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Best Probate Lawyers in Clearwater

2023

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Website
Pepper Tree Professional Centre 1801 Pepper Tree Drive, Oldsmar, FL 34677
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Stross Law Firm, P.A., is a veteran-owned multi-practice firm that has been serving the residents of Clearwater for over 40 years. It provides legal assistance in the probate court process, including those involving out-of-state representatives and trustees. Its attorneys also serve as personal representatives or executors of the decedents' estate. In addition, they help update trusts and other estate planning tools. All three of the firm's attorneys are members of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (11)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3937 Tampa Road #2, Oldsmar, FL 34677
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Burke Faulkner offers legal representation to families in Clearwater. It deals with the probate process and advises relatives of decedents who died intestate. It also aids clients who need help with coming up with an estate plan. The firm's attorneys, Debbie Faulkner and Henri Bardhi, share over six decades of combined experience in estate law. Faulkner has been included thrice in Florida's list of Top 40 Under 40 estate planning attorneys. Other matters handled by the firm include trust and summary administration.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (43)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5801 Ulmerton Road Suite 100, Clearwater, FL 33760
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation
  • Probate
  • Probate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Richert Quarles, P.A., handles probate and estate concerns in Clearwater. The law firm's attorneys counsel about the summary administration of both small and large estates. They deal with the filing of probate cases, the appointment and court representation of personal representatives, and the identification of creditors. A shareholder attorney at the firm, Patrick D. Quarles, practices probate and case litigation. Meanwhile, John Richert, the legal office's managing attorney, is licensed to practice law in the U.S. Middle and Southern District Courts of Florida.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Richert - Managing Attorney10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (26)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
611 Druid Road East, #705, Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Thompson & Fernald, PA, has been serving individuals and families in Clearwater since 1988. It has been handling estate planning, probate, and trust administration. The firm assists personal representatives in navigating through the probate process, which includes the appropriate collection, valuation, liquidation, and distribution of assets. The team helps clients in preparing last wills and testaments, living wills, and trusts. One of Thompson & Fernald's lawyers, Robert C. Thompson Jr., is a member of the Florida Bar Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gary Fernald - Partner39 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Website
1010 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33755
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Adult Guardianship
  • Probate
  • Probate Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Richard Green is a legal firm based in Clearwater that has been serving the state of Florida for 37 years. The firm assists its clients in various legal matters, including probate & trust administration, estate planning, and guardianship for incapacitated adults. It was founded by Richard Green in 1982. In addition to probate and estate planning, Green is also well-versed in corporate law. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Financial Counselling Service for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Richard Green - Owner / Founder48 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (10)
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1550 South Highland Avenue Suite B, Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Timothy K. Mariani Attorney at Law provides legal counsel and representation to clients in the Clearwater metro and the surrounding areas. It offers assistance to individuals going through the process of probate. It also deals with estate planning and helps with the preparation of wills and trusts. The office's other areas of practice are real estate and title insurance. Timothy K. Mariani, the firm's sole attorney, brings more than 35 years of experience in the legal field.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tim Mariani - Principal46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
522 Alt 19 #1, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Sherri M. Stinson is a boutique law firm exclusively focusing on probate, estate planning, and guardianship in Clearwater. Its services include advising clients who are dealing with formal, summary, or ancillary probate administration. The firm also represents clients in probate disputes. In addition, it helps clients create estate plans with the aim of avoiding or minimizing the impact of probate. Sherri Stinson has been practicing law since 2004. She previously served as the chair of the Clearwater Bar Association's probate section.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (34)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2629 McCormick Dr # 102, Clearwater, FL 33759
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael T. Heider, P.A. serves clients in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. Its team handles a variety of probate-related tasks, such as settling inheritance disputes by resolving issues about the validity of the deceased person's will, collecting debts owed to the deceased person, and clearing title to land or stocks and bonds. The firm also offers elder law and estate planning services. Michael T. Heider, the firm's principal attorney, is also a CPA.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (34)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (31)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
565 S. Duncan Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

