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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Lakeland

Our Recommended Top 17

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lakeland Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

39

Reviewed

30

Curated

17

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
226 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Heather Bryan Law, P.A. Law Firm is an office situated in Lakeland providing representation and legal counsel for clients with matters of criminal law, personal injury, and family law. It is committed to meeting the diverse legal needs of the community by offering clients estate planning services like last wills and testaments, living wills, and powers of attorney. The firm's founding attorney, Heather Bryan, began her legal career defending clients' rights as a lawyer at Public Defender's Office during the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

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
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (14)
Google
4.9 / 5 (12)
Avvo
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
1060 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, FL 33596
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Bivins and Hemenway PA is a team of probate attorneys near Lakeland that works directly with will executors during the estate administration and probate process. Its attorneys strive to help families and other loved ones close the estate as quickly as possible by handling administrative tasks such as appraising and tracking assets, liquidating property, and paying debts and taxes. Additionally, they offer assistance with contacting heirs and ensuring that property is distributed as per the deceased's wishes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Bivins - Managing 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.
4.6
Google
4.4 / 5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)

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
5121 S. Lakeland Dr., Suite 2, Lakeland, FL 33813
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The MTM Law Firm PLLC assists in the lengthy and complex probate process by working with executors or administrators in Lakeland. Its legal team helps transfer the ownership of a decedent's assets to beneficiaries. These probate assets include the house in the deceased's name, a bank account with no other account holder, no beneficiary life insurance policy, and investment accounts. Matthew T. Morrison, team leader of the probate department and case management, lays out an appropriate strategy in court for each case.

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
4.8 / 5 (39)

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
5015 S Florida Ave, Ste 400, Lakeland, FL 33813
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of John P. Collins P.A. offers legal guidance and representation in matters of probate law to the locals of Lakeland. It assists clients in formal, summary, ancillary, and disposition without administration. Its other practice areas include real estate for residential and commercial spaces, wills and trusts, and business formation, which covers business sale agreements, sale closings, and dissolution. John Collins, the founder, has been practicing law in Lakeland for over two decades. He is a member of the Polk County Trial Attorneys Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Collins - Principal33 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.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (9)

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
1611 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33803
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Reed Mawhinney & Link, PLLC Attorneys at Law offers probate administration services to clients in Lakeland. It handles probate of wills, winding up of estates, and post-death administration of trusts. It guides appointed representatives and beneficiaries in implementing the wishes of the decedent. It covers all the legal responsibilities related to the trust, such as management and distribution of trust assets and trust accounting. One of its partners, Joe Mawhinney, is a certified circuit civil mediator as designated by the Florida Supreme Court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joseph Mawhinney - Partner48 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 (11)
Facebook
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
240 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Weaver Loveless Law practices probate, estate, and elder law in Lakeland and throughout its surrounding areas. This firm's attorneys have vast experience in estate-related matters, particularly the probate process. They help will executors and family members who are attempting to close the estate of a loved one to effectively take the will through probate courts to ensure that all required tasks are carried out prior to distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Weaver - Partner48 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
4.9 / 5 (21)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (21)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

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
2212 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Sessums Law Group is a multi-practice firm that serves clients in Lakeland. It handles probate court proceedings that involve trust administration and estate planning. Its attorneys provide counsel and representation in several practice areas, including personal injury, business litigation, and criminal defense. Founding attorney Mark A. Sessums, who is a board-certified civil trial law and family law specialist, established the firm in 2008. He served as an Eagle in the American Justice Association and was admitted to the Litigation Counsel of America.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Sessums - Partner35 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.
4.5
Google
4.6 / 5 (31)
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
925 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, FL 33803
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Stephen H. Artman PA handles probate and estate administration for clients in the Lakeland area. Mr. Artman is an experienced and professional attorney who has a vast knowledge of estate and probate law. He offers a variety of services when handling probate cases, including preparation and filing of tax returns, management of creditor claims, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout Florida and offers service in both English and Spanish.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephen Artman - Shareholder/ Member35 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.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (15)
Facebook
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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
402 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Medina Law Group, P.A., is a firm assisting individuals and families in Lakeland. Since 1994, it has been guiding them in probate processes, particularly those who own assets like stocks and bank accounts. Its legal team considers the emotional circumstances when handling such cases while representing personal representatives, whether anyone contests their actions. The process includes gathering the assets, handling the creditors, and distributing the decedents' properties. The firm also handles cases involving business planning and elder law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniel Medina - Shareholder30 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
3.8 / 5 (6)
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (6)
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
500 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Power of Attorneys

Why choose this provider?

Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A. offers legal assistance and representation to the locals of Lakeland. It supports clients in making strategies to protect and transfer their assets in accordance with their wishes, such as wills or other estate planning agreements. It also handles other cases such as corporate, real estate, and elder law. John J. Lancaster, one of the firm's shareholders, is certified in tax law. His areas of practice includes probate, estate planning, and civil tax litigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ronald Clark - Shareholder49 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.
4.2
Google
4.1 / 5 (14)
Yelp
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
1471 Lake Bonny Drive West, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

RAK Law Firm PLLC represents individuals and businesses in Lakeland and neighboring communities in multiple areas of the law. With a focus on insurance law, the firm also handles estate planning, bankruptcy, family, employment, and business law matters. Its team has a collective experience of over half a century representing Floridians in all these matters. Founding attorney Ramil A. Kaminsky is a recipient of many awards while in law school, including the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ramil Kaminsky - Founder11 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

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
206 Easton Dr,, Lakeland, FL 33803
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Joshua W. Westcott Attorney at Law is a firm serving the residents of Lakeland metro. Its practice areas are estate and probate law, criminal law, and family law. The firm helps clients with a wide range of legal needs, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, divorces, adoptions, and criminal defense. Its lawyer, Joshua W. Westcott, previously served for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida as Assistant State Attorney and has been a criminal attorney in both private practice and public service.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joshua Westcott - Owner17 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
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (8)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4927 Southfork Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Craig A. Mundy, P.A. Attorneys at Law, serves clients residing in Lakeland and the nearby areas. It handles estate law cases such as trusts, power of attorney, living wills, business succession, estate tax minimization, and health care surrogates. The firm's legal team also assists clients in deciding between a formal or a summary probate administration. Mundy is a member of the Florida Bar's Estate and Trust Law Planning Committee and the Estate Planning Council of Polk County.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Craig Mundy - Principal33 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.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (19)
Yelp
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
314 Avenue K, S.E., Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Stone Law Group PL features a probate lawyer near Lakeland who is dedicated to helping families and will executors to quickly navigate the probate process. This firm's legal team helps with all matters pertaining to probate, including appraisal and liquidation of property, filing of estate taxes, and helping to distribute assets to lawful heirs in accordance with the deceased's last will and testament. Other practice areas include estate planning, trust administration, and elder law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Charlotte Stone - Principal18 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.
4.6

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
500 South Florida Avenue Suite 800, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman, & Airth, P.A., Attorneys at Law, operates in and around the Lakeland metro. The firm offers legal guidance in probate matters and develops plans that transfer decedents' assets according to their wishes. It handles estate arrangements, including Medicaid planning, powers of attorney, estate and gift taxation, and advance directives. John Lancaster, who takes care of probate cases in the firm, has been in service since 1992. He holds a master's degree in Taxation.

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.
3.9
Google
3.9 / 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
124 Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Family Elder Law is a senior-focused law firm that features a probate attorney in Lakeland. Its attorneys help lawful heirs to access their inheritance by helping the executor of the will or next of kin to quickly and effectively navigate the probate process. Its attorneys hold memberships in professional associations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc. and are admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout Florida.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jason Penrod - Founder21 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 (15)
Yelp
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
1905 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Hardin & Ball, P.A., is a multi-practice firm serving families and businesses in Lakeland. It offers representation in estate planning, guardianship, real estate, civil litigation, and construction law matters. Its managing partner, Benjamin Waldrop Hardin Jr., handles estate planning services that involve will and trust preparation, asset management, and powers of attorney. He also takes on healthcare surrogates and real property conveyances. His additional services involve mortgages, foreclosures, and business law. Hardin is a member of the 10th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Benjamin Hardin - 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.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 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

Disclaimer:  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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    To reach the Lakeland Police Department for non-emergency matters, you can dial (863) 834-6900.

  • What are the factors that lead to the removal of a personal representative in Lakeland?

    A personal representative in Lakeland can be removed and have his or her authority revoked for various reasons. These include:

    • A court determining that the personal representative is incapacitated.
    • Physical or mental incapacity preventing the personal representative from fulfilling his or her duties.
    • Misuse or mismanagement of the estate.
    • Conviction of a felony.
    • Failure to account for the sale of property or present and display the estate's assets when necessary.
    • Failure to comply with a court order.
    • Revocation of the probate of the decedent's will, which designated the personal representative's appointment.
  • What rights does the surviving spouse in Lakeland have in a testate estate?

    In Lakeland, when an individual passes away with a will, their surviving spouse has a guaranteed entitlement to a specified portion of the estate's assets. This predetermined amount and the right of the surviving spouse to claim it are referred to as the elective share. Regardless of the provisions stated in the will, the surviving spouse is entitled to a minimum of 30% of the elective estate.

  • What are the steps in probating a will in Lakeland?

    The initial step in the probate process in Lakeland involves confirming the will's validity. If the will does not specify an executor, the probate court appoints one. It is crucial to engage the services of an attorney to aid the executor in obtaining the required documentation. The attorney will carefully evaluate each asset of the estate during probate and, if necessary, submit an official report to the probate court. After completing all necessary filings and ensuring accurate asset accounting, the final phase of probate can begin, which involves distributing the estate assets to the beneficiaries.

  • Can the presence of a will help avoid the probate process in Lakeland?

    No. Even if an individual possesses a will, their assets must still undergo the probate process in Lakeland. While a will outlines the intended recipients of the assets, it must be officially submitted for probate and approved by the court before the judge can transfer the property to the designated beneficiaries mentioned in the will.

  • What happens if the beneficiary in Lakeland is a minor?

    Florida law aims to protect a minor's inheritance until they turn 18 and become legal adults. If a child in Lakeland receives an inheritance exceeding $15,000, they must establish a limited guardianship. This arrangement entails placing the funds in a supervised account controlled by the court until the child comes of age. If the inheritance is less than $15,000, the money can be given to the child's parent or natural guardian instead. Additionally, minors cannot carry out deeds or engage in contractual agreements. Therefore, a guardianship must be established if a minor beneficiary wishes to sell the deceased person's real estate.

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