Practice areas
Probate & Estate Administration in Vero Beach, Florida
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate: gathering the assets, paying valid debts, and distributing what remains to the right people. Florida has specific procedures and deadlines, and an attorney is generally required for formal administration.
I've guided families through Florida probate for over twenty years, here in Indian River County and in counties across the state. I handle the filings, notices, and court deadlines and keep you informed at each step, so the process stays as straightforward as possible.
Charles H. Sanford, Esq.
What we handle
Probate administration
Formal and summary administration in Florida courts, handled start to finish.
Estate settlement
Collecting assets, resolving debts and creditor claims, and distributing property to beneficiaries.
Personal representative guidance
If you've been named personal representative, I'll walk you through every duty the role carries.
Estate disputes
Will contests and disagreements among heirs, handled calmly and with an eye toward resolution.
Common questions
How long does probate take in Florida?
A straightforward formal administration commonly runs several months to a year; smaller estates may qualify for summary administration, which is faster. The honest answer depends on the estate, but I can give you a real estimate once I see the particulars.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
No. Property held in a trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with named beneficiaries generally pass outside probate. What's left in the decedent's sole name is usually what the court process covers. Once I see the details of the estate, I can tell you what's actually required.
I live out of state and my parent passed away in Vero Beach. Can you handle it?
Yes. Much of probate is paperwork and court filings I can manage locally while keeping you informed by phone and mail. Out-of-town families are a large part of my practice; this is a community people retire to.
What does the personal representative actually have to do?
Identify and protect estate property, notify creditors and beneficiaries, file what the court requires, pay valid debts, and distribute what remains. Florida generally requires the personal representative to have an attorney in formal administration, and that's the role I fill.
Related practice areas
Questions about probate? Your first consultation is free.
Tell us what's going on, and we'll give you an honest assessment of your situation and what it would cost. There's no obligation, and nothing to prepare.