How Much Does Probate Cost in Flagler Beach? 2025

After the death of a loved one, it’s important to know what to do with the things they’ve left behind. This typically involves starting the estate administration process so the decedent’s assets can get to their designated beneficiaries or heirs, and any creditors can collect outstanding debts.  If you are left responsible for handling this process, you may be asking yourself: How much does probate cost in Flagler Beach?

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to provide an exact number value. There are many factors that can impact the cost of going through probate in Florida, so it’s necessary to evaluate your specific situation. A Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer can help you organize your thoughts and estimate the cost of your probate case.

Cost Factors for Probate Cases in Flagler Beach

The average annual death count in Flagler County is 1,695 people. When a person dies, their loved ones are left not only to cope with their loss but also with the estate they left behind. In many cases, a decedent’s estate must go through probate. This legal process essentially allows the court to validate the decedent’s will and approve the distribution of their assets as outlined by their estate.

There were a total of 83,459 probate cases filed in Florida in fiscal year 2021-22. From January through June of 2024 alone, there were 358 probate cases filed in Flagler County. If you’re wondering how much probate costs in Flagler Beach, it’s important to know what factors can affect the overall cost.

There are a variety of factors that may impact the cost of probate in Florida, including:

• Amount of associated costs involved with your probate case
• Whether you’re going through a summary or formal administration
• Which Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer with which you work

Associated Costs for Probate in Flagler Beach

There are a number of costs associated with probate in Florida. By working with a Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer, you can have a better idea of these costs and develop strategies to mitigate how much you have to pay. Probate costs can include things like:

• Accountant fees
• Appraisal and asset valuation fees
• Court filing fees
• Executor bond fees
• Postage fees
• Publication and notice fees

The amount you pay for these associated costs can vary depending on the details of your situation. Other additional costs may include things like out-of-state probate costs, translation fees, and more.

Summary Administration Vs. Formal Administration in Flagler Beach

There are two types of probate that you may be subject to depending on your situation. Summary administration is a quicker, less involved process, so it makes sense that it costs less money overall, too. This type of probate is used for simpler estates that contain assets valued under $75,000 or for estates belonging to a decedent who has been dead for over two years.

Formal administration is more complicated and costs more. A personal representative is assigned to the estate and is responsible for distributing assets and taking care of debts on an estate. This representative, sometimes called an executor, has specific legal duties that vary depending on the estate’s complexity. Formal administration stays open while property is being collected, distributed to beneficiaries or heirs, or used to pay any debts.

Choosing a Flagler Beach Estate Planning Lawyer

Whether or not you work with a Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer or not can also impact the cost of probate in Florida. While hiring an attorney costs more upfront, it can save you in the long run. Your lawyer can build personalized legal strategies for protecting your assets and moving through the probate process as quickly as possible. Many families combine trusts with their estate plans to avoid probate entirely for certain assets.

At The Preston Law Firm, we’re dedicated to our clients. We work diligently to evaluate cases and make the estate administration process as quick and painless as possible for our clients. In some cases, we can even help you shield certain assets from the probate process so you don’t even have to deal with it.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does the Probate Process in Flagler Beach Typically Take?

A: The time it takes to get through probate in Flagler Beach is entirely dependent on the complexity of the decedent’s estate and what type of probate you need. Summary probate is an expedited, less involved process for estates under a certain value or that belong to someone who has passed more than two years ago. Formal administration, on the other hand, can take much longer.

Q: How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go Through Probate in Flagler Beach?

A: Estates of any value must go through probate in Florida unless they meet one of the other standards to be exempt. Estates that are valued at less than $75,000 go through summary administration, while those that are $75,000 or more enter formal administration. It’s important to note that, along with distributing assets to the appropriate parties, the probate process also allows creditors to collect debts on the estate.

Q: Do I Need to Work With a Flagler Beach Estate Planning Lawyer for Florida Probate?

A: You are not legally required to work with a Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer on a probate case in Florida. That said, you may find that you want one. Working with an attorney is beneficial for many reasons. For starters, they can provide advice and guidance so you’re never left confused during the probate process. They can also help you explore avenues for avoiding probate and optimizing your time.

Q: How Much Does it Cost to Work With a Flagler Beach Estate Planning Lawyer?

A: The cost of working with a Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the estate and the experience level and reputation of the law firm. Many estate planning attorneys either charge a flat rate or an hourly rate (or a combination of the two). While working with a Flagler Beach estate planning lawyer is an added expense, it can save you time and money in the long run.

Discuss Your Situation in More Detail With a Flagler Beach Estate Planning Lawyer Today

If you’re getting ready to go through probate in Flagler Beach, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect. Our team at The Preston Law Firm is here to help you through your estate administration process. Contact our team to schedule your appointment today, and we can take it from there.