Orlando Probate Attorney
Guiding Florida Families Through Probate with Clarity & Care
At Haynes Law Group, we understand that probate often arises during an emotionally challenging time. Whether you’re a personal representative managing an estate, a family member with questions, or someone facing probate alongside foreclosure concerns, our team is here to make the process more manageable.
Our Orlando-based firm serves clients across Florida. We often assist with probate cases that intersect with real estate, foreclosure, or surplus recovery, areas where we have extensive experience.
Protect your loved one’s legacy and navigate probate with confidence. Call (888) 252-8754 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What to Expect from Haynes Law Group
We approach probate with the same detailed focus we’ve applied to foreclosure and surplus recovery work, giving us practical insight into how court procedures, real estate, and estate matters can intersect.
Attorney Benjamin C. Haynes, who has managed thousands of foreclosure cases, understands the connection between probate and property law. This background helps us address the legal steps with clarity and a grounded, real-world perspective.
From start to finish, we emphasize clear and consistent communication. Probate can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to outline each step so you can better understand your options.
What Is Probate in Florida?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves identifying assets, settling debts, and distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. In Florida, probate is generally required when someone passes away owning assets solely in their name, whether or not they left a will.
Florida generally offers two types of probate:
- Formal Administration – A court-supervised process used for larger estates or when creditors or legal disputes are involved.
- Summary Administration – A quicker option for smaller estates, usually valued under $75,000, or if the person has been deceased for more than two years.
If you’re unsure which type applies to your situation, our team can help assess and explain the appropriate path forward.
How Probate Connects to Foreclosure & Surplus Recovery
Many probate matters involve real estate, and sometimes that property is in foreclosure or tied to surplus funds from a foreclosure sale. We help coordinate these overlapping legal processes to prevent avoidable delays.
Inherited Homes in Foreclosure
If a homeowner passes away during an active foreclosure, probate is often the first step before heirs can address the property. It’s not unusual for families to learn about foreclosure after their loved one’s passing. Because probate and foreclosure can progress at the same time, timely action may help preserve the property’s value. We assist with aligning both processes so heirs can make informed decisions about whether to keep, sell, or settle the property.
Surplus Funds Owed to an Estate
When a foreclosed property in Florida sells for more than what’s owed on the mortgage, liens, and sale costs, the remaining balance, called surplus funds, belongs to the former homeowner or, if deceased, their estate. Florida Statute § 45.032 explains how these funds are distributed. In many cases, probate must be completed before heirs can claim them. We work on both probate and surplus recovery so the rightful beneficiaries can move forward without unnecessary hold-ups.
Who Handles the Probate Process?
In Florida, the court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. This person may be named in the will or, if there is no will, selected by the court, typically a close family member.
Their responsibilities include:
- Locating and submitting the will
- Filing for administration with the probate court
- Notifying known creditors and settling valid debts
- Managing assets and closing accounts
- Distributing the remaining property to rightful beneficiaries
This role carries legal, financial, and administrative duties. Working with an attorney can help address potential issues early and keep the process on track.
Start Your Probate Process with Us
Probate doesn’t have to feel like a maze. Whether you’re the named personal representative or a family member trying to determine the right course of action, we’ll explain the process and help you move forward with a clear plan.
Call (888) 252-8754 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our legal team. Se habla español.
Our Clients Share Their Stories
At Haynes Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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We had given up hope of saving our home from foreclosure when a friend recommended the law firm of Haynes & DePaz. What a blessing. With personal help and encouragement, Mr. Haynes and his staff guided us through the case. They were quick to respond to email messages and phone calls. And best of all - Success! We now have a mortgage we can live within the home where our children were born and grew up. Exactly where we want to be! Haynes & de Paz saved our family home and we are forever grateful!B.G.
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I wish to thank you personally and in behalf of my parents. It was a pleasure meeting you and your friendly staff. The paperwork you prepared was done very professionally and with high standards.B.W.
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I found Haynes Law Group by accident. I had previously been given bad legal advice by another lawyer. I had two weeks before I had to appear in Court when I retained Mr. Haynes and his firm. He assured me, with great confidence, that he would be able to handle all of my legal problems. Through his knowledge, experience, expertise, and driven by his love of law, he took over my foreclosure case. He was able to achieve all that was needed to be done with great professionalism. I would highly recommend Mr. Haynes and his firm as they are brilliant young lawyers with great attention to detail.A.M.
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Benjamin Haynes did an outstanding job for me, through his relentless negotiations and persistence, Ben Haynes was able to obtain a deficiency free judgment for an investment property. Ben Haynes has convinced me he has integrity, honesty, loyalty and commitment to his clients.F.M.
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I approached Attorney Ben Haynes with probably one of the most difficult commercial foreclosure cases of his career. Going into it we both knew it would be an uphill battle against one of most ruthless banks in the industry. In the end, Ben negotiated a short sale that exceeded all my expectations and we were able to walk away from a bank whom had held us financially hostage for over a decade. Now we are finally able to move forward and grow our company to new heights! Thank you to Ben and his team and Haynes & De Paz and I would recommend anyone looking into strategic defense against foreclosure to contact them immediately!M.T.
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