What We Do

What We Do

We provide probate and trust administration services to families who have lost a loved one.  We can also work with legal professionals to provide back office support for their active estate administration practice. 

The Law Offices of  Hoyt & Bryan has the knowledge and expertise to provide outstanding estate administration services, both probate and trust administration. 

Probate Services.  Many people believe probate is a four letter word - something to be avoided at all costs.  In reality, probate is three step process required when a person dies owning assets in their individual name.  If there's a will, it will provide guidance regarding the distribution of assets.  If a person dies without a will - intestate - then the laws of the State of Florida will determine how assets are distributed.  

Probate services typically fall into one of a few categories:  Summary Administration, Formal Administration and Ancillary Administration.  All require the services of a qualified legal professional.  

The three step probate administration process can be simple or complex depending on the nature of the assets owned by the decedent, personal organization and the family dynamic.  The first step includes identifying, gathering and valuing the assets of the estate.  The second step identifies and provides notice to existing or potential creditors of the estate.  The third and final step distributes the remaining estate assets to the beneficiaries.  

A probate administration is done under the supervision of the Probate Court, located in the county where the decedent was a resident.  

Our fees may be calculated on a flat fee, hourly or percentage fee basis depending on the complexity of the administration.  

Trust Administration Services.  The trust administration process is similar to the probate administration process.  The primary difference is a trust administration is private and a probate administration is done under court supervision.  This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the complexity of the estate and the skill set of the named successor trustee.  

We recommend professional guidance to make sure all administration steps are properly conducted and for the purpose of minimizing the potential personal liability of the successor trustee.  

Our fees may be calculated on a flat fee, hourly or percentage fee basis depending on the complexity of the administration.