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Best Probate Lawyers in Palm Bay, FL

Our Recommended Top 17

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

41Reviewed

31Curated

17Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

211 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (35)
FindLaw
5.0 (24)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Amy Van fossen - Attorney / Owneractive3 yrs

1751 Sarno Rd, Suite 2, Melbourne, FL 32935

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (26)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

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.

  • Estate Planning

2111 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (27)
Facebook
4.3 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

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.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Jacoby - Principal /FounderActive35 yrs

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)

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.

  • Wills

400 E. Merritt Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (12)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

3825 PGA Blvd., Suite 207, Palm Bay, FL 33410

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (31)
Facebook
4.2 (5)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

881 Barton Blvd Suite 5C, Rockledge, FL 32955

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (21)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

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.

  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kenneth Rhoden - PartnerActive38 yrs

1360 S. Patrick Dr., Suite 1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

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.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

524 N. Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (9)

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.

  • Estate Planning

7630 N Wickham Rd #102, Melbourne, FL 32940

Expertise.com Rating

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.

  • Estate Planning

903 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (39)
Facebook
5.0 (27)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kimberli Trader - PartnerActive9 yrs

65 E. Nasa Blvd., Suite 106, Palm Bay, FL 32901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

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.

  • Estate Planning

140 Interlachen Road, Suite B, Melbourne, FL 32940

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (46)
Facebook
3.7 (10)

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.

  • Estate Planning

1360 S Patrick Dr, Suite 4, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (49)
Facebook
5.0 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

1333 Gateway Drive Suite 1024, Melbourne, FL 32901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stephen Heuston - Managing PartnerActive31 yrs

304 S. Harbor City Blvd., Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (9)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

3003 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (5)

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.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Charles Sanford - Owner/ PrincipalActive20 yrs

Compare our Top Probate Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Law Office of Amy B. Van Fossen, P.A.
211 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
Rhodes Law, P.A.
1751 Sarno Rd, Suite 2, Melbourne, FL 32935
David H. Jacoby Elder Law Advocate, P. A.
2111 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904
Law Offices of Thomas J. Herbert
2020 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Ste. 106, Melbourne, FL 32935
The Law Office of Brian W Hurd
400 E. Merritt Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32953
The Law Office of Nicole C. Morris, P.A.
3825 PGA Blvd., Suite 207, Palm Bay, FL 33410
Rhoden Law Group
881 Barton Blvd Suite 5C, Rockledge, FL 32955
Herbert L. Allen, Jr., P.A.
1360 S. Patrick Dr., Suite 1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Law Office of Tracy A. Cornish, P.A.
524 N. Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935
Prentice Law
7630 N Wickham Rd #102, Melbourne, FL 32940
Trader Legal
903 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
Tom D. Waldron, P.A. Attorneys at Law
65 E. Nasa Blvd., Suite 106, Palm Bay, FL 32901
William A. Johnson, P.A. Attorney at Law
140 Interlachen Road, Suite B, Melbourne, FL 32940
Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva
1360 S Patrick Dr, Suite 4, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Heuston Legal
1333 Gateway Drive Suite 1024, Melbourne, FL 32901
Krasny & Dettmer, P.A.
304 S. Harbor City Blvd., Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
Charles Sanford Law Offices, P.L.
3003 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • 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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