Orlando Probate Litigation Attorney: Aggressive Representation for Will Contests and Estate Disputes

When a loved one passes away, the last thing you expect is a legal battle. However, theft, manipulation, and mismanagement often turn a time of grieving into a complex legal war.

As an experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer, our firm represents heirs, beneficiaries, and fiduciaries in high-stakes estate conflicts.

Whether you need a Will contest lawyer Orlando residents trust or a seasoned Probate dispute attorney Florida families rely on, we litigate aggressively to protect what is rightfully yours.

If you suspect undue influence, fraud, or a breach of fiduciary duty, you need more than just a standard estate planner—you need a dedicated Orlando probate litigation attorney who understands the courtroom.

At Lorenzo Law, we specialize in high-stakes estate disputes. We protect beneficiaries, heirs, and Personal Representatives in Orange County and across Central Florida against those seeking to steal or mismanage estate assets.

What Is Probate Litigation?

Probate litigation is the legal process of resolving disputes regarding the administration of a deceased person’s estate.

Unlike standard probate administration—which is the court-supervised process of distributing assets—litigation involves conflict.

This often arises when a Last Will and Testament is contested, a trust is challenged, or a Personal Representative is accused of wrongdoing.

In these cases, an experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer is critical to protect beneficiaries and enforce the law.

A skilled Will contest lawyer Orlando families trust can address issues such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud, while a seasoned Probate dispute attorney Florida courts recognize can pursue or defend complex estate litigation efficiently.

Why It Matters: The Cost of Inaction

In Florida probate law, time is your enemy. For example, you typically have only 90 days to contest a will after being served with a Notice of Administration.

Failing to act quickly with a qualified probate dispute attorney in Florida can result in the permanent loss of your inheritance.

An experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer understands how unforgiving these deadlines are.

Working with a seasoned Will contest lawyer Orlando beneficiaries trust and a strategic Probate dispute attorney Florida courts respect ensures filings are made on time, evidence is preserved, and your rights are protected before they are irreversibly waived.

Who Is This For?

Beneficiaries: Who have been wrongfully disinherited or are watching their inheritance disappear due to theft.
Heirs: Who believe a recent Will was signed under undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity.
Personal Representatives: Who are defending the estate against frivolous claims by disgruntled family members.

How Lorenzo Law Evaluates Probate Disputes

Our Professional Criteria Before Recommending Litigation

Not every disagreement belongs in court. As your Orlando probate litigation lawyer, we evaluate cases based on three critical factors before proceeding:

Evidence of Invalidity: Is there medical documentation of lack of mental capacity? Are there witnesses to undue influence?
Economic Viability: Probate litigation can be costly. We assess whether the value of the assets in dispute justifies the expense of litigation to ensure you aren’t spending $50,000 to recover $10,000.
Fiduciary Misconduct: Is the executor merely slow, or are they actively breaching their fiduciary duty by commingling funds or self-dealing?

As an experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer, Lorenzo Law evaluates every case with litigation in mind, not guesswork.

If you need a strategic Will contest lawyer Orlando families trust or a results-driven Probate dispute attorney Florida courts respect, our analysis ensures disputes are pursued only when success is legally and financially justified.

Common Use Cases: When to Hire a Probate Dispute Lawyer

1. Will Contests & Undue Influence

If a caregiver, neighbor, or family member suddenly appears in a new Will shortly before death, you may have grounds to sue. We handle cases involving undue influence probate Florida claims where vulnerable seniors were manipulated.

2. Lack of Testamentary Capacity

Did the decedent suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s? If they did not understand the nature of their assets or who their rightful beneficiaries were, the Will may be invalid.

3. Removal of Personal Representative

Under Florida law, a Personal Representative can be removed for wasting assets, failure to account, or conflicts of interest. Our firm acts as an estate theft attorney in Florida to stop executors from draining the estate.

4. Elective Share & Spousal Rights

Florida law provides specific protections for surviving spouses. We handle elective share disputes to ensure spouses receive their statutory 30% share, regardless of what the Will says.

How Corporate Law and Business Litigation Impact Probate

Many Orlando FL estates involve more than just a house and a bank account; they involve active businesses. As a full-service law firm, we understand that estate litigation often overlaps with corporate law and commercial litigation.

When business interests are involved, an experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer must address shareholder disputes, operating agreements, and fiduciary breaches.

