Large Probate Estate Services

High net worth probate Florida involves more than just filing forms with the court. Large estates need clear strategy, strong coordination, and steady guidance. Our focus is on large probate estates with significant real estate, investment portfolios, and business interests, often starting around $10 million in probate assets and rising from there.

For these estates, formal probate administration in Florida is the rule, not the exception. Personal representatives need court authority, a structured plan, and a team that understands both the legal process and the financial stakes.

Probate for large estates can be complex and time-sensitive, requiring careful management of legal and financial responsibilities.

SJF Law Group specializes in navigating the intricacies of probate to ensure that high-value estates are administered efficiently and in compliance with all legal requirements.

We work closely with families and executors to minimize delays, manage assets, and resolve obligations, ensuring the estate is closed smoothly.

Request a Confidential Consultation about your large estate probate in Florida so you feel informed and supported from the start.

Administering a large probate estate is complex, especially when it involves millions in assets, multiple properties, and significant tax considerations. Whether the estate is valued at $10 million, $20 million, $30 million, or even $50 million, our experienced legal team has the knowledge and financial insight to guide you through every step with confidence.

Whether you face a $10 million estate probate Florida or a much larger estate spread across homes, investments, and business interests, you need clear direction. A missed deadline, poor valuation, or rushed decision can create disputes and financial loss for the estate.

Our Large Probate Estate Services are designed for:

• Executors or personal representatives managing estates worth $10M+
• Surviving spouses, adult children or even siblings of high-net-worth individuals
• Families who own multiple properties across Florida or out-of-state
• Individuals seeking guidance on complex estate tax filings or audits

At SJF Law Group, we help families in Parkland, Southwest Ranches, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and surrounding South Florida communities navigate probate for estates valued at $10 million and above with confidence and precision.

We combine advanced tax expertise with the personalized attention of a boutique law firm to help executors, trustees, and beneficiaries efficiently administer estates while protecting estate value and minimizing tax exposure.

High net worth probate Florida often overlaps with family business planning, real estate management, and long-term investment strategy. We coordinate with financial advisors and family offices so decisions in probate match the bigger picture for your family.

Request a Confidential Consultation to review your specific large estate probate questions and outline a plan.

For this service, “large” refers to a probate estate starting around $10 million in assets that pass through the court process, with no upper limit. Many of the matters we see include:

1. Multiple Florida properties, sometimes in several counties.
2. Out-of-state or international real estate.
3. Large brokerage and retirement accounts.
4. Ownership interests in closely held businesses or professional practices.
5. Existing trusts and entities that must coordinate with the probate estate.

A $10 million Florida probate estate often sits near the federal estate tax threshold once lifetime gifts and trust assets enter the picture. Florida does not impose a state estate or inheritance tax, even on high net worth estates, yet federal rules still matter as well as rules in other states when assets sit outside Florida.

Our team focuses on high net worth probate Florida where estate size, structure, and tax exposure raise the stakes for the personal representative and the family.

Large estates bring a different level of complexity. Short, simple probate checklists do not reflect what personal representatives face when estate value rises into eight or nine figures. Common challenges include:

1. Asset complexity
   Large estates often hold Florida homes, out-of-state real estate, commercial property, operating businesses, private equity, retirement accounts, alternative investments, and valuable personal property. Each category needs documentation, valuation, and separate handling.
2. Multi-state and international issues
   Ownership of real estate or entities outside Florida often triggers ancillary probate in other states or coordination with foreign counsel. Titles, tax rules, and timelines differ, and those differences affect when you close the Florida estate.
3. Tax exposure
   For high net worth families, federal estate tax, income tax on certain assets, and, in some cases, tax rules from other states require careful planning. Decisions about liquidity, sales, and timing need to factor in the tax impact.
4. Valuation and liquidity
   Business interests and income-producing properties need credible valuations for both the court and federal tax authorities. Families often face a liquidity problem where wealth sits in illiquid assets, yet taxes, creditor claims, or equalization among heirs require cash.
5. Disputes and fiduciary risk
   Larger estates often involve more beneficiaries and higher expectations. That increases the risk of conflict over capacity, undue influence, or the meaning of a will or trust. Personal representatives carry significant fiduciary risk, especially when beneficiaries second-guess decisions.

