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Best Probate Lawyers in Palm Bay

2023

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Website
2111 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

David H. Jacoby Elder Law Advocate, P. A., is a law firm that serves clients in Palm Bay. It specializes in handling estate planning, guardianships, wills and trusts, and probate. The firm deals with different types of probate in Florida, the general problems with probate, and self-proof wills and separate writing of wills. Attorney David H. Jacoby founded the firm in 1990. He is a member of the Board of Directors for The Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
David Jacoby - Principal /Founder34 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.
4.1
Google
4.0 / 5 (27)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (6)
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
1751 Sarno Rd, Suite 2, Melbourne, FL 32935
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Rhodes Law, P.A., serves clients throughout Palm Bay and its neighboring cities. It deals with probate cases and provides probate litigation services. The firm represents beneficiaries, trustees, fiduciaries, and personal representatives in probate estate and trust administration cases. Its legal team assists clients throughout the probate process. It also deals with wills, trusts, and estate planning, asset protection, trust administration and litigation, and guardianship litigation matters. Ruth C. Rhodes, firm principal, has over 15 years of experience in practicing law.

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 (26)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (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
211 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Amy B. Van Fossen, P.A. assists seniors and their families in the Palm Bay metro area with probate, estate planning, elder law, and closely related practice areas. These services are preparing and filing probate court documents, conducting estate inventories and accountings, distributing assets, appointing appropriate representatives, drafting beneficiary agreements, and terminating trusts. Amy B. Van Fossen founded the office in 2004 and is licensed to practice case management, guardianship, trust administration, VA planning, Medicaid planning, and silver divorce.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Amy Van fossen - Attorney / Owner2 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 (25)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (24)

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
2020 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Ste. 106, Melbourne, FL 32935
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Thomas J. Herbert provides its services to clients in the Palm Bay metro and nearby areas. It offers legal representation and over-the-phone, online, and in-person consultations on matters related to probate and simple wills. It also works on cases that involve landlord-tenant problems, real estate agreements and disputes, and zoning and variance issues. Thomas J. Herbert, the attorney, is a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of Melbourne.

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
4.6 / 5 (10)

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
3003 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Charles Sanford Law Offices, PL is a private practice firm in Vero Beach that provides counseling and representation to clients on probate, real estate, and estate planning concerns. With more than 25 years of experience, its owner, Charles Sanford, is licensed to practice law in Florida and South Carolina. His expertise includes probate and trust administration, asset protection, and guardianship. He has experience in working as a corporate counsel and has advised clients in related areas of law, such as banking and mortgage law, contracts, and business formation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Charles Sanford - Owner/ Principal19 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 (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
1360 S. Patrick Dr., Suite 1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Herbert L. Allen, Jr., P.A., is a private legal practice that caters to individuals and families in Palm Bay and the rest of North, South, and Central Florida. It provides legal assistance for probate court proceedings, including acting as a personal representative. The firm also offers summary administration and formal administration services. In addition, the firm provides legal counsel for matters regarding inheritance rights. Principal attorney Herbert Allen Jr. has been practicing law for more than three decades.

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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1333 Gateway Drive Suite 1024, Melbourne, FL 32901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Living Wills

Why choose this provider?

Heuston Legal is a firm that provides guidance and walk-throughs to Palm Bay individuals and families who need to undergo probate proceedings. Its lawyers deal with testate and intestate probate through various procedures, including formal facilitation, summary administration, and home homestead petition. They provide estate planning solutions, helping clients draft and finalize wills, trusts, powers of attorneys, deeds, and tax plans. Principal Stephen Paul Heuston is a board-certified specialist in wills, trusts, and estates and runs a niche practice where he represents charitable and non-profit organizations in Florida.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephen Heuston - Managing Partner30 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 (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
3825 PGA Blvd., Suite 207, Palm Bay, FL 33410
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Nicole C. Morris, P.A., provides legal services to clients in Palm Bay seeking help with estate and trust administration. Its attorney has over 15 years of experience handling formal and summary probate proceedings. The firm also deals with sensitive disputes, including will and trust contests and breaches of fiduciary duty. Additionally, founding attorney Nicole C. Morris offers estate planning solutions to diverse families, including those that involve same-sex marriages. She is a member of the Palm Beach Estate Planning Council.

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)
Facebook
4.2 / 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
335 S. Plumosa Street Suite E, Merritt Island, FL 32952
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Hedman & Wooten, P.A., customizes estate planning and administration solutions based on the specific needs of its clients in Palm Bay. It represents them in probate litigation involving will contests, improper administration, partition actions, and incompetency claims. In addition, the law firm counsels clients going through the probate process, helping them in petition filing, tax or bill payment, and asset distribution. Firm lawyer Jason Hedman, a master of the Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court, volunteers for Brevard County's legal aid programs.

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 (12)

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
400 E. Merritt Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32953
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Brian W Hurd offers legal services for clients in Palm Bay regarding probate matters. It assists executors in managing and distributing the deceased's assets. It also represents clients at hearings if unable to attend in person, streamlines the paperwork, and interacts by phone or email. In addition, it prepares estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Its lead attorney is a member of Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law 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.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (10)

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
7630 N Wickham Rd #102, Melbourne, FL 32940
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Prentice Law provides legal solutions for Palm Bay clients' probate and trust administration needs. The firm's attorney and staff help owners and shareholders establish a plan for a seamless estate transfer. It helps develop a plan after consultation with employees, co-workers, other shareholders, and family members after goals for the company's future have been identified. Its succession planning includes two components, which are retention and buy-sell retention. Founder Alec K. Prentice serves on the Brevard County Estate Planning Council.

