Sarasota Probate Lawyer

Dedicated Probate Attorney in Sarasota, FL

Losing someone you love is enough to carry on its own. Being handed the responsibility to wrap up their affairs, at the same time, while you’re still grieving, is a different kind of weight. A Sarasota probate lawyer helps take the pressure off. Our estate planning attorneys in Sarasota can handle creditor notices, asset accounting, court filings, and the complexities of Florida probate law.

Ruhl Law, P.A. handles probate and estate administration throughout Sarasota County and Southwest Florida, including the contested matters that other firms may prefer to avoid. With more than 24 years of Florida courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, the firm is built for when the worst-case scenario happens.

Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. You’ll leave knowing what the process looks like from here and what your role in it will be.

Why Sarasota Families Choose Ruhl Law for Probate and Estate Administration Services

At Ruhl Law, P.A., we combine our Southwest Florida roots with the formal recognition that comes from excellence in client service. Our firm is honored to be recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell Gold Client Champion in both 2021 and 2026, maintaining a 5.0 Client Rating on lawyers.com. This distinction, paired with our bilingual capabilities, means that your family’s legacy is managed by attorneys who have the authority to lead and the compassion to listen.

Our services include:

• Formal Administration: Full court-supervised administration for estates with nonexempt assets over $150,000 where the decedent passed within the last two years; or when the estate needs a personal representative with the authority to sell property, pursue claims, or manage assets over time.
• Summary Administration: A faster process for qualifying smaller estates under Florida Statute § 735.201. Starting July 1, 2026, estates with nonexempt assets of $150,000 or less, or where the decedent has been dead for more than two years, may qualify for summary administration.
• Personal representative representation: Guiding the appointed executor through every required step, from filing the petition to final distribution.
• Creditor claim management: Notifying creditors, reviewing claims, and objecting to improper ones on behalf of the estate.
• Will contests and probate litigation: Representing heirs or personal representatives when a will or estate administration is disputed in court.
• Ancillary administration: Handling Florida-based assets for families of decedents who lived out of state.

Ruhl Law’s probate attorneys in Sarasota represent personal representatives, heirs, and beneficiaries in a full range of probate and estate administration matters in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Sarasota County.

What You Need to Know About Probate in Sarasota

Probate is a court-supervised process for settling a deceased person’s estate. Under the oversight of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, the court validates the last will and testament, formally appoints a personal representative, ensures the satisfaction of outstanding debts, and directs the final distribution of the estate’s assets to its rightful beneficiaries.

Serving as personal representative is a serious legal responsibility. The role requires careful attention at every step, from identifying and inventorying assets to notifying beneficiaries and paying valid debts. Because you are managing a legacy on behalf of others, you are legally accountable to the Sarasota County Probate Division and to the beneficiaries for every decision made during the administration.

Handling creditor claims correctly is one of the most important parts of the job. While Florida Statute § 733.710 generally bars claims two years after the date of death, specific exceptions exist for secured creditors, including mortgage and lien holders. Failing to publish proper notice or distributing assets prematurely can expose the personal representative to significant personal liability for the estate’s remaining debts.

Florida law mandates that the original will be physically deposited with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before any probate petition can move forward. Even a minor filing error or missing document can stall the process for months.

Given the complexity of these requirements, many families partner with a Sarasota probate lawyer so the probate is handled correctly and the process is managed with authority from day one.

FAQs About Sarasota, FL Probate Laws

What happens first when I open a probate case in Sarasota County?

The process begins with filing a petition with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sarasota County Probate Division, at 2000 Main Street in Sarasota. The original will must be deposited with the Clerk before the petition can advance. An attorney can handle this filing on your behalf and make sure the paperwork meets the 12th Circuit’s current requirements.

Do I need a probate attorney in Sarasota, or can I handle this myself?

Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration unless the personal representative is the only person with any interest in the estate, meaning that they are the sole beneficiary, with no other interested parties or unpaid creditors. This exception is rare.

For summary administration, self-representation is technically allowed but carries real risk. A filing error or missed creditor notice can result in personal liability for the person handling the estate.

How long does probate take in Sarasota County?

Summary administration, when the estate qualifies, can close in 4 to 8 weeks. Formal administration generally takes 6 to 12 months in Sarasota County, assuming there are no disputes. Contested estates, complex assets, or out-of-state property can extend that timeline.

What if family members disagree about the will or the estate?

Will contests and disputes over estate administration are handled in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. These cases are litigated, not resolved informally. Ruhl Law has more than 24 years of trial experience in SW Florida courts and handles contested probate matters when litigation becomes necessary. If a dispute is developing, the sooner you have an attorney involved, the more options you are likely to have.

Does Ruhl Law handle probate for Spanish-speaking families in Sarasota?

Yes. Richard Ruhl is bilingual in English and Spanish, verified through the Florida Bar. We serve Spanish-speaking families throughout Sarasota County and the surrounding area. Hablamos español.

Contact a Trusted Sarasota Probate Lawyer Today

We know you did not plan to be in this situation. You are handling a loss while also being asked to navigate a legal process you have never seen before.

Ruhl Law, P.A. handles probate cases in Sarasota County and throughout Southwest Florida. We represent personal representatives, heirs, and beneficiaries, and we are equipped to handle matters that escalate to litigation.

Contact Ruhl Law to schedule a consultation. We will explain what the process looks like for your specific situation and tell you what comes next.

Serving Sarasota and Sarasota County, Florida

Planning for the future or administering a loved one’s estate can involve important decisions about property, beneficiaries, trusts, taxes, and family responsibilities. Likewise, probate can become difficult when an estate contains substantial assets, unclear documents, creditor claims, or disagreements among beneficiaries. Ruhl Law, P.A. assists individuals and families throughout Sarasota with estate planning, trusts, probate, and related matters, providing personalized guidance designed to protect their interests and carry out their intentions.

The firm helps clients create and update estate plans, establish and administer trusts, navigate probate, address estate administration responsibilities, and resolve related legal concerns. Probate matters involving Sarasota estates are generally handled through the Probate and Guardianship Division of Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Sarasota County. Ruhl Law, P.A. helps clients understand applicable procedures, organize estate documents and assets, and address the legal responsibilities involved in planning or administering an estate.

The firm serves clients throughout Downtown Sarasota, Southside Village, Gulf Gate, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, and surrounding communities such as Osprey, Nokomis, and Venice. From families living near Sarasota Bay and U.S. 41 to residents throughout the Interstate 75 corridor, clients may have estates involving homes, investment property, retirement accounts, businesses, and other significant assets. Experienced legal guidance can make the difference between leaving important decisions unresolved and establishing a clear plan for protecting property, beneficiaries, and family interests.

Helping Individuals and Families Throughout Sarasota

Sarasota’s mix of families, retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs, and property owners creates a wide range of estate planning and probate needs. Ruhl Law, P.A. helps Sarasota-area clients prepare for the future, manage trusts, and navigate probate with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and available options.

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