Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Broward County

Handling an estate in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea requires a unique blend of South Florida legal expertise and local coastal insight. Whether the decedent lived in a high-rise condo on El Mar Drive, a single-family home in Bel Air, or a townhome in Terra Mar, the legal transition of assets is a high-stakes process.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with extensive experience, insider judicial insight, and the financial clarity of affordable flat fees. Our mission is to navigate the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida on your behalf, ensuring a smooth transfer of property while you focus on your family.

Why Expert Local Representation Matters in 2026

Broward County is one of the most technologically advanced—yet procedurally rigid—court systems in the United States. As of 2026, the Broward Probate Division operates under strict electronic standards. Without an attorney who understands these “local-local” rules, your case can easily fall into a cycle of “Deficiency Notices” and delays.

• 17th Circuit “Smart Form” Expertise: Broward judges require the use of specific mandatory interactive forms. We use the latest 2026 templates to ensure your petitions are “judge-ready” on the first submission.
• Condo-Specific Challenges: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is defined by its beautiful condominiums. Probating a condo often involves coordinating with local associations and addressing specific Florida Homestead issues that are unique to multi-unit dwellings.
• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the distinct procedural preferences of the Broward bench. This insider insight allows us to predict court timelines accurately and prepare documents that meet the specific expectations of Fort Lauderdale’s probate judges.

Affordable Flat Fees: Transparency in a Difficult Time

We believe that probate shouldn’t be a source of financial stress. While many coastal firms charge a percentage of the estate’s value, we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for nearly all uncontested probate matters. This means you know exactly what your legal costs will be before the case even begins.

• Summary Administration: An expedited process available for estates where the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR the total value of “non-exempt” assets is less than $75,000. Under Florida Statute 735.201, this is often the most efficient path for families.
• Formal Administration: The standard process required for larger estates, those with complex creditor issues, or when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle litigation or medical records as outlined in Florida Probate Rule 5.200.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Broward County Probate Guide.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Families from Anywhere

You do not need to travel to the Broward County Judicial Complex or visit our office in person. Probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

Through our secure digital platform, you can:

1. Meet via Virtual Consultation: Connect with our attorneys from your home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or from across the country.
2. Execute Documents Digitally: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature.
3. Attend Virtual Hearings: We manage all court appearances via the 17th Circuit’s Digital Courtroom, providing you with seamless representation regardless of your location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset for the $75,000 Summary Administration limit? In Florida, “exempt” assets—most notably a protected Florida Homestead—do not count toward the $75,000 limit. This means an estate could include a $2 million home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and still qualify for Summary Administration, provided the other assets (like bank accounts or vehicles) total less than $75,000. You can learn more about asset classification from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet on Probate.

Where do I file the original Will for a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea resident? The original Will must be deposited with the Broward County Clerk of the Court within 10 days of death. The main probate office is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Our firm manages this physical deposit for our clients to ensure the chain of custody is maintained.

What is the “Restricted Depository” requirement in Broward? It is common for Broward judges to require estate funds to be placed in a Restricted Depository under Florida Statute 69.031. This is a specific type of account where funds cannot be withdrawn without a court order. We assist our clients in coordinating with local banks to satisfy this judicial requirement quickly.

Can out-of-state relatives serve as the Personal Representative? Yes. As long as you are a close blood relative (spouse, child, sibling, etc.), you can serve as the Personal Representative for a Broward estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Coastal Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we combine high-level legal strategy with the personal touch your family deserves. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to the residents of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, we are here to ensure your probate case is handled with speed, transparency, and care.