Probate & Trust Administration

When clients come to Bauer & Associates after the death of a family member, we offer legal counsel and representation to individuals and families in Florida, in probate and probate litigation, will and trust contests, and trust administration matters. The firm welcomes out-of-state inquiries from persons with probate needs in Florida.

We provide compassionate, experienced representation for people who are in need of probate and trust services for their loved ones.

Probate Services

Probate

The probate process is a judicial process where typically a personal representative is appointed to locate the decedent's assets, pay lawful debts and distribute assets to heirs/beneficiaries. The process is started by the filing of a legal action and is monitored by the court to assure that the decedent’s wishes are followed.
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Personal Representative

Bauer & Associates regularly represents the personal representative appointed by the court who is responsible for locating the decedent's assets, determining all of the decedent's lawful debts, satisfying any claims against the estate, and distributing the estates assets according to the terms of the decedent's will or law. The Personal Representative often must be bonded and accounts to the court for his or her actions.
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Will and Probate Disputes

The attorneys at Bauer & Associates represent beneficiaries, claimants, and personal representatives in will and probate disputes. Such actions often determine a decedent's wishes, what is to happen to claims, disputes over the handling of assets, and where assets are distributed.

Trust Administration Services

Trust Administration

In addition to probate, we also assist clients with trust administration. When a person passes away and a trust is in place, the successor trustee must manage and distribute trust assets according to the terms of the trust. This process often involves gathering and valuing assets, notifying beneficiaries, paying valid debts or taxes, and ensuring the trust’s instructions are carried out correctly.

Trust Disputes

The attorneys at Bauer & Associates represent both beneficiaries and trustees in trust disputes. These actions may involve litigation to determine beneficiaries, identify assets, resolve distribution issues, remove trustees, and recover improper distributions, theft, or maladministration.