David W. Griffin, P.A., is a law firm in Clearwater that represents local individuals, families, businesses, and real estate property sellers and buyers. It provides clients with legal services and guidance for matters relating to estate planning, including probate, wills, powers of attorney, and estate and trust administration. The firm also deals with asset titling alternatives, the review and update of estate planning documents, representation of beneficiaries, and dispute resolution. David Griffin, the founder, has been practicing law since 1980.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Website
2240 Belleair Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The O'Connor Law Firm provides legal assistance and representation in probate matters to the locals of Clearwater. Backed by over 60 years of combined legal experience, the firm's attorneys guide their clients through the entire probate process, including notifying creditors, paying bills, and managing the estate; distributing the probate assets to the beneficiaries; and identifying the identification and gathering the assets. It also handles elder law, estate planning, and civil litigation. Patrick M. O'Connor established the firm in 1994.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Patrick O'connor - Founding Attorney37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (15)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2557 Nursery Road, Suite A, Clearwater, FL 33764
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Douglas L. Hilkert, P.A., serves clients throughout Clearwater and the neighboring communities. He handles legal concerns that concern probate administration, estate planning, wills and trusts, advance health care directives, durable powers of attorney, and health care surrogate designation. His law office also deals with real estate law issues and offers representation for both buyers and sellers. The firm represents clients in real estate closings, handles powers of attorney and title insurance issues, and prepares and reviews contracts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.6 / 5 (10)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
826 Broadway, Dunedin, FL 34698
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Peebles & Gracy, P.A., has a long history that dates back to 1926. The law firm helps the citizens of Clearwater and the surrounding cities deal with estate-related issues. It assists personal representatives through the estate administration process. Along with probate assistance, it guides trustees in managing trusts. It also protects the welfare of older adults by helping them seek eligibility for Medicaid's institutional care program. Principal lawyer Andrew Gracy has been serving clients since 2002.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Andrew Gracy - Partner21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
31640 U.S. Hwy. 19 N, Suite 4,, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Verras Law has been serving the community since 1993. It assists Clearwater clients in probate administration proceedings, including summary, formal, and disposition without administration. Spiro Verras, the head of the firm, represents personal representatives of various estate sizes and helps them address will issues and probate litigation. He also deploys legal strategies to reduce the complexities of probate on grieving families. Verras is a member of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys and is also admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (7)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
28059 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 101,, Clearwater, FL 33761
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Hernandez Law Firm, P.A. Attorney & Counselor at Law provides services for Clearwater clients. The firm assists in the probate and trust settlement by managing and distributing a deceased's assets through a court-supervised process. It also helps file petitions for estate administration and homestead property, serve notices to heirs, resolve disputes, pay estate debts, and sell estate assets. Additionally, it handles the trust settlement process and estate planning. Kevin Hernandez, the firm's principal attorney, is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (9)
Google
4.1 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2515 Countryside Blvd Suite G, Clearwater, FL 33763
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Fox and Fox P.A. is a legal practice that was formed in 1970 by the now-retired Roland Fox. Roland's son, Gregory A. Fox, joined him in 1984 and continues to provide counsel to families and businesses in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. This firm handles probate cases, guiding executors through the process of estate administration. Gregory also provides estate planning services that include drafting wills, creating living trusts, arranging advanced healthcare directives, and preparing general powers of attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregory Fox - Founder40 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8606 Government Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine is a law firm that helps clients with estate administration. Founded by probate lawyers near Clearwater in 2000, the law office covers all areas related to estate law, including trust litigation. The attorneys prepare wills, healthcare surrogates, trusts, and power of attorney documents. The legal team also helps clients update their wills. Members of the support staff provide counsel in English, Polish, Spanish, and Greek.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jeffrey Lucas - Managing Partner31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (16)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
131 N. Garden Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

atCause Law Offices addresses the legal needs of individuals in Clearwater. It deals with matters concerning probate, wills and trusts, and aids in the development of estate plans. The firm's team of estate planning attorneys brings more than 20 years of combined experience. The attorneys are adept at developing an estate plan that prevents legal complications and limits tax burdens. In addition, its lawyer, Dina Arvanitakis, is a passer of the Illinois and District of Columbia bar exams.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (53)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

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Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
611 Druid Road East #712, Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Walt Shurden assists clients in Clearwater in preparing for their future needs. The law firm helps seniors and people with disabilities with estate planning, including setting up recoverable trusts, appointing health care proxies, and creating living wills. Its primary goal is to protect clients and their loved ones from the cost of long-term care and death. The firm's namesake, Walt Shurden, has been a board-certified elder law attorney since 2004. His services include Medicaid and VA planning to help seniors and veterans access and maximize their benefits.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.6 / 5 (30)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Clearwater, Florida?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Clearwater Police Department is 727-562-4242

  • What is probate in Clearwater?

    Probate is the legal procedure that deals with the settlement of a deceased person's estate in Clearwater, specifically involving the distribution of their probate property to rightful heirs. The probate process focuses on assets held solely in the decedent's individual name, comprising their probate estate. It's advisable to contact a qualified probate attorney who can navigate the complexities and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Do all estates go through formal probate in Clearwater?

    Not all estates in Clearwater are required to go through formal probate proceedings. If the estate meets certain criteria, it may qualify for simplified or summary probate procedures, which can expedite the process. Consulting with a probate attorney will help determine the appropriate probate process based on the estate's circumstances and value.

  • How long does the probate process take in Clearwater?

    Under normal circumstances, a formal probate administration in Clearwater typically lasts approximately six to nine months, encompassing the entire process from beginning to end. This process involves tasks such as appointing a personal representative - also known as the "executor," allowing a 90-day period for creditors to make their claims, and settling creditor claims along with other necessary steps.

  • What are the duties of an executor in a probate proceeding in Clearwater?

    The duties of an executor in a probate proceeding in Clearwater include the following:

    • Notifying all parties with an interest in the estate
    • Identifying and providing notice to creditors
    • Publishing a legal notice to reach unidentified creditors
    • Creating an inventory and taking possession of estate assets
    • Assessing and safeguarding the value of assets

  • Can the probate process be avoided in Clearwater?

    Yes, the probate process in Clearwater, can be avoided or minimized in certain situations. Here are ways you can reduce the need for probate:

    • Establish a revocable living trust
    • Co-owning property with another person, such as a spouse or family member, with a right of survivorship
    • Utilizing beneficiary designations to assets such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain bank accounts
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