Probate Assets vs. Non-Probate Assets?
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.
What Are Probate Assets?
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
What Are Non-Probate Assets?
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)
Why This Matters.
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
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.
The team at BURO LAW GROUP extends our deepest condolences for your loss.
Our primary goal is to make the Florida probate and estate administration process as straightforward, timely, and seamless as possible for you and your family. If you are facing a situation where a bank, investment firm, or real estate registry has frozen assets because they were held solely in the name of your loved one, we are here to help.
We provide a free legal case evaluation to thoroughly review your circumstances, analyze the available documentation, and determine the most efficient legal path forward. Backed by years of sophisticated experience in South Florida courts, we will help you understand your options without any pressure. Call our office or submit an inquiry today to schedule your preliminary case review.