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Probate Attorney In Plantation, Florida

Q: What is probate litigation, and when is it necessary?

Probate litigation refers to legal disputes involving a deceased person’s estate, such as challenges to a will’s validity, asset distribution disagreements, claims of undue influence, or allegations that an executor or personal representative breached their fiduciary duties. Litigation becomes necessary when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or when there is a limited window to act before the estate is fully distributed.

Q: What happens if a will is deemed invalid during probate?

If a will is deemed invalid, the court may rely on a prior valid will if one exists. If no valid will is available, the estate is considered intestate and distributed according to Florida’s succession laws, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes.

Q: How can a probate attorney assist in resolving disputes among beneficiaries?

A probate attorney helps resolve beneficiary disputes by evaluating the cause of the conflict, advising on legal options, facilitating communication, and negotiating compromises when possible. If necessary, the attorney can also represent clients in probate litigation to protect their interests.

Last updated on February 5, 2026

The management of an estate benefits from the support of a reliable lawyer. When you need probate administration help, call The Law Office of Michael R. Vines, P.A. Our trusted probate law practice in Plantation has assisted numerous clients in surrounding areas of South Florida over the years. Our attorney’s skill, insight and experience have established us as a trusted firm to handle all aspects of estate settlements.

We understand that this process is delicate, needing familiarity with the relevant laws. Let us provide you with the peace of mind that comes from having a knowledgeable attorney on your case. Schedule a free consultation with us at our office when you’re ready to discuss probate administration.

Let’s Pursue An Equitable Estate Settlement

The distribution of assets can quickly become a complicated process. However, our attorney seeks to minimize the stress on you and your family. Ensure that your best interests are protected by retaining our services. Our probate administration process is the practical way to settle your estate. As your probate representation, we strive to take care of:

Validating the will
Allocating assets and properties on behalf of the decedent
Making an inventory of assets
Paying taxes
Settling outstanding debts
Preparing legal documents and filing them on time
Mediating for clients when there are disputes between beneficiaries
Transfer homestead property

Reach out to us today. We serve clients in Plantation as well as the surrounding areas of Davie, Sunrise and Weston. The path forward starts here.

Why Is Homestead So Important?

The Florida “Homestead Law” is a state constitutional right. You must file for Homestead to get the protection. Once you have received your Homestead, you will receive both property tax advantages and protections from certain types of creditors. The following is a list of Homestead benefits:

Annual property tax increases are capped at 3%.
The tax collector gives a credit on “assessed value” before levying taxes.
Most types of debt do not attach to your house and most creditors cannot force the sale of your home to satisfy a debt.
You may be able to transfer “port” tax savings from one Homestead to another.
In most cases your homestead passes to your heirs, after death, without being subject to your creditors in probate.

Exceptions to Homestead:

Failure to Pay Mortgage – Lender can foreclose;
Failure to Pay your HOA/Condo – Association can foreclose;
Failure to pay property taxes – County can sell tax deed;
Failure to pay materialmen – They can lien your home and foreclose.
- (Companies or individuals that provide goods to improve/repair your home)

FILE FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD TODAY!

How A Probate Lawyer Can Help Your Family

Putting your trust in an attorney can be difficult, especially when your loved one’s assets are at stake. Let us show you that we will do everything in our power to fulfill your loved one’s wishes through the administration of their estate.

Our attorney strives to stand out in probate services. Not only does he deliver thorough advice backed by decades of experience, but he also truly cares about his clients. He understands the emotional complexities of the probate process, and he will be here for you when times get tough. We will serve as more than just your legal representation. We’ll be your reassurance when concerns arise, your answers when questions come along and your listening ear when you simply need to talk.

Planning For The Future Can Simplify Probate

Putting legal documentation in place is the best way to ensure that your assets get passed down to your loved ones. At The Law Office of Michael R. Vines, P.A., we strive to help our clients create comprehensive estate plans that will hold up through the probate process. By crafting a will or setting up trusts today, you can gain peace of mind that every aspect of your estate will be accounted for and correctly distributed once you have passed.

Estate Planning Is Just As Important For Issues While You Are Alive

Our will and trust packages also include documents for planning before your demise. We prepare powers of attorney, health care surrogates, living wills and designations of preneed guardians. The idea is for your family to be able to pick up your planning documents and have a road map or game plan to address issues and the legal documents necessary to make those decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

Despite the fact that it is a common process, most people know very little about the mechanics of probate. If you are trying to learn more about what to expect, the following questions and answers may help:

What is probate litigation, and when is it necessary?

Probate litigation refers to the legal battle over a deceased person’s estate. Disputes often arise over issues such as questions about a will’s validity, the distribution of the deceased’s assets, challenges of undue influence by one or more beneficiaries, and accusations that the estate’s executor or personal representative has violated their fiduciary duty either intentionally or negligently.

Sometimes, disputes can be quickly resolved via negotiation. Litigation becomes necessary, however, when the parties cannot come to an agreement or when there is no middle ground to be found. It is essential not to delay litigation, since there is often a narrow window of time in which to act before probate concludes and the estate’s remaining assets are distributed.

What happens if a will is deemed invalid during probate?

Two things can happen if a will is deemed invalid during probate. First, if there is a previous version of a valid will, then the court may follow the last wishes outlined in the previous version. If there is no other valid will, then the court may deem that the deceased has passed away “intestate.”

Intestacy means that the deceased person’s estate is distributed to heirs based on Florida’s succession laws, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes. That is one of the many reasons it is so important for people to seek legal guidance when they create their will.

How can a probate attorney assist in resolving disputes among beneficiaries?

The purpose of a probate attorney is to help resolve any dispute with an estate by using their experience and knowledge to find a solution. The attorney at The Law Office of Michael R. Vines, P.A., can examine the reason for probate litigation, identify the best path to resolve the issue, facilitate communication between the parties and try to negotiate a speedy compromise whenever possible.

Schedule A Free Consultation In Plantation Today

Don’t face probate alone. Allow our skilled attorney to lead you through it. With a diverse background in litigation and more than two decades of experience in the legal industry, our attorney is prepared to take on your case with confidence. We deliver smart guidance with a compassionate approach because we understand that you need more than just an attorney during this difficult time. You need an adviser who truly cares about your well-being.

When it comes time to administer the estate of a loved one in Florida, contact us for the compassionate guidance you need and deserve. Our attorney will put his extensive experience to work for you. Call 954-902-4841 or schedule a free consultation with us in Plantation if you are located in Davie, Sunrise or Weston. We can discuss your probate case or help you create a comprehensive estate plan.