Is an Attorney Required for Probate Administration in Florida?

Question:  If I am the personal representative for an estate in Florida, am I required to have an attorney for the probate administration in the Florida circuit court?

Answer:    Florida law requires an attorney in a formal probate proceeding except in the rare case where the personal representative is the sole interested person. However, Florida probate procedures are complicated and most non-lawyers will have a challenging time trying to proceed without an attorney.   Just determining who fits the statutory definition of “interested person” requires an understanding of the Florida Probate Code and the Florida Rules of Probate, which apply to even the most basic estate administration.  If you have been named the personal representative in the will of someone recently deceased and you would like assistance with the administration of the estate, contact Bach & Jacobs to meet with one of our attorneys.