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Probate & Trust

Carrying the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most during life's most difficult transitions.

The Faulkner Approach

We understand that few things can ease the burden of a loved one lost. Probate is the last thing you want to think about during a time of grief — which is exactly why we make it our mission to carry that legal burden for you. With technical precision and genuine compassion, we guide families through every step of the Florida probate or trust administration process.

"Probate is a process. Grief is not. We handle the process so you can focus on what matters — your family."

Services We Provide

01
Formal Administration

The standard probate process for estates over $75,000 or when the decedent has been deceased less than two years. We manage the full court process — from filing the initial petition to final distribution — keeping you informed at every milestone.

02
Summary Administration

A streamlined process for smaller estates (under $75,000) or deaths occurring more than two years ago. Often resolved in weeks rather than months, with significantly lower cost and court involvement.

03
Ancillary Administration

When a non-Florida resident dies owning Florida property — real estate, bank accounts, or business interests — a separate Florida probate proceeding is required. We handle the Florida ancillary component alongside the primary estate in the home state.

04
Trust Administration

When the deceased had a revocable living trust, probate may be unnecessary — but trust administration still requires careful legal guidance. We ensure trustees meet every obligation and distributions are handled correctly.

05
Personal Representative Counsel

Being named personal representative (executor) carries real legal duties and personal liability. We advise and protect personal representatives throughout the administration process.

What We Handle for You

Petitions, court filings, and all required documentation

Asset identification, location, and valuation

Creditor notification and estate debt resolution

Heir and beneficiary communication and dispute resolution

Real property transfers and homestead determination

Final accounting and distribution to beneficiaries

Why This Matters Strategically

Missed deadlines, improper creditor notices, incorrect valuations, and homestead determination errors can expose the personal representative to personal liability — and the estate to unnecessary costs and delays. Debbie Faulkner's deep expertise in Florida probate law, combined with her network of appraisers, CPAs, and financial advisors, ensures nothing falls through the cracks. What might take years without the right counsel, we resolve with efficiency and care.

★★★★★
"Debbie and her team were awesome in walking us through all the legal documents needed for my elderly mother, including coordinating with a family member out of state. They made the entire process very easy."
Verified Google Review · Probate Client
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Schedule a strategy consultation with Debbie Faulkner and experience what thoughtful, proactive legal counsel truly looks like.