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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
65 E. Nasa Blvd., Suite 106, Palm Bay, FL 32901
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Tom D. Waldron, P.A., Attorneys at Law, offers legal services to clients in Palm Bay and the surrounding communities. It assists clients in all types of probate administration, including summary, ancillary, and formal probate. It also provides trust administration services, such as paying debts and taxes and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. The firm also handles estate planning and guardianships. Its lawyer Tom D. Waldron has been advocating for clients since 1982. He volunteers as legal counsel for Brevard County Shriners.

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.
4.0
Google
3.0 / 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
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Website
304 S. Harbor City Blvd., Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Krasny & Dettmer, P.A., is a law office that caters to clients in and around the Palm Bay metro. It helps individuals and families protect their assets by litigating probate and trust administration cases. It also provides advice and representation in estate and tax planning. The firm's other practice areas are business and real estate law. Dale Dettmer, one of the attorneys, has been practicing law since 1974 and is certified in taxation by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education.

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 (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
140 Interlachen Road, Suite B, Melbourne, FL 32940
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

William A. Johnson, P.A., Attorney, specializes in elderly law, serving clients in Palm Bay. It assists executors in guardianship, probate, and ancillary administration, which involves asset identification, will validation, debt payments, and property distribution. In case of disputes, such as concerns on will validity and misinterpretation, the office offers mediation and litigation solutions to help clients reach a settlement. Medicaid, incapacity, and long-term planning are also provided by the firm. William has over 25 years of legal experience, serving as the vice-chair of the Florida Bar's elder law 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.
4.4
Google
4.6 / 5 (46)
Facebook
3.7 / 5 (10)

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
903 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Trader Legal is a premier law firm that has a dedicated team of estate planning, family law, guardianship and probate lawyers in Palm Bay. The firm's probate practice areas are focused on formal, summary and ancillary administration and disposition of personal property without administration. Their attorneys are also experienced in other areas of the law such as wills and trusts, guardianship for minor children, complex divorce, child support, and civil litigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kimberli Trader - Partner8 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 (39)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (27)

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
881 Barton Blvd Suite 5C, Rockledge, FL 32955
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Serving Palm Bay and the nearby areas, Rhoden Law Group is a collaboration of two local attorneys who share more than 40 years of experience in the legal field. The firm assists clients with probate and estate administration, as well as with appointing guardians and conservators for individuals who are unable to take care of themselves. Conflicts that may arise between representatives and receivers of the decedent's assets are also managed by the firm's legal staff.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kenneth Rhoden - Partner37 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 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
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
1360 S Patrick Dr, Suite 4, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Jessica Silva is an attorney offering legal counsel in estate planning, probate, elder law, and Medicaid planning. The lawyer has handled different types of probate administration, including formal, ancillary, and summary. Before practicing law, Silva worked as a judicial assistant, a real estate agent, and a civil litigation and real estate paralegal. She also has experience in property management. Silva also offers mediation and certified notary signing services to clients in Palm Bay and its surrounding communities.

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 (49)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)
Avvo
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
524 N. Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Tracy A. Cornish, P.A., provides representation and counsel for individuals in the Palm Bay area. Cornish helps clients protect their assets through estate plans. She prepares various documents such as living wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. She also offers title services, which cover residential and commercial property closings and title opinions and searches. Her other practice area is family law. Before pursuing law, Cornish worked as a property manager, mortgage banker, and real estate agent.

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
4.6 / 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
2200 Front Street Suite 301, Melbourne, FL 32901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Frese Whitehead & Anderson, P.A., helps individuals and families in Palm Bay find solutions to challenging estate problems. It handles probate and estate administration matters through services such as will or trust review, ancillary probate, and asset distribution. Its lawyers represent trustees and personal representatives in performing their duties and families in resolving complicated issues during probate. Gary Frese is a Florida Bar board-certified specialist in taxation and real estate and has been in practice since 1978.

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 (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.
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 Palm Bay, Florida?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Palm Bay Police Department is 321-952-3456.

  • What is the probate administration process in Palm Bay and the surrounding areas?

    The probate process in Palm Bay and throughout Florida begins when the will is admitted to the probate court and the personal representative is granted "Letters of Administration." Florida Statute Section 733.101 governs the venue of a probate case. It must be filed in the county of the decedent's residence. Probate concludes when all statutory taxes have been paid, creditors have been settled, and assets have been accounted for and distributed in accordance with the will.

  • Does joint ownership prevent probate in Palm Bay?

    Joint ownership of assets by Palm Bay residents does not prevent probate. It usually just postpones it because, when one owner dies, full ownership does not transfer to the surviving owner without probate. However, if the owner dies without adding a new joint owner or if both owners die at the same time, the asset must be probated before it can be distributed to the heirs.

  • Can a Palm Bay resident avoid probate with a will?

    No, because a will simply tells a probate judge to receive assets and oversee their distribution. Likewise, a person cannot avoid probate by failing to draft a will. The state of Florida steps in through a process called intestate succession. Under this type of succession, the state takes control over assets and the distribution of those assets. Intestate succession may not serve the interests of heirs and beneficiaries.

  • What are the responsibilities of a personal representative in Palm Bay probate administration?

    The personal representative, also referred to as the executor, is in charge of the technical aspects of probate administration. He or she identifies and prepares an inventory of a Palm Bay decedent's property. Part of an executor's job is to notify creditors and publish legal notices. Most Florida courts demand the posting of a surety bond or limited depository account when a personal representative is appointed to dissuade them from acting unlawfully.

  • What is considered a reasonable attorney fee in Palm Bay and throughout Florida?

    Palm Bay adheres to Florida law, which stipulates that a formal administration of an estate must take place when the compensable value of the estate exceeds $40,000 and is not eligible for summary administration. Florida Statutes Section 733.6171(3) requires that legal expenses be reasonable. The court has the power to reduce the fees for the lawyer if the fees are deemed unreasonable.

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