Probate Administration
Guiding families through life’s most difficult transitions with clarity and care.
Guiding Families Through the Probate Process
Compassionate support when it matters most
Probate is the court-supervised process for settling a person's estate: confirming the will, appointing someone to administer it, addressing valid debts, and distributing what remains. As a probate attorney licensed in Florida, Hawaiʻi, and New Jersey, Jonathan Parker guides families through it with 38 years of experience behind the work.
He handles the filings, deadlines, and court communication so you can attend to your family. Every step gets explained before it happens, and every decision is measured against your loved one's wishes and what the law requires. If the estate involves Hawaiʻi, our
Honolulu probate page covers the tracks a Hawaiʻi estate can take and the timeline that comes with each.
Complete Probate Administration Services
Steady support at every stage of the estate
We guide executors, personal representatives, beneficiaries, and families through the entire probate administration process with organized, step-by-step support. Executor responsibilities and personal representative duties describe the same role under different names, and either way the list runs longer than most people expect: inventory and valuation, notice to heirs and creditors, tax coordination, distribution, and a closing accounting.
Jonathan Parker brings 38 years of estate experience to each matter, which helps avoid delays, reduce confusion, and keep the estate moving toward resolution.
Estate Administration
Managing all aspects of the estate, from filing court documents to distributing assets to heirs.
Executor Guidance
Advising executors on legal duties and assisting with tasks such as inventorying assets and paying creditors.
Contested Estates
Resolving disagreements among heirs or beneficiaries with practical solutions aimed at preserving family relationships.
Trust Administration
Handling ongoing management of trusts and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and fiduciary obligations.
How to Keep an Estate Out of Probate
The planning side of the same question
Probate only reaches assets you owned in your own name with no beneficiary named. Everything else transfers outside the court process. That single rule is the whole strategy for how to avoid probate.
The tools that move assets outside probate:
- A funded revocable living trust, which holds title so there is nothing left for the court to transfer
- Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities
- Payable-on-death and transfer-on-death registrations on bank and brokerage accounts
- Joint ownership with rights of survivorship, which works but carries tradeoffs worth discussing before you rely on it
The word doing the work in the first item is funded. A trust that was drafted but never had assets retitled into it accomplishes nothing, and unfunded trusts are among the most common problems we find when a family arrives here after a death. Our trusts page covers how funding actually works, and our estate planning page covers where a trust fits within a complete plan.
Common questions about probate
Clear answers for a complex process
What is probate, and when is it required?
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. It’s generally required when the person owned assets in their name alone or lacked a trust to transfer ownership automatically. The court appoints a personal representative to handle the estate’s debts, taxes, and asset distribution. Having an attorney ensures each step meets legal requirements and avoids costly errors.
How long does the probate process take?
The timeline depends on the estate’s size, complexity, and whether any disputes arise. Many estates can be resolved within several months, while more complex cases can take a year or longer. Our firm works to move matters along efficiently while maintaining accuracy and compliance. Communication with beneficiaries and the court is always a top priority.
Do all estates have to go through probate?
Not necessarily. Smaller estates or those with assets held in joint ownership or trusts may qualify for simplified or alternative procedures. We review each situation individually to determine whether probate is necessary or if other options are available. This helps families save time and reduce expenses when possible.
What are the responsibilities of an executor or personal representative?
Executors handle tasks like collecting assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing inheritances. It’s a role that carries both legal and financial responsibilities, and mistakes can have serious consequences. Our attorneys provide step-by-step guidance to help executors fulfill their duties confidently and correctly.
How can Parker & Maloney help during probate?
We offer full-service legal support, from filing initial petitions to closing the estate. Our team takes care of the documentation, deadlines, and communications with the court, beneficiaries, and creditors. Clients appreciate that we keep the process organized and transparent from beginning to end. Most importantly, we approach every case with empathy and respect for the families we serve.
While Jonathan Parker has deep experience with estates and understands how certain decisions may interact with tax considerations, Parker & Maloney is not an accounting firm and does not provide tax advice. We take a collaborative approach and gladly partner with your accountant, and we can help connect you with a trusted professional if needed.