Probate Lawyer in Pompano Beach

Guiding You Through Florida Probate With Clarity

When a loved one passes away, it can feel overwhelming to face court forms, deadlines, and decisions about property on top of your loss. If you have been told that you need a probate attorney for an estate connected to Pompano Beach, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure this out by yourself.

At Bilu Law, we help personal representatives and families understand what Florida probate requires, what their responsibilities are, and how to move an estate forward without unnecessary stress. From our office in Pompano Beach, we assist with estates across all 67 counties in Florida, including situations where assets are spread between multiple locations.

Our firm brings decades of Florida practice to your side, along with a team that focuses on accessibility, responsiveness, and practical solutions. We work to protect you from avoidable mistakes, reduce delays where possible, and give you a clear path through each stage of the probate process.

Get comprehensive legal guidance from a probate lawyer you can trust. Call (954) 239-7386 or contact us promptly to schedule your consultation.

How Florida Probate Works

Understanding the basic structure of Florida probate can make the process feel more manageable. Probate is the court-supervised procedure used to transfer assets that were owned in the name of the person who died, to pay valid creditors, and to distribute what remains to the beneficiaries or heirs. Not every asset goes through probate, but many key items, such as certain real estate and accounts held solely in the decedent’s name, often do.

Florida has different forms of probate, and the right one depends on the nature and size of the estate. For many estates, formal administration is used. This is a fuller process that includes appointing a personal representative, identifying and valuing assets, notifying creditors, addressing claims, and obtaining court approval for distributions. Summary administration may be available for smaller estates or older deaths and often moves more quickly, but it is not appropriate for every situation.

If the person who passed away lived in or owned property in this part of Broward County, the probate case is generally filed in the probate division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court. The personal representative, sometimes called an executor, is responsible for carrying out many tasks under court supervision. These duties may include safeguarding property, keeping records, communicating with beneficiaries, and following the legal requirements found in Florida statutes and court rules.

Our role as your probate lawyer is to guide you through these requirements so that you understand each step and can make informed decisions. We help you interpret the will if there is one, determine what type of probate is appropriate, and prepare the filings needed to open the estate. We also work with you to respond to creditor claims, address questions raised by beneficiaries, and move toward closing the estate when the time is right.

A typical Florida probate may include these stages:

• Initial evaluation of the estate, the will, and potential probate options
• Filing a petition to open the estate and appoint a personal representative
• Collecting and documenting assets, and notifying known and potential creditors
• Resolving creditor claims and, when appropriate, selling or distributing assets
• Preparing final accountings and closing documents for court review and discharge

The specific timeline can vary based on the type of probate, the complexity of the assets, and whether disputes or unusual issues arise. We explain what you can realistically expect, keep you updated as key milestones occur, and adjust our plan if the court requires additional information or hearings.

Support For Complex Estates

Many estates in and around Pompano Beach involve more than a home and a few accounts. It is common to see investment properties, vacation condos, rental units, or commercial real estate among a decedent’s assets. This is where working with a probate lawyer is especially important, because the legal and practical questions become more involved.

At Bilu Law, we assist with estates that include Florida real estate of many types, from single-family homes to multifamily buildings and commercial properties. Our firm is authorized to perform title closings in all 67 counties in Florida, which allows us to coordinate the legal and title aspects of selling or transferring estate property. We work to anticipate title questions early, help you evaluate offers when sales are needed, and align real estate decisions with the overall goals of the estate.

Some estates include ownership interests in closely held companies, professional practices, or ongoing contracts. Because our practice covers business law and commercial litigation, we can help evaluate what the governing documents say about succession, buyouts, or dissolution. We assist personal representatives in understanding their options, whether that involves maintaining operations for a period, negotiating with co-owners, or preparing for the sale of a business interest as part of estate administration.

Debt and distressed assets also play a role in many modern estates. There may be mortgages in default, pending foreclosure actions, or significant unsecured debts. Our work in bankruptcy and foreclosure defense provides insight into how these issues interact with probate. We look at the full picture and help you consider whether restructuring, payoff negotiations, or other approaches make sense in light of the estate’s resources and the priorities set out in the will or by law.

Occasionally, conflict arises among heirs or beneficiaries, or questions develop about the validity of a will or the actions of a prior fiduciary. Our litigation experience means we are prepared to pursue or defend claims that affect the estate when necessary. We aim to resolve disputes in a way that protects the estate and reduces long-term friction where possible, while still being ready to present your position to the court if that becomes required.

Your Next Steps After A Death

In the days and weeks after a death, it is natural to feel unsure about what to do first. You may be getting different advice from friends, financial institutions, and family members. Taking a few careful steps early can protect you and position the estate for a smoother administration with help from an experienced estate administration lawyer Pompano Beach families can turn to.

It is generally helpful to gather key documents, such as any original will or trust, death certificates when available, and statements for major assets and debts. You should be cautious about distributing personal property or closing accounts before you have a clearer picture of what probate will require. If real property is involved, securing it and maintaining basic insurance and utilities, when practical, can help preserve value while decisions are being made.

During your initial consultation with our firm, we review what you know about the estate, discuss who might serve as personal representative, and talk through which type of probate appears appropriate. We outline likely steps, potential problem areas, and what information would be most helpful to collect. Our goal is to give you a roadmap so that you can decide how you want to proceed and where you would like our support.

We work with clients who live in Pompano Beach and with those who live out of the area or outside Florida but are responsible for a Florida estate. Meetings can be held in person or remotely, depending on what is most convenient. We respond promptly to questions, and we explain each stage of the process so you are not left wondering what comes next.

To prepare for a meeting with our team, it can help to gather:

• Any original will, trust, or prior estate planning documents you can locate
• Recent statements for bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement plans
• Deeds, mortgage statements, and insurance information for Florida real estate
• A list of known debts, such as credit cards, loans, or medical bills
• The names and contact information of potential beneficiaries and family members

At the end of that conversation, you should have a clearer sense of your role, what the court is likely to expect, and how Bilu Law can assist you through probate or broader estate administration.

Reach out to a probate attorney in Pompano Beach for experienced legal support. Complete our online form to start the process promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a probate attorney for this estate?

Many people find that working with a probate attorney helps them avoid missteps and personal liability. Florida probate can involve strict deadlines, creditor rules, and complex asset issues. We guide you through each requirement and help you manage the estate in a way that aligns with court expectations.

How are your probate fees structured in Florida?

We discuss fees with you at the start, so you understand how costs are calculated for your particular matter. Florida law provides guidelines for reasonable personal representative and attorney compensation. We explain how those guidelines may apply and work to provide cost-effective representation that reflects the estate’s size and complexity.

What if I live out of state, but the estate is here?

It is common for personal representatives or heirs to live outside Florida while handling a local estate. We routinely coordinate with out-of-area clients, using phone, email, and video meetings. Our statewide practice helps us manage matters efficiently even when clients are not physically present in Pompano Beach.

How long does probate usually take in Broward County?

The length of probate in Broward County depends on the type of administration, the number of assets and creditors, and whether disputes arise. Some summary administrations may resolve in a few months, while formal administrations can take longer. We review your specific situation and give you realistic timing expectations.

Can your firm handle disputes or complex estate issues?

Yes, our firm is prepared to assist when estates involve contested wills, questions about fiduciary conduct, or complex assets such as businesses and distressed properties. Our litigation background and integrated real estate and business practice allow us to address these issues within a coordinated estate strategy.

Our knowledgeable probate attorney is prepared to guide you. Call (954) 239-7386 to book your initial consultation without delay.