These issues turn large probate into complex estate administration in Florida. Our role is to help you anticipate and handle these challenges so the process remains organized and steady.

The overall steps for a large estate mirror the Florida probate process for any formal administration, yet each stage involves more documents, more decisions, and more coordination. A clear process helps:

1. Initial evaluation
   The first step is a detailed review of the will, any codicils, and any existing trusts. We separate probate assets from non-probate assets and flag high-risk issues such as family disputes, liquidity problems, or urgent business needs.
2. Filing and Letters of Administration
   We prepare and file the probate petition in the correct Florida county. Once the court appoints the personal representative and issues Letters of Administration, the representative has authority to act for the estate, open accounts, and work with financial institutions.
3. Notice and creditor period
   The estate must identify known creditors, send required notices, and publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. A statutory creditor period applies. Large estates often draw closer review from creditors, which means careful tracking of claims and responses.
4. Asset inventory and valuation
   The personal representative must prepare an inventory of estate assets. For a large estate this step includes appraisals or valuations for real estate, closely held companies, professional practices, luxury items, and significant investment accounts.
5. Debt and tax resolution
   Valid creditor claims require payment or negotiated resolution. For high net worth probate Florida, this stage also includes income tax returns, estate tax filings when required, and careful coordination with accountants.
6. Distribution and closing
   When debts and taxes are resolved, the estate prepares a final accounting, seeks any necessary court approvals, and carries out distributions under the will or Florida law. Only then does the court permit closing of the estate.

We design our large estate probate process to move each stage forward with as little downtime as possible, while still protecting the personal representative from errors and oversights.

Families often ask how long formal probate takes once they see the size of the estate. Many formal probate matters in Florida fall in a range of roughly six to twelve months. Large or contested estates often extend beyond that range, sometimes closer to eighteen to twenty-four months.

Several factors affect timing for complex estate administration Florida:

1. Asset structure
   Estates with operating businesses, multiple properties, or hard-to-value holdings take longer to inventory and value.
2. Disputes
   Will contests, objections to accountings, or disagreements over distributions slow the case and increase court involvement.
3. Creditor and tax issues
   Late claims, audits, or questions from federal or state tax authorities extend the timeline.
4. Information gaps
   Missing account statements, poor recordkeeping, or unclear documents lead to repeated requests and delays.

Our team focuses on organization from day one. We gather documents early, engage appraisers and other professionals promptly, and track deadlines so the estate moves forward as quickly as Florida rules allow. Privacy and speed are priorities throughout the representation.

Probate is a court process. Many documents sit in a public record, including the will and some financial information. For high net worth families, that raises privacy concerns.

SJF Law Group takes several steps to protect privacy where the law allows:

1. Careful document drafting and filing so required information is present and unnecessary detail stays out of the public record.
2. Use of trusts, entities, and beneficiary designations during life, when possible, to keep selected assets outside probate.
3. Secure handling of financial documents, including bank records, business information, and personal identifiers.
4. Clear communication with family members so everyone understands which information remains private and which information becomes public.

Our high net worth probate Florida practice treats financial and family information with a high level of discretion so sensitive details stay as contained as the law allows. Request a Confidential Consultation if privacy sits near the top of your concerns.

Large estates raise important tax questions for personal representatives and beneficiaries. A short overview helps set expectations:

1. Florida estate and inheritance tax
   Florida does not impose a state estate or inheritance tax, even when the estate holds many millions in assets.
2. Federal estate tax
   Federal estate tax rules still apply. The federal estate and gift tax exemption sits in the multi-million dollar range per person and adjusts over time. Estates above that range face federal estate tax exposure once lifetime gifts and certain trust assets enter the calculation.
3. Income tax and other taxes
   Final personal income tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns for the estate, and tax rules for retirement accounts all play a role. Property in other states or countries may bring separate tax regimes into the picture.

