Florida Bar Federal Court – U.S., District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Mr. Zoecklein and Zoecklein Law are currently litigating cases in the following practice areas: Personal Injury Mortgage Foreclosure Property Damage Elder Law Consumer Law Probate Family Law Business Law

Florida Probate - Zoecklein Law, P.A.

PROVIDING SEASONED SUCCESSFUL SUPPORTIVE LEGAL CARE

Florida Estate Planning And Probate Law

Our firm focuses a significant portion of our practice in the areas of Florida Estate Planning and Probate Law. We provide our Clients with custom estate planning solutions that fit their family and wealth preservation goals. If you fail to create an estate plan, the State of Florida will decide how your assets are going to be distributed through the Probate process.

For many of our clients young or old the responsibility of going through Probate can be extremely stressful and confusing. Let our office provide you and your family with the comfort of a clear path forward for your Probate.

What is the Florida Probate System?

Probate is the Court process of a identifying and distributing a person’s assets either by the terms of their wishes as detailed in their estate planning documents or alternatively through Florida’s rules of intestate succession.

The appropriate Court for Florida probate is typically either (1) the county where the decedent (person who passed) was domiciled; (2) where their property is located; or (3) where any debtor of the decedent resides. Pursuant to Florida Stat. 733.101.

Probating The Estate

A Personal Representative will be appointed by the Court or nominated in your will. That person will have the responsibility to oversee the probate process in conjunction with an attorney that he or she engages. The Personal Representative will be responsible for

Preparing And Filing Income Tax Returns For The Estate.

Locating Assets

Finding Documents Required By Probate.

Paying Bills Related To Your Estate While It Is Being Wrapped Up.

Determining Creditors

If you are a personal representative, you may find these tasks daunting. Having the right Florida Probate attorney help you through the process can provide you the information you need. Give us a call if you have any questions or need help with your Florida probate.

Florida Probates Will Be Handled As Summary Or Formal Administration Depending On The Estate

Florida Probate Courts typically run in two tracks with different procedures. The first such procedure is known as Summary Administration. This process is available if (1) a person dies with a will that does not direct formal administration or without a will (intestate) and (2) the value of the entire estate is less than $75,000.00 or the person passed away more than 2 years ago.

Alternatively, if your estate doesn’t qualify for a summary administration, it will need to be distributed in Probate by Formal Administration. This process can be very complicated and detailed but generally it involves providing notice to the Clerk of Court of the decedent’s death, followed by notice to creditors & beneficiaries. Then outstanding debts are paid out of the estate and an accounting is made of the total assets.

Finally, a Court will be petitioned to approve the final dissolution of an estate and the assets will be distributed either pursuant to the terms of Florida’s intestate succession or pursuant to the decedent’s wishes pursuant to a will. This process typically takes many months and will require the opening of separate bank accounts, notices to creditors and potentially dealing with disputed claims of creditors and beneficiaries.

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Florida’s Formal
Administration Probate

Dealing With Florida Assets When Probate Is Started In Another State

TESTIMONIALS

Our Clients Say It The Best

“Overall great experience with this firm. Out of state probate matter was handled via email and phone and my calls were returned or answered right away. Peace of mind was worth it alone, thank you.”

Bartholomew Allen

“I highly recommend this law firm for your estate planning and probate litigation needs. Passionate and dedicate attorneys who are committed to going above and beyond to help their clients.”

Tanesha S. Dumont

“”Probate matter was handled with care and diligence. I never felt uninformed throughout the entire ordeal. I can personally recommend this firm if you’re in the same boat I was in….in need of legal help involving probate”

Frederick Winslow

I took a little bit longer than I thought it would. I know it all had to do with vivid also. They were very pleasant and professional. Wendy was the one I bothered the most. Even through that she seemed to always be in her comfort zone. Brice was matter of fact and to the point. He always returned my calls or emails in a timely manner, usually the same day. It been a real pleasure working with them through this difficult time. I would definitely hire them again.

