Bradenton Probate Attorney

For Manatee families handling a homestead, vacation home, or vessel.

Probate responsibilities can begin within days of a death, especially when real estate, vacation property, or financial accounts are involved. Talk with a Bradenton probate attorney before mistakes, delays, or estate disputes start complicating the process.

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Handling Probate for Homes, Families, and Assets in Bradenton

Florida Statute §732.901 gives the custodian of an original will ten days to deposit it with the Clerk after learning of the death. In Manatee County, that filing is handled through Clerk Angelina “Angel” Colonneso’s Probate Department.

Most Bradenton estates then proceed through the 12th Judicial Circuit as summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, or another limited probate procedure. The correct path depends on the assets, title records, creditors, and family circumstances.

A downtown homestead, an Anna Maria Island vacation property, a Cortez vessel, and a Manatee mobile-home interest may each require different filings or transfer steps.

Recent legal and local developments also matter. Hurricane Milton storm-surge insurance proceeds may still appear in estate administrations, and CS/HB 923 now requires Clerks to record orders admitting wills into county land records.

Allie R.B. Castellano leads probate matters at Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. She has served estate planning and probate clients across Manatee and Sarasota and works directly with families throughout the administration process.

Proudly Serving Bradenton and Our Surrounding Manatee Communities

Our probate clients come from across Bradenton, including Downtown Bradenton, the Riverwalk area, Palma Sola, Cortez, Bayshore Gardens, and West Bradenton near IMG Academy.

We also assist families in Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Palmetto, Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch, and other Manatee County communities where probate or trust administration requires local court handling.

Manatee County probate filings move through the 12th Judicial Circuit at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West. Clerk Colonneso’s Probate Department at 1115 Manatee Avenue West handles original will deposits, recording, and letters.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. has served this region for decades. Our familiarity with these local filing requirements helps families avoid preventable delays in opening, administering, and closing the estate.

You do not have to figure out Bradenton probate alone. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Allie Castellano.

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Probate Problems That Need Early Legal Review

Bradenton probate is not the same case twice. Six situations come up repeatedly with the Manatee families we serve, and each has a different procedural answer at the 12th Circuit and at Clerk Colonneso’s office.

  • Original will not be deposited within the ten-day §732.901 deadline.
  • An estate may qualify for summary administration under §735.201.
  • Anna Maria Island home owned by an out-of-state decedent.
  • Mobile-home title and park rights are governed partly by Chapter 723.
  • Cortez vessel or business asset needing estate authority.
  • Storm-related insurance proceeds are tied to the estate.

Each one is solvable, but only when the lawyer actually knows Bradenton. If your family is dealing with a Bradenton homestead, Anna Maria property, vessel, mobile-home interest, or insurance claim, talk with Allie before taking the next step.

Documents Used in a Bradenton Probate File

  • Original Last Will and Testament
  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Petition for Administration
  • Oath of Personal Representative
  • Notice to Creditors
  • Inventory and accounting
  • Petition for Discharge

A probate file is built from records, notices, and court requests. The will and the death certificate identify the starting point. The petition asks the court to open the matter. The oath and letters establish who has authority.

After that, the file turns to administration. Creditors must be notified, assets must be listed, accountings may be required, and the discharge petition asks the court to close the estate once transfer and distribution are complete.

What to Do Now After a Bradenton Death in the Family

Begin by gathering the records that show what the decedent owned and how each asset was titled. That usually includes the original will, a certified death certificate, deeds, account statements, beneficiary forms, trust papers, debt notices, and title records for vehicles, vessels, or mobile home interests.

Avoid selling, transferring, retitling, or using estate property until authority is confirmed. Some assets may pass outside probate through beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or a trust. Others may require Letters of Administration or a court order before anyone can act.

Check the early deadlines before assuming there is time to wait. The original will must be deposited within 10 days under Florida Statute §732.901. Creditor issues, insurance claims, property access, business operations, or title matters may also need review soon after death.

How We Handle Your Bradenton Probate Administration

Our attorney reviews the estate and determines the correct probate path. Depending on the facts, that may be summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, or disposition without administration under §735.301.

We prepare the Manatee County filings, including the petition, will deposit, required notices, 12th Circuit probate checklist, inventory, creditor documents, and discharge papers where applicable.

When the estate includes real property, vessels, mobile-home interests, business assets, insurance proceeds, or disputed authority, we address those issues within the administration instead of treating them as afterthoughts.

We coordinate with the Clerk, court, creditors, financial institutions, title parties, and beneficiaries as needed. The goal is to move the estate toward lawful transfer, accounting, distribution, and discharge.

A Look at Recent Bradenton Matters

  • Case results

    $1.6 Million

    Will Contest

  • Case results

    $1.175 Million

    Fiduciary Breach

  • Case results

    $300,000

    Trustee Fraud

  • Case results

    $260,000

    Trust Recovery

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case turns on its own facts

Bradenton Probate in Manatee County, By the Numbers

The 12th Judicial Circuit, covering Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties, handles probate, guardianship, and trust filings each year. Manatee County estates proceed through that circuit when court administration is required.

