Florida uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Hillsborough County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Florida uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate attorneys — the percentages are a starting point that can be negotiated, especially for simple estates. Hillsborough County firms typically follow the schedule for routine work and negotiate on complex matters.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmBradenton, FL
Since 1995 · Serves 4 counties
Bradenton firm serving Manatee and Sarasota counties from five offices, including Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Anna Maria Island, and downtown Sarasota. Handles formal and summary probate administration, creditor claims, trust administration and accountings, will contests and fiduciary disputes, and guardianship proceedings. Established 1995.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationGuardianshipProbate Administration
- Office
- 3119 Manatee Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205
Solo PracticeLargo, FL
Serves 3 counties
Largo practice serving Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area, with a second office in downtown St. Petersburg. Daniel De Paz handles probate and trust administration, estate planning, elder law and VA benefits planning, special needs trusts, and unclaimed property recovery. Bilingual English and Spanish.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawSpecial Needs Planningand 2 more
- Office
- 12651 Walsingham Road, Suite BLargo, FL 33774
FirmSaint Petersburg, FL
Since 1962 · Serves 2 counties
St. Petersburg firm serving Pinellas and Hillsborough County families from Clearwater to Tampa and Sun City. Represents personal representatives and trustees through probate and trust administration and probate and trust litigation, plus wills, trusts, guardianships, and elder law. David Foster began the practice here in 1962; his son Bill Foster was mayor of St. Petersburg from 2010 to 2013.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 3 more
- Office
- 2111 Dr M.L.K. Jr St NSaint Petersburg, FL 33704
FirmTampa, FL
Since 1977 · Serves 1 county
Tampa firm on West Busch Boulevard serving Hillsborough County executors, heirs, trustees, and creditors. Handles estate and probate administration, estate settlements, will disputes, contested trusts, and probate litigation, alongside wills, revocable living trusts, and powers of attorney. Established in 1977.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
- Office
- 1407 W Busch BlvdTampa, FL 33612
Solo PracticeTampa, FL
Serves 1 county
Tampa estate and trust practice serving Hillsborough County and the wider Tampa Bay area. Concentrates on estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Joshua T. Keleske is board certified by The Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates and is a certified circuit civil mediator.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationBusiness PlanningProbate Administration
- Office
- 3333 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 104Tampa, FL 33609
Solo PracticeTampa, FL
Serves 1 county
Tampa estate planning and probate attorney serving Hillsborough County from an office on North Dale Mabry Highway. Prepares wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, life-estate deeds, and special-needs plans, and handles summary and formal probate administration, trust administration, and guardianships. Elaine McGinnis was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2004.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationGuardianshipProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
- Office
- 324 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100Tampa, FL 33609
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
