Guiding Your Family Through Probate
When a loved one passes, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Patrick Smith walks you through every step — calmly and plainly — so your family can focus on what matters most.
You don't need to understand the legal system to get through this. That's what Patrick is here for.
Personal Attention
You'll work directly with Patrick — not a paralegal or a stranger.
What Probate Actually Looks Like
"Probate" sounds intimidating — but it's really just the court-supervised process of settling a loved one's affairs. Here's exactly what happens, step by step. Patrick handles the legal work so your family can focus on each other.
Opening the Estate
Weeks 1–2Filing paperwork with the court to get started
Patrick prepares and files a petition with the local probate court to officially open the estate. This establishes him as your family's legal representative — and takes the first, often confusing step off your plate entirely.
Notifying Creditors & Heirs
Weeks 2–4Letting the right people know the estate is open
Florida law requires that creditors and beneficiaries receive formal notice. Patrick handles all of these notifications — publishing the required legal notice and sending personal notice to heirs — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Inventorying Assets
Weeks 3–8Taking stock of everything the estate owns
Patrick works with your family to identify and value all assets — the home, bank accounts, investments, personal property. For Central Florida retirees, this often includes a homestead, retirement accounts, and sometimes property in multiple states. He knows what to look for.
Paying Valid Debts & Taxes
Weeks 6–16Settling what the estate legitimately owes
Not every bill that arrives is valid. Patrick reviews all creditor claims and ensures only legitimate debts are paid — protecting your family's inheritance. He also handles any tax filings the estate requires.
Accounting to the Court
Month 4–6Showing the court a clear picture of what happened
Florida probate courts require a formal accounting — a detailed record of all assets collected and all payments made. Patrick prepares this document carefully so the court is satisfied and the estate can move toward closing.
Distributing to Beneficiaries & Closing
Month 5–8Getting assets to the right people and wrapping up
Once the court approves everything, Patrick oversees the transfer of remaining assets to your family members exactly as the will directs — or as Florida law provides if there's no will. Then he files the paperwork to formally close the estate.
You won't be navigating this alone.
Every family's situation is a little different — and if you've ever watched a loved one's estate become a source of confusion or conflict, you know how important it is to have someone calm and knowledgeable in your corner. When you work with Patrick, you talk directly with him at every stage — whether your family is in Clermont, Sun City Center, Sarasota, or anywhere across Central Florida. No paralegal handoffs, no guessing. Just clear answers, at your pace.
How Patrick Helps at Every Stage
Whether your family is dealing with a modest estate or a more complex situation with significant assets — Patrick works with Central Florida families of all means, from Clermont to Sun City Center to Sarasota. He'll be honest about what path makes sense for you.
Most EstatesFull Probate Administration
For most Florida estates, this is the standard path. Patrick handles all the moving parts.
"Formal administration" is simply the court-supervised process of settling a loved one's estate. It involves filing paperwork, notifying creditors, and distributing what's left to the family — and Patrick manages it all for you.
- Handles filing, deadlines, and court appearances
- Communicates with creditors on your behalf
- Guides you through asset distribution step by step
- Plain-language updates at every stage — no surprises
Smaller EstatesSimplified Probate for Smaller Estates
A faster, simpler option when the total estate value is modest.
Florida offers a shorter probate path — called "summary administration" — for estates under $75,000 or when a person has been gone more than two years. It moves quicker and costs less. Patrick will tell you honestly whether your family qualifies.
- Faster resolution — weeks instead of months
- Lower cost for modest estates
- Ideal for retirees with straightforward assets
- Patrick personally reviews eligibility — no guesswork
Complex SituationsOut-of-State Property & Special Situations
Property in Florida from a loved one who lived elsewhere — or other unique circumstances.
When someone passes away in another state but owned a Florida home or vacation property, their family needs what's called "ancillary probate" here. Patrick also handles disposition without administration for very small estates — meaning some families can skip formal court entirely.
- Ancillary probate for out-of-state families with Florida property
- Disposition without administration for very small estates
- Coordination with attorneys in other states when needed
- Straightforward advice on which path fits your situation
Not sure which situation applies to you? That's completely normal — most families aren't. Patrick will sit with you, listen to your circumstances, and explain your options in plain English. No pressure, no jargon.
Why Families Choose Patrick
A Familiar Face When You Need One Most
Losing someone you love is hard enough. The last thing your family needs is a complicated legal process handled by a stranger. Patrick Smith has spent his career walking Central Florida families — retirees, pre-retirees, and adult children navigating a parent's estate — through probate with patience, clarity, and genuine care.
He Genuinely Cares
Patrick has spent years getting to know the families, neighborhoods, and retirement communities of Central Florida — from Clermont to Sarasota to Sun City Center. When you sit down with him, he already understands the world you're navigating. This isn't just a case file to him.
You Work With Patrick. Only Patrick.
At many law firms, you meet the attorney once and then get handed off to a paralegal or a rotating associate you've never met. That won't happen here. Every phone call, every question, every step of the probate process — Patrick is your point of contact, start to finish.
Rooted in Central Florida
Patrick's offices are located right in the heart of Florida's retirement communities — Clermont, Sun City Center, and Sarasota. He understands the concerns that are specific to Florida families: homestead property, snowbird situations, out-of-state heirs, and more. You won't need to explain your world to him.
Plain English, Patient Explanations
Probate can feel like a maze of confusing paperwork and legal deadlines. Patrick takes time to walk you through each step in plain, clear language — no intimidating jargon, no rushing. He knows this is one of the hardest seasons your family will face, and he treats it that way.
"Most of my clients aren't looking for a lawyer who impresses them with legal language. They're looking for someone who will sit down with them, listen, and explain exactly what happens next — in plain English. That's what I do."
— Patrick Smith, Attorney
Serving retirees and families in Clermont, Sun City Center, Sarasota, and throughout Central Florida.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Patrick is ready to listen, answer your questions, and guide your family through the probate process — one clear step at a time. No confusing legal language. No faceless law firm. Just Patrick, walking alongside you.
No pressure, no rushing — just a calm, honest conversation at your pace.
You'll speak directly with Patrick, not a paralegal or assistant.
Serving families across Clermont, Sun City Center, Sarasota, and all of Central Florida.
"Losing a loved one is hard enough. My job is to take the legal weight off your shoulders so your family can focus on what truly matters — healing together."
— Patrick Smith, Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney
No obligation. Just a quiet conversation to see how Patrick can help.