A Will contest lawyer Orlando business owners rely on works closely with a Probate dispute attorney Florida courts respect to resolve estate conflicts involving closely held companies, partnerships, and corporate assets.

Business Litigation in Probate Disputes

When a business owner passes away without a clear succession plan, it often triggers employment litigation or shareholder disputes.

If the probate case involves family-owned companies in the Orlando area, you need a skilled attorney who understands business planning and asset valuation.

We ensure a smooth transition of business assets and protect the company from being devalued during the court process.

Family Law and Estate Litigation: A Complex Intersection

Family law issues, such as divorce decrees and prenuptial agreements, frequently collide with probate matters. For example, an ex-spouse may illegally claim assets, or a legal document may contradict a divorce settlement.

Our litigation lawyer team is adept at resolving these overlapping legal disputes to ensure the decedent’s personal affairs are settled according to their true intent.

An experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer navigates conflicts between probate law and prior family court orders.

A skilled Will contest lawyer Orlando families trust and a seasoned Probate dispute attorney Florida courts respect can enforce divorce judgments, challenge improper beneficiary claims, and prevent ex-spouses from unlawfully inheriting estate assets.

Critical Glossary Terms for Orlando Residents

Fiduciary Duty: The highest legal obligation of trust. An executor must act solely in the interest of beneficiaries.
Undue Influence: When a person is induced to act otherwise than by their own free will or without adequate attention to the consequences.
Notice of Administration: The formal document that starts the clock on your deadline to object to a Will.
Formal Administration: The standard probate court proceedings in Florida for estates valued over $75,000.

Debunking Myths: The Dangers of “Free” Forms

Myth: “I can handle a Will contest myself using forms I found online.”

Fact: Probate litigation is highly technical. Florida judges strictly enforce the rules of evidence and civil procedure. “Free” forms often fail to account for complex Florida statutes regarding homestead or elective shares. Relying on generic advice can lead to the dismissal of your case.

Myth: “Probate always takes years.”

Fact: While contested estates take longer, an aggressive Orlando probate attorney can often force a settlement or mediation to resolve disputes faster than a full trial.

Myth: “Having a Will keeps my family out of probate court.”

Fact: This is one of the most common misconceptions. Probate is the court-supervised process that validates a will, determines heirs, and distributes assets accordingly. A Will guides the court, but it does not bypass it. To actually keep assets out of court, you need different planning tools. Trusts can help avoid the probate process and control how assets are distributed to beneficiaries over time. Additionally, in Florida, you can include payable-on-death or transfer-on-death clauses in certain assets to avoid probate.

Myth: “Probate disputes always result in a long, public trial.”

Fact: Many disputes are resolved before they ever reach a judge’s final ruling. Experienced probate attorneys can help resolve disputes amicably and provide guidance through the legal process. In fact, under new procedures, attorneys are required to confer in good faith to resolve disputes before filing most non-dispositive motions in probate litigation, as per updated Florida court rules by 2026. Furthermore, some disputes are handled privately because Wills or trusts in Florida may contain enforceable arbitration clauses for dispute resolution as per Florida Statute 731.401.

Myth: “Creditors can show up years later to claim estate assets.”

Fact: The law places a strict deadline on debts to ensure the estate can be closed. Probate allows creditors three months to pursue claims against the estate, after which their claims are forfeited under Florida law. This statutory window provides protection for beneficiaries that might not exist outside of the formal probate process.

Myth: “I can save money by handling the probate process myself.”

Fact: Attempting to navigate the courts alone often leads to delays that cost more in the long run. Navigating the probate process can be particularly daunting due to specific regulations and requirements set by local entities. Probate court proceedings can be long, time-consuming, costly, and confusing. Hiring a professional is an investment in efficiency; Orlando probate attorneys can help expedite the probate process by leveraging their knowledge of local court systems and specifically, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

The Role of an Estate Planning Attorney in Avoiding Litigation

While we specialize in disputes, we know that the best defense is a proactive offense. Many legal issues we see in probate court could have been prevented with a proper estate planning process.

A knowledgeable Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer often sees litigation caused by poor planning, outdated documents, or unclear beneficiary designations.

Working with a qualified Will contest lawyer Orlando families trust and a strategic Probate dispute attorney Florida clients rely on can help structure estates to minimize disputes before they ever reach court.