Robin Lewis

Excellent service very professional! Wendy Davis has continued to walk me thru the most difficult moment in my time in my life, making this difficult transition smoother for me and my family, and it’s the common courtesy of explain things into detail when needed while still making you understand it. Her stellar attitude makes this difficult Situation a whole lot easier. Thank you Wendy! You guys keep on rockin!

Santos Torres

This is a respectable and professional attorney firm. Cody Nixon and team work together to provide the best service to their customers. Amazing team and I highly recommend this law firm 👌

Nel Cole

First let me start off by saying Bob is the greatest! I had a probate case that he made so easy being that this was my first time having to deal with this. I would definitely recommend zoecklein law to anyone that’s looking for a honest law firm. This is a law firm I will come back too if I’m ever in the need. Thanks again❤️

Frances Wilson

Awesome service and shoutout to Wendy for always being a helping hand, she’s amazing!!

Rimaryeli Delgado

I am very grateful that I found Zoecklein Law firm in Tampa. I had been going back and forth for over two years in a legal matter with a different attorney in Tampa and as soon as I decided to switch law firms and have Brice handle things for me it was all settled in less than a year! I would highly recommended as he was very professional, responsive, and always kept me in the loop. I cannot thank them enough for helping me!

Kayla Romo

This law firm is the best. Thank you so much to Brice, Bob & Samantha for all your help. They were quick, responsive & very friendly. We definitely recommend Zoeklein Law!

Rebecca Blosfield

Very professional and a pleasure to work with.

K. Katrice Daniels

Best lawyer's Ever... I highly recommend Brice Zoecklein. They All work hard to get the justice you deserve.

Tiffany Shadley

Always takes the time to answer my questions when I call about my estate planning needs. My go to law firm in Tampa on these matters.

Steve Clarks

Handled my probate litigation case with professionalism and class. Very satisfied with the work this law firm has done on my behalf.

Alex Krouse

Main Office Location

Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Tampa
Probate Office

401 E Jackson St #
2340
Tampa FL 33602

By Appointment Only*

Sarasota
Probate Office

3230 Southgate Circle Suite 116 Sarasota FL 34239

By Appointment Only*

Lakeland
Probate Office

1643 Williamsburg Square, Suite 136 Lakeland FL 33803

By Appointment Only*

Pasco County
Probate Office

8520 Government Dr Suite 1 New Port Richey, FL 34654

By Appointment Only*

St. Petersburg
Probate Office

9800 4th St N. Suite 200 St. Petersburg FL 33702

By Appointment Only*

Manatee
Probate Office

4916 26th St W Suite 157 Bradenton, FL 34207

By Appointment Only*

Meet Your Team

Brice Zoecklein

Mr. Zoecklein’s primary focus centers on Probate and Plaintiff’s Civil Litigation. His esteemed team is actively handling cases across the State of Florida in the areas of probate administration, estate litigation, insurance claims, and business law. Hailing from Blacksburg, Virginia, he graduated cum laude from Virginia Tech with a degree in business management, successfully running multiple franchises in Virginia and North Carolina during his time there. Pursuing higher education, Mr. Zoecklein earned his juris doctorate degree cum laude, along with a Masters in Business Administration, from Stetson University College of Law, where he notably represented the university in numerous national and international legal academic competitions. A highlight of his law school journey was winning a National Moot Court competition for Stetson, displaying his exceptional legal acumen. During his time at Stetson, Brice also contributed to the Center for Advocacy of Elder Law and interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Following graduation, he embarked on a career with a prominent insurance defense firm, but his passion for Plaintiff advocacy and consumer justice led him to dedicate his legal pursuits exclusively to the representation of consumer rights. Apart from his professional endeavors, Mr. Zoecklein treasures quality time with his wife and three children. Through his unwavering pursuit of justice, both inside and outside the courtroom, Brice Zoecklein exemplifies the essence of a compassionate advocate and a reputable professional, dedicated to upholding the values of integrity, empathy, and fairness in all aspects of his life.