Our complex Florida estate administration work includes close coordination with CPAs and valuation professionals. We address federal estate tax exposure, elections for married couples, prior lifetime gifts, and required filings so compliance steps support the broader estate goals.

Large estates often stretch beyond Florida borders. A Florida resident might own a vacation home in another state, rental property in a different country, or interests in entities formed under other laws.

Those assets often require one or more of these steps:

1. Ancillary probate in other states for real estate or other registered property.
2. Coordination with out-of-state probate counsel.
3. Review of foreign law when the estate holds overseas assets.
4. Careful sequencing of sales or transfers so the Florida and non-Florida proceedings move in step.

Our team guides personal representatives through multi-state and international issues, keeping the Florida court informed while out-of-state or foreign counsel handle local requirements.

From inventorying assets to settling debts and distributing inheritances, our team offers tailored services to navigate every legal, financial, and administrative detail of large estates.

Services include:

• Estate Administration: Managing the legal and administrative tasks necessary to settle the estate and ensure compliance with probate laws.
• Asset Inventory and Valuation: Compiling a detailed list of the estate’s assets and overseeing appraisals for high-value items, such as real estate, businesses, and investments.
• Creditor Notification and Claims Management: Ensuring creditors are properly notified, resolving valid claims, and protecting the estate from unnecessary liabilities.
• Debt and Tax Resolution: Settling outstanding debts, managing estate and income taxes, and addressing other financial obligations to protect the estate’s value.
• Asset Distribution: Overseeing the proper distribution of assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the decedent’s will or state law.
• Coordination with Financial Professionals: Working with accountants, banks, and other professionals to facilitate seamless account transfers and fund management.

For large probate estates, these services expand even further. We coordinate valuations for operating businesses, professional practices, private equity holdings, and high value real estate portfolios. We assist with business succession and continuity so operations continue while probate proceeds. We also coordinate ancillary probate where out-of-state real estate or other assets require local court proceedings.

Our large estate probate practice focuses on complex estate administration in Florida, including multiple entities, layered investment structures, and existing trusts that sit alongside the probate estate.

When it comes to large probate estates, experience and expertise matter. SJF Law Group specializes in high-value estates, offering personalized guidance and proven strategies to minimize delays and protect estate assets.

• Extensive experience in managing large and complex estates through the probate process.
• In-depth knowledge of probate, trust, and tax laws, ensuring efficient and accurate administration.
• Personalized support to executors and families navigating sensitive situations.
  Transparent communication to keep you informed every step of the way.
• A proven ability to reduce delays and streamline the process for faster resolutions.

Executors managing large estates bear significant responsibilities and potential liabilities. Our team provides the professional guidance needed to fulfill these duties effectively while reducing stress and ensuring the estate’s value is preserved.

We work frequently with high net worth families and personal representatives for estates in the eight-figure and nine-figure range. Our work often overlaps with high net worth estate planning in Florida, and we encourage clients to coordinate large estate probate with any ongoing estate planning for surviving spouses or beneficiaries.

If you need a Florida probate attorney who understands the demands of large estates, request a Confidential Consultation and speak with our team about your specific situation.

Handling large estates involves unique challenges and complexities that go beyond the scope of regular probate. Here’s what makes large probate estate different and what it requires:

• Complex Asset Portfolios: Large estates often include diverse assets like real estate, businesses, luxury items, and investments, all requiring detailed valuation, management, and documentation.
• Higher Tax Implications: Estate and inheritance taxes play a more significant role, demanding advanced strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance.
• Multiple Beneficiaries: Large estates frequently involve numerous heirs, requiring careful management of beneficiary communications, asset divisions, and potential disputes.
• Business Interests: Estates with business ownership require succession planning, operational continuity, or liquidation, adding layers of complexity.
• Specialized Financial Accounts: Trusts, offshore accounts, and other unique financial structures demand coordination with financial institutions and advisors.
• Increased Scrutiny from Courts and Creditors: Large estates often face heightened oversight, requiring meticulous documentation and legal representation to avoid delays and challenges.
• Higher Stakes for Executors: Executors managing large estates take on significant responsibilities and potential liabilities, necessitating professional guidance and support to fulfill their duties effectively.

SJF Law Group specializes in addressing these challenges, ensuring the process is handled with precision and care.

Probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. SJF Law Group provides experienced and compassionate guidance through every stage of the process, ensuring that large estates are managed effectively and according to the decedent’s wishes.

You focus on caring for family members and making key decisions. We handle court filings, deadlines, valuations, and communication with creditors and beneficiaries. Our systems and checklists for large estates keep the process organized and efficient.

By handling the legal and administrative complexities, we bring peace of mind to executors and families during a challenging time. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your large probate estate needs and to Request a Confidential Consultation about your large estate probate in Florida.

• Samantha Fitzgerald
• Lauren Burns

Large probate estates often involve high-value assets, strict court oversight, and tight deadlines. Location matters. Each Florida probate court follows statewide rules, but local procedures and timelines can differ. Working with counsel familiar with the local court helps reduce delays and avoid costly mistakes.

If your case involves property, business interests, or beneficiaries in a specific city, review the probate options available in that area:

• Learn About Probate Options for a Large Probate Estate in Palm Beach
• Learn About Probate Options for a Large Probate Estate in Miami
• Explore Legal Guidance for a Large Probate Estate in Fort Lauderdale

Question 1: What counts as a “large” estate for probate in Florida?
Answer: For this page, a large estate means a probate estate starting around $10 million in total assets, often with multiple properties, investments, or business interests.

Question 2: Do you need probate for a $10 million estate in Florida?
Answer: A $10 million estate almost always proceeds through formal probate administration in Florida unless assets were moved into trusts or other non-probate structures before death. Formal probate administration gives the personal representative authority to manage assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate under court supervision.

Question 3: What is the difference between regular probate and large estate probate in Florida?
Answer: Regular probate might involve a home, a few accounts, and basic debts. Large estate probate often includes many more assets, higher values, business interests, and more heirs, which adds extra work for valuation, tax planning, and dispute management.

Question 4: How long does probate take for a large estate in Florida?
Answer: Many formal probate matters in Florida finish in roughly six to twelve months. Large or contested estates often take longer, sometimes closer to eighteen to twenty-four months when there are disputes, complex valuations, or out-of-state issues.

Question 5: Does Florida have an estate or inheritance tax on large estates?
Answer: Florida does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax, even for large estates. Very large estates still face federal estate tax risk when total value exceeds the federal exemption, so tax planning and proper filings remain important.

Question 6: What taxes should executors expect with a high net worth probate in Florida?
Answer: Executors should plan for final federal income tax returns, possible federal estate tax returns where estate value exceeds the federal exemption, and potential state or foreign taxes when the decedent owned property or businesses outside Florida.

Question 7: How are business interests handled in large estate probate?
Answer: Business interests need careful valuation and planning. The personal representative must keep the business running, obtain a credible valuation, and decide whether to transfer, sell, or wind down the company in line with the will or trust.

Question 8: What happens when a Florida estate includes property in other states?
Answer: When a Florida resident owned real estate or other registered property in another state, the family often needs ancillary probate in that state. The Florida personal representative works with local counsel elsewhere to clear title and coordinate distributions.

Question 9: How do you keep a large estate probate as private as possible in Florida?
Answer: Probate is a public court process, yet experienced counsel limits the amount of sensitive detail filed in public records, uses trusts and entities where possible, and prepares the family for what information becomes visible.

Question 10: How much does probate cost for a large estate in Florida?
Answer: Costs vary based on estate size, complexity, and the presence of disputes. Formal probate often ranges from a few percent of the estate value once attorney fees, court costs, appraisals, and personal representative fees are added, with complex or contested estates near the higher end of that range.