Drafting a Last Will and Living Will to Prevent Conflict

A vague Last Will or Living Will is a recipe for disaster. To avoid probate disputes, your advance directive and end of life care documents must be drafted with precision.

An experienced estate planning attorney ensures that every revocable trust and legal document complies with the Florida Department of Revenue and strict statutory requirements.

We encourage Orlando residents to seek a qualified Orlando estate planning professional to handle these legal details.

If you are facing a dispute because a previous attorney failed to act in an effective manner, our Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer team can help rectify the damage.

The Probate Litigation Process: Step-by-Step

Case Evaluation: We review medical records, prior Wills, and financial statements to determine if you have a valid claim.
Filing the Petition: We file the necessary pleadings in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (or appropriate venue) to freeze assets or contest the Will.
Discovery: We demand bank records, emails, and medical history to build your case.
Mediation: Florida court rules often require parties to attempt to resolve disputes amicably before trial.
Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, we vigorously represent your interests before the probate judge.

Documents You Need (Checklist)

To expedite your consultation, please gather the following:

[ ] Copy of the Last Will and Testament (if available).
[ ] The Death Certificate.
[ ] Correspondence with the current Personal Representative.
[ ] A list of known estate assets (Real estate, bank accounts, investments).
[ ] Timeline of the decedent’s medical decline (if alleging incapacity).

Risks, Costs, and Timeframes

Probate litigation is an investment in protecting your rights.

Risks: If you lose a Will contest, you may be responsible for the other side’s attorney fees in certain situations.
Costs: We do not offer free work. Quality legal representation requires significant resources. However, in some breach of fiduciary duty cases, attorney fees may be recoverable from the offending party or the estate.
Timeframe: While some disputes settle in months, complex litigation can take 12–24 months.

An experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer will explain these risks upfront, not after the damage is done.

A seasoned Will contest lawyer Orlando clients rely on and a strategic Probate dispute attorney Florida litigants trust will assess exposure, cost recovery potential, and realistic timelines before litigation begins—not after invoices pile up.

Why Choose Our Orlando Probate Dispute Attorney Team?

Selecting the right probate lawyer is critical for your financial future. Our firm serves clients across Central Florida, from Winter Haven to Sand Lake, providing aggressive representation for those facing estate theft or fiduciary misconduct.

Experience Matters: From Law School to the Courtroom

Our legal strategies are built on a solid educational foundation (including roots at Florida International University College of Law) and years of navigating the Florida Bar regulations.

We are not just estate administrators; we are litigators who understand the nuances of the probate process and elder law.

We act in the best interests of our clients, ensuring that every probate matter is handled with the highest level of professionalism.

The Truth About a Free Consultation

While many firms offer a generic free consultation, we believe your case deserves more than a sales pitch. Probate litigation is complex.

We provide a comprehensive case review to analyze the legal matters at hand. Avoid the “free” trap—invest in a skilled attorney who will give you an honest assessment of your Will contest or trust dispute right from the start.

An experienced Orlando Probate Dispute Lawyer will not sugarcoat your position or inflate expectations.

A seasoned Will contest lawyer Orlando clients trust and a pragmatic Probate dispute attorney Florida courts respect will identify strengths, weaknesses, and risks early—so you make informed decisions, not emotional ones.

Why Choose Lorenzo Law?

We are not a general practice firm; we are focused on estate and trust litigation.

Local Knowledge: We know the Orlando and Winter Park courts and judges.
Aggressive Advocacy: We don’t just file papers; we fight for your result.
Clear Communication: You will never be left in the dark about the status of your case.

When probate disputes arise, having the right legal advocate makes all the difference.

An experienced Orlando Probate Litigation Attorney can help you resolve will contests, disputes over trust administration, claims of undue influence, and conflicts among beneficiaries or fiduciaries.

These matters are often emotionally charged and legally complex, requiring an attorney who understands both courtroom strategy and the intricacies of probate law.

We regularly handle cases not just in Orange County, but throughout Florida, including contested probate matters involving out-of-state or international parties.

No matter where you’re located, if the estate is in the State of Florida, we can help. Speak with an Orlando Probate Litigation Attorney today to protect your interests and secure what you’re legally entitled to.

Get a Professional Case Evaluation

Don’t let your inheritance be stolen or your loved one’s legacy be tarnished. If you need an Orlando Probate Litigation Attorney, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Contact an Orlando Probate Lawyer Handling Probate Litigation Matters