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Call (941) 741-8224Inquire below for a Confidential Consultation.
Form integration coming soon.
Helpful Information
- Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: What Florida Residents Need to Know
- A Personal Representative's Guide: 5 Key Duties in Florida Probate
- What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Florida? Understanding Intestate Succession
- What Happens When Siblings Disagree Over an Inheritance
- Inheritance Disputes & Probate Litigation in Florida