Offering Local Expertise You Can Trust
I work with clients throughout:
- St. Petersburg
- Seminole
- Clearwater
- Largo
- Gulfport
Serving all of Pinellas County and beyond—including out-of-state owners.
Many of my clients are handling properties remotely — I make the process simple no matter where you are.
Address to
Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Why Work With Me?
My focus is on compassion, experience, and handling complex sales situations
Here’s how I can help
✔ Specialized in probate & complex sales
✔ Clear communication (no confusion or guessing)
✔ Step-by-step guidance from start to close
✔ Fast response times (because timing matters)
✔ Strong local market knowledge
How probate works in Pinellas County:
Probate is the court-supervised process of:
- Paying off debts
- Identifying heirs
- Transferring ownership of assets (like real estate)
It usually happens through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Step-by-Step Probate Process
1. Filing the Case
A family member or attorney files a petition with the court to open probate.
- If there’s a will → it gets submitted
- If no will → Florida law decides who inherits
2. Appointing a Personal Representative
The court appoints someone (often called an executor) to handle everything.
This person is responsible for:
- Managing the estate
- Communicating with heirs
- Handling finances
3. Notifying Creditors & Heirs
The estate must:
- Notify family members
- Publish a notice so creditors can come forward
Creditors typically have 90 days to make claims.
4. Inventory of Assets
The representative creates a list of everything owned:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Personal property
5. Paying Debts & Expenses
Before anything is distributed:
- Debts must be paid
- Taxes must be handled
- Legal costs are covered
6. Selling Property (If Needed)
If there’s a home involved, it may need to be sold to:
- Pay debts
- Divide assets among heirs
In many cases, the court must approve the sale unless the will allows otherwise.
7. Distributing Assets
Once everything is settled:
- Remaining assets go to heirs
- The case is closed
How Long Does Probate Take?
In Pinellas County, most probate cases take:
- 3–6 months (simple cases)
- 6–12+ months (if there are complications)
Types of Probate in Florida
Summary Administration (Faster Option)
You may qualify if:
- The estate is under $75,000 (excluding the home), OR
- The person passed more than 2 years ago
This is quicker and doesn’t require a full court process.
Formal Administration (Full Probate)
This is the standard process and applies when:
- The estate is larger
- There are debts or disputes
Does Every Property Go Through Probate?
Not always. Probate can sometimes be avoided if:
- The home is in a trust
- There’s a joint owner
- There’s a named beneficiary
Key Takeaway
Probate in Pinellas County is simply a legal process to make sure everything is handled properly after someone passes away. While it can feel overwhelming, most cases follow a clear step-by-step path.
