Leesburg Probate Attorney: Compassionate Guidance for Your Family
Making the Probate Process Easier for Your Family
For families in Leesburg with deep roots in the community, the loss of a loved one often involves navigating the complexities of the Lake County probate court. The process of settling an estate, especially one with long-held family properties or older estate planning documents, requires a knowledgeable and compassionate legal guide. Leesburg probate lawyer John Marshall has the local experience and legal expertise to help you honor your loved one’s legacy while protecting your family’s assets. Contact Marshall Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific needs.
Understanding Probate in Historic Leesburg
Leesburg’s rich history means that many local families are dealing with unique probate situations. We have specific experience assisting clients with:
- Historic and Family Homes: Properly handling the transfer of real estate that may have been in the family for generations.
- Outdated Wills and Trusts: Reviewing and interpreting older estate planning documents to ensure they are administered correctly under current Florida law.
- Ancillary Probate: Assisting out-of-state heirs who have inherited property in Leesburg and need to navigate the local probate process.
- Probate for Business Owners: Managing the transition of local businesses to the next generation or preparing them for sale as part of the estate.
Our firm is committed to providing legal services that respect the history and values of the Leesburg community.
The Probate Process in Lake County: A Step-by-Step Overview
| Step | Description |
| 1. Filing the Petition | We begin by filing the will and a petition for administration with the Lake County Clerk of Court to officially open the probate case. |
| 2. Appointing a Personal Representative | The court will appoint a Personal Representative (or executor) to be in charge of the estate. We advise this individual on their legal duties. |
| 3. Marshalling the Assets | The Personal Representative, with our guidance, will identify and take control of all the decedent’s assets. |
| 4. Paying Creditors and Taxes | We will publish a notice to creditors and ensure all valid debts and final taxes are paid from the estate. |
| 5. Distributing the Estate | Once all obligations are met, we oversee the legal distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. |
Frequently Asked Questions for Leesburg Residents
The will seems very old. Is it still valid?
Generally, a will is valid if it was executed according to the laws in place at the time it was signed. We can review the document to assess its validity and advise on the best course of action.
My family disagrees on how to handle my parents’ Leesburg home. What should we do?
Disputes among beneficiaries are common. As your probate attorney, we can act as a mediator to help the family reach an agreement. If a resolution cannot be found, we are prepared to represent the estate’s interests in court.
What is the difference between being a beneficiary and a Personal Representative?
A beneficiary is someone who inherits from the estate. The Personal Representative is the person or institution appointed by the court to manage the estate. They have a legal duty to act in the best interests of all beneficiaries.
How much are probate legal fees in Leesburg?
Florida law provides for “reasonable” attorney fees in probate cases, which can be a percentage of the estate value or an hourly rate. We are committed to transparent billing and will discuss our fee structure with you during our initial consultation.
Client
Testimonials
John is a fabulous family estate planning law attorney to work with. He explained everything to me about the estate plan, first working with my mother for many years, and now me as her representative. He did so in a way that I could understand and was very prompt and clear with communication the entire time. John and Patti display a tremendous amount of empathy and patience in dealing with elderly clients like my mother. Soon I will be utilizing John and Patti's expertise to formulate my own estate plan for my family's future. John and Patti treat you like family and I feel they will forever be a part of our family. Needless to say John Marshall law is highly recommended!
MoreYour Trusted Legal Partner in Leesburg
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. You do not have to face it alone. Leesburg probate lawyer John Marshall and his dedicated team are here to provide the clear, professional, and compassionate guidance you need. We will handle the legal details so you can focus on your family. Our deep understanding of the Lake County court system and our commitment to the Leesburg community make us the ideal partner to help you navigate this challenging time.
Take the first step toward peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and let us help you honor your loved one’s legacy with dignity and respect and dignity.
Call us at (352) 432-8859
to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to serving you!