Bar Admission

Florida Bar
Federal Court – U.S., District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Education

Stetson University College of Law – cum laude

Virginia Polytechnic Institute – cum laude

Practice Areas

Mr. Zoecklein and Zoecklein Law are currently litigating cases in the following practice areas:

Personal Injury
Mortgage Foreclosure
Property Damage
Elder Law
Consumer Law
Probate
Family Law
Business Law

Contact Information

Email: Brice@zoeckleinlawpa.com

Tampa Office: (813) 993-4967

Lakeland Office: (863) 808-0530

Sarasota: (941) 313-3330

Meet Your Team

Michelle Zoecklein

Mrs. Zoecklein is a highly accomplished and driven professional with a successful track record in both accounting and customer service. As a devoted spouse and parent to three wonderful children, She values the importance of work-life balance and strives to lead by example in maintaining a fulfilling family life alongside her career.

With an innate sense of self-drive and ambition, Mrs. Zoecklein has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, making her an invaluable asset to every team she has been a part of. Drawing from her experience in accounting, she has managed financial operations with precision and an eye for detail, ensuring smooth financial transactions and accurate record-keeping.

In the realm of customer service, Mrs. Zoecklein has honed her communication and interpersonal skills, establishing strong rapport with clients and colleagues alike. She takes great pride in delivering exceptional service, consistently exceeding expectations, and ensuring client satisfaction.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Mrs. Zoecklein finds immense joy in the company of her loving spouse and three children. She believes that family forms the cornerstone of a fulfilling life and embraces opportunities to create lasting memories with them. Whether it’s embarking on adventurous outings, engaging in creative endeavors, or simply relishing quality time at home.

With a perfect blend of professional dedication and family-centered values Mrs. Zoecklein embodies a well-rounded and driven individual, whose commitment to excellence extends to both her career and the cherished relationships that enrich her life.

Meet Your Team

Charles Adams

A Florida Bar licensed attorney since 2011 with a passion for justice, a track record of successful courtroom and jury trial experience, and a diverse background that extends beyond the legal world. As a past assistant state attorney and co-owner of a successful online business, I bring a unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to everything I do.

My dedication to the well-being of the community began with my service in the U.S. Army Reserve, evolved into keeping drunk drivers off the street, and is now focused on helping people find closure during difficult times, putting loved ones to rest, and mitigating the injustices of the legal system.

I grew up in Tampa, Florida, and after 2 years at the American University in Washington, D.C., I returned to the state and graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in history. I received my Juris Doctor from the University of Maine. After deciding New England winters were too gloomy, I returned to the state for a second time. When I am not working, I cherish spending time with my wife and our pets.

Meet Your Team

Jacob Rubin

Mr. Rubin currently focuses on probate administration, estate litigation, and general civil litigation. Mr. Rubin grew up in Miami, Florida, and graduated from the University of Miami where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications.

Mr. Rubin obtained his juris doctorate degree from Florida International University College of Law in Miami, Florida. While at Florida International University, Mr. Rubin was a member of the Negotiation and Mediation Team, and competed in several competitions, including the Tulane Law School Professional Football Negotiation Competition. While at Florida International University, Mr. Rubin interned at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and the Broward Public Defender’s Office.

After graduating, Mr. Rubin worked at the Fort Myers Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender, and then worked for Florida Rural Legal Services, where he focused on family and immigration law. Mr. Rubin joined Zoecklein Law, P.A. in July of 2023. While not working, Mr. Rubin enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and their three cats, four spiders, one snake, and one scorpion.

PROVIDING SEASONED SUCCESSFUL SUPPORTIVE LEGAL CARE

Florida Estate Planning And Probate Law

What is the Florida Probate System?

Probating The Estate