Florida filing fees are set by statute. Under §28.241, formal administration is listed at $400, while summary administration is listed at $345. The correct filing depends on the estate’s value, status, and procedure. The ten-day deposit rule is also important. Under §732.901, the custodian of the original will must deposit it with the Clerk within ten days after learning of the death.

Bradenton’s case mix reflects its property base. Homesteads, vacation properties, mobile-home interests, vessels, business assets, and storm-related insurance claims can each affect the filings required before an estate is closed.

Sources: Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court; Florida Statutes §28.241, §732.901, and §735.201; 12th Judicial Circuit Probate Division.

Statistics 2022

Formal Administration Fee

400

Summary Administration Fee

345

Will Deposit Deadline

10 Days

What Our Bradenton Clients Say

My highest recommendation and gratitude to the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. Their generous reliability and core knowledge is truly valuable. Complex legal issues are strategically and efficiently handled. Communication was always prompt, and always my needs were a priority. Competency in cost-benefit analysis resulted in my receiving appropriate compensation. During the procedure, I experienced the highest ethical standards. This firm is truly superior in all regards.

The whole firm fought like hell for me and my family in Court. I highly recommend them.

Our experience with Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. is very positive. They handled all the unexpected annoyances – the E-mails, letters and phone calls that resulted from a relatively minor accident. We are satisfied with our result.

“Drake, Amiee and Nancy were very instrumental in helping me get through a very difficult time in my life. They were very warm and responsive to all my needs at any time. I would highly recommend this team of professionals in any legal matters.

I would highly recommend Drake Buckman to represent myself and any of my loved ones. From the initial contact, Drake always had my best interest, health and welfare as a priority. His friendly, personable manner gave me comfort and confidence from the start of my legal pursuit. Drake Buckman was thorough the entire duration of my case achieving success on my behalf

I found Amiee Buckman to be very attentive, thorough, professional, and very prompt in responding to my needs. I was impressed with not only her professionalism and expertise, but also with her sincerity and honesty. I would highly recommend Amiee Buckman and the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. to anyone that needed services in the area of law.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. has provided outstanding legal representation for us in the area of Estate Planning and Elder Care. Helped us through a difficult situation with a loved one that resulted in a successful outcome.

I am a client of the Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. law firm which I use for all my corporate and personal matters. Amiee has a personal hands on approach with attention to details and emphasis on communication. It is with great confidence I recommend her and the entire staff at this firm.

Drake is a conscientious person and a knowledgeable attorney. He’s a great counselor to have working for you. His costs are reasonable; and he will tell you the truth whether that’s what you want to hear or not. He’s experienced in writing Wills and setting up trusts and estates. I highly recommend him.

Mr. Buckman is a highly-skilled Professional who expedited my case efficiently and effectively. He was ethical, knowledgeable, patient and thorough from start to finish. I could not have asked for anything more!

Don’t wait for probate deadlines or disputes to start. Talk with a Bradenton probate attorney.

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  • Formal Probate Administration

  • Summary Administration

  • Ancillary Probate

  • Trust Administration and Will Contests

Meet Allie R.B. Castellano

Allie R.B. Castellano leads probate matters at Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. Her work includes estate administration, trust disputes, will contests, fiduciary issues, and probate proceedings for families in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

She has experience with the Florida Appellate Court in matters involving a person’s right to direct an estate plan and has received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. That background matters when a probate file requires both careful administration and the ability to address conflict.

Allie R.B. Castellano, Sarasota estate planning attorney, outside a Sarasota courthouse building

Allie R.B. Castellano

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The right form of administration takes weight off the family. The wrong one adds months.

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Our Practice Areas

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Revocable Living Trust

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Durable Power of Attorney

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Business Lawyer

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Simple Will

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Property Deeds and Transfers

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Succession Planning

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Estate Planning

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Beneficiary Rights

Common Questions About Bradenton Probate Administration

Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?

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Do I need probate for my late spouse’s Bradenton homestead?

Often, yes, but the procedure depends on the estate. A homestead petition may be sufficient in some cases. If non-exempt assets are $75,000 or less, summary administration may apply. Larger estates, creditor issues, or disputes usually require formal administration.

How long do I have to deposit a Manatee County will?

Florida Statute §732.901 requires the custodian to deposit the original will within ten days after learning of the death. In Manatee County, the filing goes to Clerk Angelina Colonneso’s Probate Department at 1115 Manatee Avenue West. A late deposit can delay administration.

How do I probate an Anna Maria Island vacation home from out of state?

An out-of-state decedent who owned an Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach property usually requires ancillary administration under Chapter 734. The case is filed in Manatee County through the 12th Circuit. Many filing steps can be handled remotely.

What is summary administration in Manatee County, and who qualifies?

Summary administration under §735.201 is a shorter probate process in Florida. It may apply when non-exempt assets are valued at less than $75,000 or when the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years. In Manatee County, the filing fee is $345 under §28.241.

How do I transfer my late father’s mobile-home park lot in Bradenton?

The title documents and the park agreement need to be reviewed first. Florida Chapter 723 governs mobile-home park lot tenancies, while Chapter 732 controls inheritance when there is no will. The home title and lot rights may require separate steps before transfer.