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.
-
Haynes Law Group deserves more than 5 stars. Attorney Haynes took my case when others wouldn't and was reassuring and confident. He was amazing and even impressed the judge! When you need him, he is available. His assistant is also amazing, responsive, and explains everything clearly. Their teamwork truly makes clients' dreams work. 10 stars!Linda F.
-
I would like to express how pleased I am to have chosen Haynes Law Group for my legal needs. I appreciate the responsiveness to my inquiries and the legal guidance during my situation. Thank you for helping me achieve a positive resolution.Veronica
-
Mr Haynes is courteous, informative, professional, and really knows his area of law. He answered all of our questions, and was willing to meet with us whenever needed. He focused his knowledge to help my father obtain a short sale on his property, in a very short period of time. I believe that Mr. Haynes is honest and trustworthy, and that he will accomplish what he says he will do for you.R.Q.
-
The entire team at Haynes Law Group are a pleasure to work. I contacted Ben about an HOA issue which he was ready to take on , but it got resolved before I had to take legal action. We ended up having Haynes Law Group write our will. Their legal knowledge,information are outstanding, but most importantly they connect with their clients on a personal level. Ben and Danny are outstanding attorney's but more important, they are outstanding people. The entire team Ben, Danny and Ashlee are the legal team you want on your side.J.A.
-
On the afternoon that my deceased uncles home was foreclosed and auctioned I received phone calls from people who knew about the mortgage surplus before I did. Calls were from all over the US. Fast talking people telling me I needed to pay them to claim the funds and all the undesirable things that would happen if I did not hire them. After two weeks of trying to go it alone with the courts I found Mr. Haynes. On the first call he was able to weed through and understand the complications of our situation. He told me he was confident he could claim the funds for the heirs. Today we got the news we would receive a check. A great experience with a very sharp man who really knew all the in’s and out’s of Florida foreclosure surplus law and saved us thousands!E.M.
How Can We Help?
-
Stay Up To Date -
View All of Our Practice Areas
-
Our Client Testimonials
