Practice Area
Probate Administration & Litigation
Walter J. Mathews, P.A. represents personal representatives, beneficiaries, and interested parties in all aspects of Florida probate — from straightforward estate administration to complex contested proceedings.
Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a decedent's estate — identifying assets, paying valid debts and expenses, and distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs. In Florida, probate proceedings are governed by the Florida Probate Code and typically fall into two primary tracks: formal administration (the standard process for most estates) and summary administration (a streamlined option for smaller estates or where the decedent has been deceased for more than two years).
Whether you are administering an estate or facing a dispute, probate proceedings carry legal and financial consequences that require informed guidance.
Core Services
Probate services we provide
Estate Administration
- · Guidance for personal representatives (executors)
- · Preparation and filing of probate petitions and required court documents
- · Asset identification, valuation, and marshaling
- · Creditor notice and claims resolution
- · Distribution of estate assets
Summary Administration
- · Streamlined probate for qualifying estates
- · Petition preparation and court filings
- · Efficient resolution and distribution
Ancillary Probate
- · Administration of Florida property for non-resident decedents
- · Coordination with out-of-state proceedings
Probate Litigation & Disputes
- · Will contests (undue influence, lack of capacity, improper execution)
- · Breach of fiduciary duty by a personal representative
- · Disputes among beneficiaries or heirs
- · Creditor claim challenges
- · Asset ownership disputes
Our Approach
How we handle probate matters
Efficient administration and compliance with court requirements
Clear communication with fiduciaries and beneficiaries
Early identification and resolution of disputes
Strategic litigation when necessary to protect client interests
What You Should Know
Common questions
Is probate always required?
Not always. Certain assets — such as those held in trust, jointly owned property, or accounts with designated beneficiaries — may pass outside of probate.
How long does probate take?
Timing varies depending on the complexity of the estate, creditor issues, and whether disputes arise. Many formal administrations take several months to over a year.
What are the responsibilities of a personal representative?
A personal representative has fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, including proper management, accounting, and distribution of assets.
Ready to discuss your probate matter?
Mr. Mathews personally reviews every inquiry.