{"id":5941,"date":"2023-06-20T13:09:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T13:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/?page_id=5941"},"modified":"2023-08-17T12:05:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T12:05:36","slug":"how-to-avoid-probate-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/west-palm-beach-estate-planning-attorney\/how-to-avoid-probate-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Avoid Probate in Florida: A Guide to Protecting Your Estate"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"5941\" class=\"elementor elementor-5941\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2f739f01 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"2f739f01\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;background_motion_fx_motion_fx_mouse&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_motion_fx_mouseTrack_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInDown&quot;,&quot;background_motion_fx_mouseTrack_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:1,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-425a4a87\" data-id=\"425a4a87\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-79e42993 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"79e42993\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-18a69acd\" data-id=\"18a69acd\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53504050 animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"53504050\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInLeft&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How To Avoid Probate in Florida: A Guide to Protecting Your Estate<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6c648b1b Services-Details elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6c648b1b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7dddd9da\" data-id=\"7dddd9da\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-65139a09 elementor-reverse-tablet elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"65139a09\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-wider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-30ef7d2d\" data-id=\"30ef7d2d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6369a8a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"6369a8a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<p>The question of avoiding probate in Florida is crucial in estate planning. Probate is a legal process that involves administering a person's estate after their passing. It can be time-consuming, costly, and may lack privacy.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to bypass probate and ensure a smoother transfer of assets to your loved ones. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to avoid probate in Florida, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips. Let's dive in!<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7218089a elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"7218089a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\nbody.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"first\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7caee99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"7caee99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does an estate go into probate in the first place?<\/h4>\n<p>Before we answer the question of avoiding probate in Florida, let us consider why an estate goes into probate in the first place. Florida law requires an estate to go into probate to ensure the proper administration and distribution of assets after someone passes away.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ff26f09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3ff26f09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/avoid-probate-in-florida.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-6062\" alt=\"avoid probate in florida\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/avoid-probate-in-florida.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/avoid-probate-in-florida-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/avoid-probate-in-florida-768x380.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-635e089 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"635e089\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<p>The process is typically supervised by the probate court to authenticate the deceased person's will (if there is one) and validate its legality. If there is no will, the court oversees the distribution of assets according to the state's laws of intestacy. Probate serves several important purposes, including the few mentioned below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Validating the Will:<\/strong> The court's involvement in probate ensures that the deceased person's will is genuine and legally binding. It provides an opportunity for interested parties to contest the validity of the will if they have concerns or believe there was undue influence or fraud involved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Identifying and Valuing Assets:<\/strong> The probate process helps identify and take inventory of the deceased person's assets, including real estate, bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement accounts, investments, personal belongings, and more. This step ensures that all assets are properly accounted for and evaluated.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Resolving Debts and Taxes:<\/strong> During probate, creditors have an opportunity to make claims against the estate to collect any outstanding debts owed by the deceased person. The court oversees the payment of valid debts and ensures that taxes, such as estate taxes and income taxes, are properly addressed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distributing Assets:<\/strong> Once all debts, taxes, and expenses have been settled, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the instructions in the will or the state's laws of intestacy. The probate court ensures a fair and orderly distribution, overseeing the process and resolving any disputes that may arise over the probate estate.<\/p>\n<p>However, while these purposes are undoubtedly vital, the process can be time-consuming and costly, and many people prefer to avoid it to minimize expenses, maintain privacy, and expedite the distribution of assets.<\/p>\n<p>By employing the various estate planning strategies we discuss below, you can effectively bypass or reduce the need for probate and provide a smoother transition for your loved ones.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-435c0fe6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"435c0fe6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"second\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd6ff1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"fd6ff1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoiding Probate in Florida<\/h4>\n<p>The following estate planning strategies can help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nolo.com\/legal-encyclopedia\/florida-avoiding-probate-32070.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">avoid probate in Florida<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Establish a Revocable Living Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A revocable living trust allows you to transfer your assets into the trust during your lifetime and designate beneficiaries who will receive those assets upon your passing. By doing so, these assets bypass probate and are distributed according to the terms of the trust. It provides privacy, avoids the need for court involvement, and facilitates a smoother transfer of assets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Designate Beneficiary Designations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Another method to avoid probate in Florida is by designating beneficiaries for certain assets. For example, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts allow you to name specific beneficiaries.<\/p>\n<p>These assets will transfer directly to the designated beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing the probate process. It's crucial to review and update these beneficiary designations periodically to ensure they continue to align with your wishes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Joint Ownership with Rights of Survivorship<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Joint ownership with rights of survivorship is a common strategy to avoid probate. By holding property or assets jointly with another person, such as a spouse or family member, the ownership automatically transfers to the surviving joint owner upon your passing.<\/p>\n<p>This method ensures a seamless transfer of ownership without the need for probate. However, it's essential to carefully consider the implications and potential risks associated with this strategy, and an expert estate planning attorney can educate you about these.