Florida Probate Attorney

Your family deserves clarity
during one of life's hardest moments.

Losing a loved one is hard enough.

When a loved one passes, the legal process can feel impossible to navigate alone. Patricia Keyes guides Florida families through every step of probate — with expertise, patience, and genuine care.

Why Families Trust Us

Trusted Probate Guidance When Your Family Needs It Most

We've helped hundreds of Florida families settle estates with clarity, care, and confidence.

5-Star Rated
5-Star Rated
Families Served
Hundreds of Families Served
Licensed Florida Probate Attorney
Licensed Florida Probate Attorney
Hablamos Español
Hablamos Español
Meet the Attorney

Patricia F. Keyes

Florida Probate & Estate Planning Attorney

Losing a loved one is never easy — and navigating the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. Patricia founded her law practice with one goal in mind: to make one of life's most difficult moments a little easier for Florida families.

With an LL.M. in Estate Planning and years of focused experience in Florida probate law, Patricia brings both deep legal expertise and genuine compassion to every family she serves. She becomes your trusted guide — answering every question and ensuring your loved one's wishes are honored with dignity and care.

LL.M. in Estate Planning · Florida Bar Member · Elder Law Section · Probate & Trust Law Section
"When you work with me, you're not just getting a lawyer — you're getting a trusted guide through one of life's hardest moments." — Patricia F. Keyes
You Don't Have to Face This Alone

We Understand What Your Family Is Going Through

Probate can feel overwhelming — especially when you're grieving. Here's how we turn confusion into clarity.

Without the Right Attorney...
  • Confusing court filings and legal deadlines that pile up fast
  • Disputes between family members over assets and inheritance
  • Creditors making unexpected claims against the estate
  • Months or even years of delays without proper guidance
  • Costly mistakes from inexperienced legal representation
  • Not knowing where to start or who to trust
With PK Law by Your Side...
  • We handle all court filings and deadlines on your behalf
  • We protect your family from costly disputes and conflicts
  • We manage creditor claims professionally and efficiently
  • We move the process forward and keep you informed every step
  • We prevent expensive mistakes with experienced representation
  • We start with a simple consultation — no pressure, no confusion
What to Expect

Your Florida Probate Journey, Step by Step

Most Florida probate cases take 6 to 12 months. Here's exactly what happens and when.

01
Opening the Estate

We file all court documents, appoint the Personal Representative and obtain legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

2 – 5 Weeks
02
Creditor Notice Period

Florida law requires a mandatory 3-month waiting period for creditors to file claims. We handle all notices and review any claims received.

Min. 3 Months
03
Estate Administration

While waiting, we value assets, communicate with beneficiaries, pay valid debts and prepare all required inventories and accountings.

2 – 6 Months
04
Final Distribution & Closing

Once all requirements are met, we distribute assets to beneficiaries, obtain court approval and formally close the estate.

1 – 2 Months

"We know court processes can feel long and uncertain — but we're with you every step of the way."

Total Timeline Most standard Florida probate cases: 6 – 12 Months
Client Testimonials

What Florida Families Are Saying

Real reviews from real families we've had the honor of serving.

What We Do

Comprehensive Legal Services for Florida Families

From estate planning to probate administration — we're here to guide your family every step of the way.

Estate Planning
Estate Planning

Protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored with a customized estate plan tailored to your family's unique needs.

Probate
Probate

We help families navigate the probate process with compassion and efficiency — minimizing delays and reducing stress during a difficult time.

Elder Law
Elder Law

We guide seniors and their families through long-term care planning, asset protection, and legal decisions to ensure dignity and financial security.

Medicaid Planning
Medicaid Planning

We help you qualify for Medicaid without losing everything you've worked for — protecting your home, savings, and legacy.

Trust Administration
Trust Administration

If you've been named a trustee, we'll guide you step by step through your legal and financial duties to ensure everything is handled properly.

Why PK Law

Why Florida Families Choose PK Law for Probate

We know probate can feel overwhelming — especially when you're grieving. That's why we provide compassionate, step-by-step legal guidance tailored to your family.

Proven Experience
Proven Experience in Probate

Years of focused experience in Florida probate law, helping families navigate the process with confidence and avoid costly delays or missteps.

Asset Protection
Asset & Risk Protection

We help secure and distribute estate assets efficiently, while reducing risk, minimizing disputes, and ensuring the decedent's wishes are honored.

Personalized Support
Personalized Legal Support

No two estates — or families — are the same. We tailor our probate services to your situation, ensuring everything is handled properly and respectfully.

Family Focused
Family-Focused Guidance

Our approach is centered on protecting your family's legacy — providing peace of mind and support during one of life's most difficult transitions.

Common Questions

Florida Probate — Your Questions Answered

We know probate can feel confusing and overwhelming. Here are the questions families ask us most — answered clearly, so you can move forward with confidence.

Yes — a will doesn't avoid probate. It must be validated by a Florida court before any assets can be distributed. Having a will actually makes probate smoother and faster, but the court process is still required for assets held solely in the deceased's name.
Most formal probate cases in Florida take 6 to 12 months. The biggest factor is the mandatory 3-month creditor notice period required by Florida law. Simpler estates may qualify for Summary Administration, which can wrap up in 4–8 weeks.
Only assets owned solely in the deceased's name with no beneficiary designation go through probate. Life insurance, retirement accounts (IRA/401k), jointly held property, and accounts with a payable-on-death designation all pass outside of probate automatically.
Florida has strong homestead protections that can shield the family home from creditor claims during probate. However, how the home is titled matters greatly. We'll assess your specific situation and ensure the property is handled correctly and protected throughout the process.
No. As a beneficiary or Personal Representative, you are not personally liable for the deceased's debts. Creditors can only collect from the estate's assets — not from your own finances. We manage all creditor claims on your behalf and challenge any that are invalid or inflated.
Yes — Florida law requires it. Florida Probate Rule 5.030 mandates that a Personal Representative (other than the sole beneficiary) must be represented by a licensed Florida attorney. Beyond the legal requirement, having experienced counsel protects you from costly mistakes and personal liability.
Costs include court filing fees, publication fees, and attorney fees — all paid from the estate's assets, not out of your own pocket. We offer flat-fee probate services so you know your total cost upfront with no hourly billing surprises. Contact us and we'll provide a clear estimate based on your specific estate.
Family disputes during probate are more common than most expect. We work proactively to reduce conflict through clear communication and proper documentation. If disputes escalate, we protect your interests through mediation or litigation — whatever it takes to honor your loved one's wishes.

Have a question that's not answered here? Patricia will personally answer every question during your consultation.

Take the First Step

Ready to Settle Your Loved One's Estate
the Right Way?

You don't have to navigate Florida probate alone. Start with a complementary call with our paralegal — and let Patricia guide your family through every step with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Complementary paralegal call
No obligation
Licensed Florida Probate Attorney
Hablamos Español