Probate Assets vs. Non-Probate Assets in Florida
Many families are confused about what actually needs to go through probate after a loved one passes away.
At Buro Law Group, we help beneficiaries and heirs legally access and transfer the assets of someone who has passed—either through a valid will or under Florida intestacy law if there is no will.
In simple terms: Probate is the legal process of “unlocking” assets that were solely in the name of the deceased person and transferring them to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
These are assets that were owned solely by the decedent and do not have a named beneficiary or joint owner. These assets typically must go through probate:
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Bank accounts titled only in the decedent’s name
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Real estate solely in the decedent’s name
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Vehicles or boats titled individually
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Stocks or investment accounts with no named beneficiary
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Business interests
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Personal property (jewelry, collectibles, furniture, etc.)
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Life insurance policies payable to the estate
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Any asset without a designated beneficiary or joint owner
These assets pass automatically to another person and do not go through probate:
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Joint bank accounts with rights of survivorship
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Real estate held as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants by the entirety
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Life insurance policies with a named, living beneficiary
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Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.) with a designated beneficiary
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Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts
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Trust assets (held in a revocable or irrevocable trust)
Understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets can:
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Help you determine whether probate is required
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Avoid unnecessary court filings
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Speed up access to funds for surviving family members
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Assist with Florida estate planning to minimize or avoid probate in the future
What Are Probate Assets?
What Are Non-Probate Assets?
Why This Matters
Why Clients Choose Buro Law Group for Formal Probate
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✅ Transparent flat-fee pricing—no hourly surprises
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✅ Personalized attention from an experienced Florida probate attorney
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✅ Timely communication and responsive service
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✅ Peace of mind during a difficult time
Whether you’re in Palm Beach County or anywhere in Florida, we help streamline the formal probate process so you can focus on your family—not the paperwork.
📞 Ready to start the probate process?
Contact Buro Law Group, PLLC today to discuss your situation and receive a personalized flat-fee quote.
We at the BURO LAW GROUP offer our most sincere condolences for your loss.
Our goal is to make the probate process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have any asset that you are unable to access (like a bank account, investment account or real estate) because it is in the name of someone who has passed away, we can help.
We offer free, no-pressure consultations, where we can guide you on the most appropriate next steps. Cumulatively, our staff has helped thousands of clients and have decades of experience to navigate you through this court process. Call our offices today, in most cases same day consults are possible.