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Utilize Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Deeds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Florida, you can use transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds to transfer real estate directly to designated beneficiaries upon your death. By executing a TOD deed, you retain ownership of the property during your lifetime, and upon your passing, all property owned automatically transfers to the named beneficiaries without the need for probate.<\/p>\n<p>TOD deeds are a convenient and efficient way to avoid probate in Florida for real property owned and estate assets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Make Lifetime Gifts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>By gifting assets to your intended beneficiaries during your lifetime, you can reduce the size of your estate and potentially minimize the probate process.<\/p>\n<p>However, it's crucial to consider the potential tax implications and consult with an experienced estate planning attorney before making significant lifetime gifts.<\/p>\n<p>Have retirement accounts<\/p>\n<p>Retirement accounts in Florida can bypass probate by designating beneficiaries. By naming beneficiaries and utilizing features like Transfer-on-Death designations, the assets can pass directly to the designated recipients without going through probate. Keeping beneficiary designations updated is crucial. Seek guidance from an estate planning attorney to ensure proper incorporation into your overall plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Utilize an enhanced life estate deed<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An Enhanced Life Estate Deed, also known as a Lady Bird Deed, can help avoid probate in Florida. It allows you to retain control of the property during your lifetime and automatically transfers ownership to designated beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing probate. This saves time, money, and potential complications.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plan with Small Estate Administration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Florida, if the total value of your estate is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for a simplified probate process called small estate administration. This streamlined procedure allows for a faster and less costly settlement of the estate.<\/p>\n<p>To qualify, the value of the probate assets must be $75,000 or less, and there should be no outstanding debts or unpaid taxes. Consulting with an estate planning attorney can help you determine if small estate administration is a suitable option for you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider the Homestead Exemption<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Probate proceedings typically involve only assets that are subject to creditor claims. The homestead exemption is a provision in Florida law that provides protection for your primary residence from certain creditors and may offer additional benefits in estate planning. Because the Florida homestead is exempt from creditors, it is not part of the probate estate.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the homestead property may be eligible for an automatic transfer to your surviving spouse or designated heirs upon your passing, bypassing the probate court. However, it is crucial to understand the rules and limitations of the homestead exemption, and how it can work best for you in your estate planning strategy.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16450c67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"16450c67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"third\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bde3e13 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"bde3e13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consult with our expert estate planning attorneys at James Brown Law on how to avoid probate in Florida<\/h4>\n<p>Avoiding probate in Florida is a goal many individuals strive to achieve in their estate planning. By employing various strategies such as establishing a revocable living trust, utilizing beneficiary designations, joint ownership, TOD deeds, making lifetime gifts, considering small estate administration, and understanding the benefits of the homestead exemption, you can protect your assets, streamline the transfer process, and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.<\/p>\n<p>While estate planning is a complex matter, <a href=\"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/west-palm-beach-estate-planning-attorney\/\">our experienced estate planning attorneys<\/a> at James Brown Law can guide you through the process and help you create a comprehensive plan that aligns with your goals and objectives. Start taking proactive steps today to safeguard your estate and ensure a smooth transition for your beneficiaries in the future.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2bb6a463\" data-id=\"2bb6a463\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4effa96d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4effa96d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Table of Contents<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-397adb3d elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"397adb3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:\"\";border-block-end:0;flex-grow:1;border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-start:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-end:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-447c42b0 table-of-content elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"447c42b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor\/assets\/css\/widget-icon-list.min.css\">\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#first\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-check-circle\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Why Does an Estate Go Into Probate?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#second\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-check-circle\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Avoiding Probate<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/contact\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-phone-square-alt\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Schedule a Free Case Evaluation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4259e5d4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4259e5d4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-39fc581d\" data-id=\"39fc581d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-9d09763 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9d09763\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f06068\" data-id=\"3f06068\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09ad505 home-form elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-3478 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"09ad505\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.domLoaded&&gform.scriptsLoaded?o():!gform.domLoaded&&gform.scriptsLoaded?window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",o):document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",o)},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,n,r,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,n,r,t)},addFilter:function(o,n,r,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,n,r,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,n){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,n)},removeFilter:function(o,n,r){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,n,r)},addHook:function(o,n,r,t,i){null==gform.hooks[o][n]&&(gform.hooks[o][n]=[]);var e=gform.hooks[o][n];null==i&&(i=n+\"_\"+e.length),gform.hooks[o][n].push({tag:i,callable:r,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(n,o,r){var t;if(r=Array.prototype.slice.call(r,1),null!=gform.hooks[n][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[n][o]).sort(function(o,n){return o.priority-n.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==n?t.apply(null,r):r[0]=t.apply(null,r)})),\"filter\"==n)return r[0]},removeHook:function(o,n,t,i){var r;null!=gform.hooks[o][n]&&(r=(r=gform.hooks[o][n]).filter(function(o,n,r){return!!(null!=i&&i!