Experienced Florida Estates Attorney Guides You Through Probate

The process of probate typically accompanies a situation involving painful emotional loss. A knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorney Steve Moore Watkins, III eases the stress of probating your loved one’s estate and guide executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

The process of probate

Most executors have never or only rarely probated a will and know little about the process. We guide you through the complex probate process, including:

Filing the will with the appropriate Florida county probate court Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate Finding and collecting assets Closing and opening bank accounts

Paying estate taxes Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate Locating beneficiaries Hiring experts, when appropriate Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate

Valuing and managing the estate

We assist executors with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating assets of an estate. We have a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers, and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes

Even for seemingly straightforward estates, disputes between beneficiaries sometimes arise. Mr. Watkins’ professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interest of our clients to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating disputes. That said, we assertively defend our client’s beneficiary rights within the Florida probate court when doing so is necessary.

Contact a thorough estate planning lawyer, Steve Moore Watkins, III

For legal services in Apalachicola and throughout Florida, call Steve Moore Watkins, III at 850-653-1949 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.