Home
Home Selling Process
Home Buying Process
Market Update Blog
Search the MLS
About Kristin
FIRPTA | 1031 Exchange
Distressed Property
Probate Services
Kristin's Bio
YouTube Channel
Property Appraiser Site
Home
Home Selling Process
Home Buying Process
Market Update Blog
Search the MLS
About Kristin
FIRPTA | 1031 Exchange
Distressed Property
Probate Services
Kristin's Bio
YouTube Channel
Property Appraiser Site
More
  • Home
  • Home Selling Process
  • Home Buying Process
  • Market Update Blog
  • Search the MLS
  • About Kristin
  • FIRPTA | 1031 Exchange
  • Distressed Property
  • Probate Services
  • Kristin's Bio
  • YouTube Channel
  • Property Appraiser Site
  • Sign In

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Home Selling Process
  • Home Buying Process
  • Market Update Blog
  • Search the MLS
  • About Kristin
  • FIRPTA | 1031 Exchange
  • Distressed Property
  • Probate Services
  • Kristin's Bio
  • YouTube Channel
  • Property Appraiser Site

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account

A Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) is a real estate agent who has completed an educational program to become an expert in the probate process. They specialize in helping families navigate the estate process after a relative or benefactor passes away.

AVOIDING PROBATE IN FLORIDA

Careful Planning Can Avoid Probate

Careful planning during your lifetime can allow your family to avoid probate upon your death. This allows assets to be available immediately free from creditor’s claims. Some tools for avoiding probate are simple and free, while others are more complex and require the help of an attorney.

Effective ways to avoid probate include:

  • Pay on death beneficiaries of financial accounts
    • By designating someone (or multiple people) to receive a financial account upon your death, you can avoid probate for that asset. Money from such an account will go directly to the beneficiaries listed on the account, bypassing probate. Pay on death beneficiaries can be added to financial accounts for free without the help of a lawyer.
  • Lady Bird Deeds/ Rights of Survivorship. For real estate, creating a “Lady Bird Deed,” also called an enhanced life estate deed, will allow you to designate someone to receive a home or parcel of land upon your death. Similarly, “rights of survivorship” can be included in the language of a deed to allow a co-owner to have full ownership upon your death. When creating deeds, it is important to consult with an attorney.
  •  Trust based estate plans. A trust based estate plan will avoid probate by placing your assets in a trust automatically transferred to a successor trustee upon your death. In your trust you will leave directions to your successor trustee regarding how your property should be divided. Trusts have advantages regarding asset protection to your heirs, privacy, and control of your assets after your death.  

PROBATE IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY FLORIDA

What is Probate? What are the Different Types of Probate in Florida?

 Probate, also called “estate administration,” is a court process that transfers assets owned by a deceased person to living people.  In probate, the person who died is referred to as the “decedent.” Anything that the decedent owned when they died is collectively referred to as the “estate.” An estate can contain bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, guns, tools, jewelry, or any other item owned at the time of death. If a decedent had a valid will, that document directs who will be in charge of the probate process and who will receive the decedent’s assets upon their death. If a person did not have a will, their estate will be divided among their next of kin (the intestate heirs)  Probate is needed even when a decedent has a valid will. 

  1. Formal Administration -   The traditional probate process used when the estate's value exceeds $75,000, or the decedent has passed within the last two years. This process typically involves the court appointing a personal representative to handle the estate's administration.
  2. Summary Administration -  A simplified process for estates valued under $75,000 or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. It requires fewer court filings and may be completed more quickly than formal administration. 
  3. Disposal without Administration -  For small estates with no real property, typically covering only the cost of funeral expenses or medical bills.
  4.  Ancillary Probate - Is for out of State residents to be able to settle a probate estate of property located in Florida. 

REVOCABLE VS IRREVOCABLE TRUST

What is the Difference Between a Revocable Trust and Irrevocable Trust?

A Revocable Trust, known as a Living Trust A successor trustee is named who will act on the trustee's behalf. These trustee's will dictate  what happens to the assets, not a court or state law. The Probate process is eliminated, records are private and cannot be searched, the terms of the trust can be modified or changed by the grantor after its creation so long as they are competent. Living Trusts are a good way for people to manage their assets or protect them, should they become ill, disabled or challenged by age.


