St. Augustine's Largest Law Firm
Probate & Estate Administration Attorneys in St. Augustine, Florida
Guiding Families Through Probate, Will Administration & Trust Disputes
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of navigating Florida’s probate courts. At St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine’s largest law firm, our probate attorneys in St. Augustine assist families, personal representatives (executors), and beneficiaries throughout St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida with probate administration, will contests, and trust litigation.
Whether you are serving as a personal representative, challenging the validity of a will, or defending a trust against claims of mismanagement, our experienced probate lawyers provide Dedicated & Responsive Service® to protect your rights and your loved one’s legacy.
What Is Probate in Florida?
Probate is the legal process of identifying, managing, and distributing a person’s assets after death. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, probate may involve:
Validating a will and confirming its enforceability
Appointing a personal representative
Notifying heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
Distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries
Our attorneys help families avoid unnecessary delays and disputes while ensuring full compliance with Florida probate law.
Types of Probate Administration
Formal Administration
Required for estates valued over $75,000 or when litigation is anticipated. Our attorneys handle petitions, creditor claims, asset distribution, and court filings.
Summary Administration
A faster, simplified process available for smaller estates under Florida law. Learn more about Summary Administration.
Ancillary Probate
If your loved one owned property in Florida but lived elsewhere, we handle ancillary probate to transfer Florida real estate.
Will Contests & Probate Litigation
Unfortunately, disputes often arise during probate. Our litigation team—including Felecia Walker – Probate & Guardianship Attorney—represents clients in:
Will contests (undue influence, fraud, improper execution)
Beneficiary and heir disputes
Creditor claims against the estate
Removal of personal representatives
Breach of fiduciary duty claims
Trust Disputes & Trust Administration
Our trust attorneys assist trustees and beneficiaries with both administration and litigation, including:
Interpretation of trust documents
Asset management and distributions
Allegations of mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duty
Beneficiary disputes
Defense of trustees against legal challenges
Coordinating Probate With Estate Planning
Probate often intersects with other estate planning tools. Our attorneys integrate probate services with:
Wills and pour-over provisions
Trusts designed to avoid probate
Advance Directives to avoid Guardianship issues
Durable Powers of Attorney for incapacity planning
Real estate deeds (quit claim & lady bird deeds) for probate avoidance
Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?
St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm – 12 attorneys, 265+ years of combined legal experience
Comprehensive Team – probate, estate planning, tax, real estate, and litigation attorneys under one roof
Local Knowledge – serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas
Dedicated & Responsive Service® – trusted to handle both simple estates and complex disputes
Areas We Serve
Our probate and estate administration attorneys serve clients throughout:
St. Augustine & St. Augustine Beach
Ponte Vedra & Ponte Vedra Beach
Nocatee, Silverleaf & St. Johns
Palm Coast, Flagler Beach & Bunnell
Jacksonville & Duval County
Palatka & Putnam County
Green Cove Springs & Clay County
Fernandina Beach & Nassau County
📞 Schedule a Probate Consultation Today
Whether you need guidance with Florida probate administration or are involved in a will or trust dispute, our experienced probate attorneys in St. Augustine are here to help.
👉 Contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule your consultation—in person, by phone, or virtually.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take in Florida?
It depends on the complexity of the estate. Summary administration may take months, while formal probate can take a year or longer.
Can probate be avoided?
Yes. With trusts and strategic deed planning, many families minimize or bypass probate.
Who can challenge a will in Florida?
Any interested party, including heirs or beneficiaries, may challenge a will for reasons such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud.
Meet Our Probate & Estate Planning Attorneys
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