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][n]=r)}});<\/script>\n                <div class='gf_browser_chrome gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_1' >\n                        <div class='gform_heading'>\n                            <h2 class=\"gform_title\">Free Case Evaluation<\/h2>\n                            <p class='gform_description'>Get your free, Immediate case evaluation<\/p>\n                        <\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data'  id='gform_1'  action='\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5941' data-formid='1' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_1' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id=\"field_1_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-name gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_hidden_label gfield--no-description field_description_below hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  data-js-reload=\"field_1_4\" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex' >Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/legend><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container ginput_container--name no_prefix has_first_name no_middle_name has_last_name no_suffix gf_name_has_2 ginput_container_name gform-grid-row' id='input_1_4'>\n                            \n                            <span id='input_1_4_3_container' class='name_first gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto' >\n                                                    <input type='text' name='input_4.3' id='input_1_4_3' value=''   aria-required='true'   placeholder='First Name'  \/>\n                                                    <label for='input_1_4_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub hidden_sub_label screen-reader-text'>First<\/label>\n                                                <\/span>\n                            \n                            <span id='input_1_4_6_container' class='name_last gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto' >\n                                                    <input type='text' name='input_4.6' id='input_1_4_6' value=''   aria-required='true'   placeholder='Last Name'  \/>\n                                                    <label for='input_1_4_6' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub hidden_sub_label screen-reader-text'>Last<\/label>\n                                                <\/span>\n                            \n                        <\/div><\/fieldset><div id=\"field_1_6\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  data-js-reload=\"field_1_6\" ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_6'>Email<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_6' id='input_1_6' type='email' value='' class='large'   placeholder='Email' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_7\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  data-js-reload=\"field_1_7\" ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_7'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_7' id='input_1_7' type='tel' value='' class='large'  placeholder='Mobile Number' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_11\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  data-js-reload=\"field_1_11\" ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_11'>Untitled<\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_11' id='input_1_11' class='textarea small'    placeholder='Tell us about your case'  aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--width-full gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  data-js-reload=\"field_1_13\" >By submitting you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy. <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform_footer top_label'> <input type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_1' class='gform_button button gform-button--width-full' value='Schedule Consultation'  onclick='if(window[\"gf_submitting_1\"]){return false;}  if( !jQuery(\"#gform_1\")[0].checkValidity || jQuery(\"#gform_1\")[0].checkValidity()){window[\"gf_submitting_1\"]=true;}  ' onkeypress='if( event.keyCode == 13 ){ if(window[\"gf_submitting_1\"]){return false;} if( !jQuery(\"#gform_1\")[0].checkValidity || jQuery(\"#gform_1\")[0].checkValidity()){window[\"gf_submitting_1\"]=true;}  jQuery(\"#gform_1\").trigger(\"submit\",[true]); }' \/> \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_1' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='1' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_1' value='WyJbXSIsImU3NzczOWFiOTA2MDNmOGRjYTk0NTkzMGQ0ZjdjMjE3Il0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_1' id='gform_target_page_number_1' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_1' id='gform_source_page_number_1' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"ct_checkjs_2838023a778dfaecdc212708f721b788\" name=\"ct_checkjs\" value=\"0\" \/><script >setTimeout(function(){var ct_input_name = \"ct_checkjs_2838023a778dfaecdc212708f721b788\";if (document.getElementById(ct_input_name) !== null) {var ct_input_value = document.getElementById(ct_input_name).value;document.getElementById(ct_input_name).value = document.getElementById(ct_input_name).value.replace(ct_input_value, '2091164962');}}, 1000);<\/script><label class=\"apbct_special_field\" id=\"apbct_label_id82162\" for=\"apbct__email_id__gravity_form_82162\">82162<\/label><input \n        id=\"apbct__email_id__gravity_form_82162\" \n        class=\"apbct_special_field apbct__email_id__gravity_form\"\n        autocomplete=\"off\" \n        name=\"apbct__email_id__gravity_form_82162\"  \n        type=\"text\" \n        value=\"82162\" \n        size=\"30\" \n        apbct_event_id=\"82162\"\n        maxlength=\"200\" \n    \/><input \n        id=\"apbct_event_id\"\n        class=\"apbct_special_field\"\n        name=\"apbct_event_id\"\n        type=\"hidden\" \n        value=\"82162\" \n            \/><\/form>\n                        <\/div><script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_1').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_1');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_1').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/  }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_1').val();gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [1, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}setTimeout(function(){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [1]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_1').text());}, 50);}else{jQuery('#gform_1').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"1\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);                if (event.defaultPrevented) {                return;         }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_1\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_1\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_1\" );        let postRenderFired = false;                function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            jQuery( document ).trigger( 'gform_post_render', [1, current_page] );            gform.utils.trigger( { event: 'gform\/postRender', native: false, data: { formId: 1, currentPage: current_page } } );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-923f737 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile\" data-id=\"923f737\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7594704 right-side-white-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7594704\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">GET STARTED<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-212e058 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"212e058\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Free<br>Case Evaluation<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce462bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce462bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\tDon\u2019t go into your transaction in the dark; take advantage of our free case evaluation to speak to an experienced attorney about your needs.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6df53e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e6df53e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Call or text us at 561-933-4415 to schedule your free case evaluation.<\/h5>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The question of avoiding probate in Florida is crucial in estate planning. Probate is a legal process that involves administering a person&#8217;s estate after their passing. It can be time-consuming, costly, and may lack privacy. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to bypass probate and ensure a smoother transfer of assets to your loved [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":4905,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5941"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5941"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6595,"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5941\/revisions\/6595"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamesbrownlaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}