When a family member passes away, dealing with the court system and legal paperwork can feel like an insurmountable challenge while you are still grieving. At The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we stand beside families throughout Broward County to provide steady, clear guidance through every stage of probate, trust administration, and estate settlement.
Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
The probate process is designed to validate a will, identify and secure assets, pay legitimate debts, and distribute the remaining property to rightful heirs. In a populous region like Broward County—stretching from the coastal communities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood down to Miramar and up through Coral Springs—managing these court requirements demands attention to detail and adherence to strict deadlines. Whether an estate qualifies for a streamlined summary administration or requires full formal proceedings, our team helps personal representatives fulfill their fiduciary duties smoothly while reducing friction among family members.
Because The Altman Law Firm has deep roots in personal injury representation, we frequently assist families whose loved ones passed away due to the negligence of others, such as severe traffic collisions on I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Under Florida law, a wrongful death lawsuit cannot be filed by just any relative; the probate court must formally appoint a personal representative to act on behalf of the estate and surviving family members. We seamlessly handle both the initial estate opening required to gain legal standing and the subsequent civil claims, ensuring all actions comply with Florida's two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death.
Estate administration rarely involves filling out forms alone; it often requires addressing creditor claims, untangling complex beneficiary questions, and occasionally resolving disputes when a will's validity is challenged due to undue influence or capacity concerns. We help families across Broward County interpret testamentary documents accurately and navigate Florida's complex probate code. By offering knowledgeable perspective and straightforward communication, we help you make informed decisions that protect your family's legacy during times of transition.
Probate is a court-supervised legal procedure that ensures a deceased person's debts are properly paid off and their remaining assets are transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries or heirs according to their will or state intestacy laws.
Not every estate goes through full formal probate. Certain assets—such as property held in a living trust, accounts with designated beneficiaries, or jointly owned property—may pass outside of the probate administration process entirely.
The timeline varies significantly depending on the size of the estate, the complexity of the assets involved, whether creditors file claims, and the current workload of the local court system. Straightforward estates resolve much faster than contested ones.
Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, state law requires the probate court to appoint a specific personal representative to bring a legal claim on behalf of the estate and surviving family members after a fatal accident.
Contact The Altman Law Firm today to discuss your Broward County probate and estate administration needs with a knowledgeable legal team. Call (305) 373-3730.