Probate & Trust Administration Attorney in Tampa, FL
When a loved one passes, the legal process shouldn’t add more stress. Families in Tampa, Carrollwood, Lutz, Citrus Park, Town ’n’ Country, and Odessa turn to Paul J. Monsanto, P.A. for clear guidance, predictable fees, and fast, responsible estate administration. You get direct access to an attorney who prioritizes clarity, responsiveness, and sound judgment — not layers of assistants or percentage-based billing.
Simplifying Probate & Trust Administration for Tampa Families
Probate can feel overwhelming with deadlines, court filings, creditor claims, and asset distribution all collide at once. Our goal is simple: make the process efficient, understandable, and far less costly than most families expect.
Unlike firms that charge a percentage of the estate value, we charge only for the work required, often saving clients thousands. Whether you’re dealing with a will, a trust, or no estate plan at all, we guide you through every decision with precision and care.
Why Families Choose Paul J. Monsanto, P.A.
Clarity. Responsibility. Sound Judgment.
Those aren’t just values, they’re the foundation of every client relationship.
- Elite Legal and Financial Background: Duke Law graduate and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) a rare combination that brings financial precision to legal strategy.
- Multi-State Bar Admission: Licensed in Florida and New York, with federal court experience.
- Local Connection: A Tampa native who built his practice where he lives and raises his family.
- Client-Centered Service: Every strategy is customized to the client’s exact financial and personal situation.
- Proven Track Record: Over 15 years of experience protecting clients’ assets and estates.
When you call Paul, you’re not getting a generic estate plan — you’re getting a strategic shield designed by someone who’s seen every angle of the law.
What is the Florida Probate Process
Probate exists to validate a will, resolve debts, and distribute assets. Whether probate is required — and which type — depends on how the decedent’s assets were titled and whether beneficiary designations were set.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Court oversight to ensure assets are properly handled
- Payment or negotiation of creditor claims
- Transfer of assets to beneficiaries
- Required filings and deadlines that must be met accurately
Our role is to make this entire process as fast, clean, and predictable as possible, avoiding unnecessary court delays and ensuring beneficiaries receive what they’re entitled to.
Our Step-by-Step Probate Process
We run a streamlined system so families don’t drown in paperwork. Most cases finish within 1–4 months, depending on complexity.
Step 1: Schedule a consultation (in-person or online)
We review your situation, the will (if any), assets, timelines, and what type of probate is needed.
Step 2: Send us the original Last Will and Testament
We provide a prepaid shipping label for your convenience.
Step 3: We prepare all probate documents
Using your intake form, we draft and file every required document. You review and sign electronically. If notarization is needed, we arrange online notarization.
Step 4: We obtain court orders and retitle assets
You’ll receive certified copies for banks, title companies, and other institutions.
Step 5: We notify creditors and resolve claims
If you choose, we negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate debts.
The process is simple, fully guided, and built to minimize stress.
Summary Administration vs. Formal Administration in Florida
Florida offers two probate paths. We guide you to the right option based on estate size, complexity, and deadlines.
Summary Administration (Fastest Option)
Best for smaller or older estates.
Eligibility:
- Estate valued at $75,000 or less, OR
- Decedent passed more than 2 years ago
Benefits:
- Faster
- Fewer filings
- More affordable
Formal Administration (Comprehensive Option)
Used for larger or more complex estates.
Ideal for:
- Estates over $75,000
- Disputes or contested matters
- Creditors or outstanding debt
- Complicated asset structures
We help you choose the right path immediately, no wasted time, no uncertainty.
You can expect a very knowledgeable
and empathetic attorney
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate & Trust Administration
How long does probate take in Tampa, FL?
Most Florida probate cases take 6–12 months, but delays happen when there are disputes, missing documents, or complex assets. A streamlined, attorney-managed process can significantly reduce bottlenecks.
Do all estates in Florida have to go through probate?
No. Assets with named beneficiaries, joint ownership, or that are held in a revocable trust can bypass probate entirely. Part of our strategy is identifying which assets can avoid the court system.
What’s the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate is a court-supervised process for distributing assets.
Trust administration is private, faster, and avoids court involvement entirely. Both require legal compliance the mistake people make is assuming a trust “runs itself.” It doesn’t.
Can a beneficiary contest a will in Florida?
Yes, but only under specific grounds such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud. Early legal intervention helps prevent unnecessary conflicts or litigation.
What if the deceased lived in Tampa but owned property in another state?
This often triggers ancillary probate, a separate legal process. Our firm handles multi-state asset coordination to avoid delays or inconsistent rulings.
Who becomes the personal representative in a Florida probate case?
The decedent typically names one. If not, Florida statute establishes a priority list — usually starting with the surviving spouse, then adult children.
Can probate fees be paid from the estate?
Yes. Attorney fees, filing fees, and administrative costs are typically paid out of the estate, not the personal representative’s pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul J. Monsanto’s Services
Do you combine estate planning with asset protection?
Yes. Paul integrates asset protection with wills, trusts, and tax planning to create complete financial security for individuals and families.
What makes Paul different from other asset protection attorneys in Tampa?
Few attorneys combine a Duke Law education, CFA-level financial understanding, and 15+ years of both litigation and estate planning experience. Paul brings clarity and foresight that others can’t.
How long does the process take?
It depends on your circumstances. Some clients have protection strategies in place within days; others require layered structures involving multiple entities or trusts.
Do you work with clients outside Tampa?
Yes. While based in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Paul also serves clients across Hillsborough, Pasco, and surrounding counties.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring an overview of your assets — real estate, investments, business interests, and liabilities. The first meeting is about understanding your exposure, not selling you documents.
Serving Tampa, Carrollwood, Lutz, Citrus Park, Town ’n’ Country & Odessa
Our office at 3808 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 is conveniently located near I-275, I-75, and the Veterans Expressway, making it easy for families across northwest Tampa to meet in person.
Whether you live in:
- Carrollwood (Top Priority SEO Area)
- Lutz
- Citrus Park
- Town ’n’ Country
- Odessa
You have direct, local access to an attorney who knows the community and provides a higher standard of guidance during probate and trust administration.