An Irrevocable Trust,  cannot be modified after creation, unless the beneficiaries consent to the modifications. Assets are not subject to estate tax after grantor's death. Allows individuals to avoid probate court.  Advantages of Irrevocable Trusts include no taxes or capital gains for the seller, asset value in the trust remains unchanged, the profit from the sale can be used for a new investment or paid out to the beneficiaries, and finally the assets in the trust are protected from creditors.

Need Estate Planning Advice?

Kristin’s preferred partner for estate planning and probate legal services is Nathan Dougherty, PA. With his extensive experience and alignment with Kristin’s core values of integrity, trust, and professionalism, Nathan  provides the legal expertise necessary to guide clients through the complexities of estate planning and probate law.

Estate Planning

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROBATE PROCESS?

what happens during the probate process
Florida probate flow chart process

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@visitpg.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Probate can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether any disputes arise.


In some cases, yes. If the decedent set up a living trust or other estate planning tools, probate may not be necessary.


If no will exists, Florida’s intestacy laws will determine how the estate is distributed.


Why Choose Us?

Meet Kristin

Kristin is a dedicated REALTOR® and a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) who holds the Certified Real Estate Probate Specialist Certification. With two decades of real estate experience in Charlotte County, Kristin not only understands the complete probate process but also brings a compassionate approach to helping families navigate the complexities of estate property sales.

More than just a real estate expert, Kristin is known for her natural empathy and ability to guide clients through some of life’s most challenging moments. Kristin provides the professional expertise and personal support you need every step of the way.

Learn More

Navigating Probate Made Simple

As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) with experience in Charlotte County, I’m here to guide you through every step with care, compassion, and expertise. From valuing and preparing the property to navigating Florida's probate statutes, I handle all the details. Working with my trusted network, including a dedicated probate attorney, we ensure a seamless experience, so you can focus on what matters most. Trust us to help you turn a challenging time into a step forward.

What Makes Us the Best?

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide compassionate, effective probate services that make a difficult time a little easier for our clients. We guide families through one of life’s most challenging transitions, easing the burden of selling estate property with expert legal and market guidance. From preparation to sale, every step is handled with care and professionalism. By offering comprehensive support, we help you navigate the probate process with confidence and peace of mind. 

Our Services

 As a certified probate specialist with a deep understanding of Charlotte County’s probate statutes and legal requirements, I offer a full range of services designed to simplify the probate real estate process:

  • Legal Compliance & Documentation
    We ensure all required documentation is in order to legally list estate properties. Our familiarity with probate law and processes allows us to manage this complex paperwork efficiently.
  • Comparative Probate Market Analysis (CPMA) & Comparative Condition Analysis (CCA)
    We provide detailed CPMA and CCA reports, offering insights into current market conditions and the value of probate properties. This analysis ensures the estate receives a fair market price.
  • Property Preparation & Probate Services Division
    Our Probate Services Division works with trusted vendors to perform any necessary updates, repairs, or maintenance to get the property market-ready. We oversee the entire process, ensuring the home is in the best condition for sale.
  • Complete Transaction Support
    From listing the property to closing the sale, we are with you every step of the way. Our team handles the details, ensuring the transaction proceeds smoothly, with a focus on maximizing the estate’s value while minimizing delays.

Charlotte Clerk Page

Our Partners

We carefully select partners who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused service. Kristin, a REALTOR® and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) with Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, has built strong relationships with trusted professionals to provide seamless and comprehensive support for her customers.  

  • Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty
    Located at Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda, FL, our office benefits from high foot traffic, making it an ideal marketing hub for showcasing properties. This prime location allows us to give your property maximum exposure to potential buyers.
  • Nathan Dougherty, PA - Estate Planning/Probate Attorney
    Kristin’s preferred partner for estate planning and probate legal services is Nathan Dougherty, PA. With his extensive experience and alignment with Kristin’s core values of integrity, trust, and professionalism, Nathan  provides the legal expertise necessary to guide clients through the      complexities of probate.

By partnering with the best in the industry, we ensure that every aspect of your probate real estate transaction is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. Our partners are integral to delivering the high standard of service we promise to each of our customers.

PROBATE ATTORNEY

Real Estate Blog

FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokXYouTube

Subscribe

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Talk/Text: (239) 980-7949 info@visitpg.com

Copyright © 2025 Visit Charlotte County - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Home Selling Process
  • Home Buying Process
  • Market Update Blog
  • About Kristin
  • Distressed Property
  • YouTube Channel
  • PRIVACY POLICY

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept