Summary Administration Attorney in St. Augustine

What Is Summary Administration in Florida?

Summary administration is a streamlined form of probate available under Florida law for certain smaller estates. Unlike formal probate, it does not require the appointment of a personal representative and can often be completed more quickly and with fewer court filings.

At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced probate attorneys help families throughout Northeast Florida navigate summary administration efficiently—saving time, costs, and unnecessary stress after the loss of a loved one.

When Does an Estate Qualify for Summary Administration?

An estate may be eligible for summary administration in Florida if it meets one of the following criteria:

1. The value of the estate is $75,000 or less (excluding exempt property such as a homestead); or

2. The decedent has been deceased for more than two years, regardless of the estate’s value.

Additionally, the estate must not have any known creditors—or all creditors must have been paid or waived their claims.

Our probate attorneys will carefully evaluate whether your loved one’s estate qualifies and advise on the most efficient path forward.

Key Benefits of Summary Administration

Choosing summary administration (when appropriate) offers several advantages:

• Faster resolution – often completed in a matter of weeks

• Lower cost than formal probate

• No need for a personal representative

• Simplified court process

• Ideal for small estates or out-of-state families

What Is the Process for Summary Administration?

The process for summary administration typically includes:

1. Filing a Petition with the probate court, signed by a surviving spouse or beneficiary

2. Submitting the Will (if one exists) and a certified death certificate

3. Swearing to the estate’s value and confirming eligibility

4. Distributing assets directly to the beneficiaries upon court approval

In most cases, our attorneys can handle the process from start to finish—minimizing your involvement and ensuring full legal compliance with Florida probate law.

What Assets Can Be Distributed?

Summary administration can be used to transfer most types of Florida-based property, including:

• Homestead real estate

• Bank accounts

• Vehicles and titled property

• Investment accounts

• Personal belongings

• Life insurance payable to the estate

Our attorneys also work with families to clear title to real estate, particularly when summary administration is needed to sell or refinance inherited property.

Summary Administration for Out-of-State Heirs

If you live outside Florida and have inherited assets from someone who passed away here, summary administration may allow you to settle the estate without traveling or appearing in court. Our firm routinely represents out-of-state heirs and handles probate remotely on their behalf.

We provide:

• Digital document review

• Notary services

• Remote filings and communication

• Complete probate representation for distant families

Common Situations Where Summary Administration Applies

• The decedent had minimal assets, and no debts remain

• A homestead property needs to be transferred to heirs

• A loved one died over two years ago, and the estate was never probated

• A small estate is holding unclaimed property or insurance proceeds

• Title to real estate remains in the decedent’s name

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

With more than a decade of probate experience and the largest legal team in St. Augustine, St. Johns Law Group offers:

• Precise eligibility evaluation for summary vs. formal administration

• Document preparation and court filings

• Clear communication with beneficiaries and family members

• Guidance for real estate transfers and homestead exemptions

• Efficient handling for local and out-of-state clients

Areas We Serve

Our probate attorneys represent families in summary administration cases across Northeast Florida, including:

St. Johns County – St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Julington Creek, Vilano Beach, Hastings
Flagler County – Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach
Duval County – Jacksonville, Mandarin, San Marco, Jacksonville Beach
Clay County – Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Oakleaf
Putnam County – Palatka, East Palatka, Crescent City
Southern Georgia (for Florida property) – St. Marys, Kingsland

📞Start the Florida Probate Process Today

If you believe your loved one’s estate may qualify for summary administration, contact our probate attorneys today. We’ll help you determine the right course of action and handle the legal process from start to finish.

📞 Call (904) 495-0400
📍 Visit 104 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080
🖋️ Schedule a Consultation: Contact Us