Probate

Summary Administration in Florida

For qualifying estates, Florida offers a faster probate process that can be completed in weeks rather than months. Find out if your estate qualifies.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call Learn More

Florida Bar Member | Flat Fee Probate | Serving All of Florida | Free Discovery Call

The Simplified Process

What Is Summary Administration?

Summary administration is Florida's simplified, fast-track probate process available when the estate qualifies. Two situations trigger eligibility: the estate's non-exempt assets are valued under $150,000, or the decedent passed away more than two years ago.

When either condition is met, the estate can bypass the lengthier formal administration process and proceed through a streamlined court petition that typically resolves in weeks. Summary administration requires no personal representative, involves fewer court filings, and costs significantly less than formal administration.

Schedule a Discovery Call

Watch: Florida Summary Administration Explained

What You Need to Know

Faster Does Not Mean Less Thorough

Summary administration still requires a court petition, proper documentation of the estate's assets, compliance with Florida's creditor notice rules, and a court order before assets can be distributed.

The process is simpler, but it is still a legal proceeding with requirements that must be met correctly. An error in the petition, a missing document, or an improperly identified asset can delay or derail the process.

Schedule a Discovery Call

Estate must have non-exempt assets under $150,000 OR decedent passed away more than two years ago

No personal representative is appointed, the petitioner handles distribution

Creditor rights must still be addressed, even in summary administration

Court issues an Order of Summary Administration authorizing distribution

Real estate can be transferred through summary administration with the correct order

What You Get

How Summary Administration Helps

Faster Resolution

Summary administration typically resolves in four to eight weeks, compared to the six months to a year that formal administration requires. Beneficiaries receive their inheritance sooner.

Lower Cost

With fewer court filings and no personal representative administration period, summary administration costs significantly less than formal administration.

No Personal Representative Required

Summary administration does not require the court appointment of a personal representative, removing one layer of obligation and paperwork from the process.

Real Estate Transfer

A court Order of Summary Administration is sufficient to transfer real estate titled in the decedent's name, allowing the property to be sold or retitled without full formal administration.

Bank Account Access

Financial institutions require legal authority before releasing funds from accounts in a decedent's name. A summary administration order provides that authority so beneficiaries can access funds.

Flat Fee Engagement

We price summary administration as a flat fee. You know the cost before we file anything, and there are no surprise invoices as the case progresses.

Natalia Ouellette-Grice, Florida Probate Attorney

Why LCO Law

We Handle the Court Process So You Do Not Have To

Losing a loved one is already difficult. Navigating a court process on top of it is a burden most families should not have to carry alone. We take the legal process off your plate, handle all filings and communications with the court, and keep you informed at every step.

We confirm eligibility before filing so there are no surprises
We prepare all court documents and handle the filing
We communicate with the court on your behalf throughout the process
We address any creditor issues that arise before distribution
We provide a plain-language explanation of what each step requires

Common Questions

Summary Administration FAQ

How do I know if my loved one's estate qualifies for summary administration?

Two tests apply. First, if the non-exempt assets of the estate are valued at $150,000 or less, the estate may qualify. Second, if the decedent passed away more than two years ago, the estate qualifies regardless of value because the creditor claim period has expired. We confirm eligibility during your discovery call.

What is a non-exempt asset for summary administration purposes?

Non-exempt assets are assets that are not protected from creditor claims under Florida law. The Florida homestead property, certain retirement accounts, and life insurance with a named beneficiary are typically exempt and do not count toward the $150,000 threshold.

Can summary administration be used if the estate includes real estate?

Yes. A court Order of Summary Administration authorizes the transfer of real estate titled in the decedent's name. This allows the property to be retitled, sold, or transferred to beneficiaries without a full formal administration.

How long does summary administration take?

Most summary administration cases are completed in four to eight weeks from the time we file the petition, depending on the court's docket. If there are no complications or creditor disputes, the process moves quickly.

What happens if creditors come forward during summary administration?

Creditors of the estate retain certain rights even in summary administration. We identify any known creditors and address their claims properly before the distribution order is requested. Beneficiaries who receive assets in summary administration may have personal liability to creditors whose valid claims were not paid, so this step matters.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule Your Free Discovery Call

Meet with our team to find out whether the estate qualifies for summary administration and what the process will look like. No pressure, no obligation.

Keep Learning