High value estates can involve additional legal and tax considerations beyond the typical probate administration process. For instance, for a decedent who dies in 2026, the federal estate tax basic exclusion amount is $15 million. Estates exceeding the applicable federal threshold may be subject to federal estate tax and additional filing requirements, depending on the circumstances.
At Di Pietro Partners, we have experience handling Florida probate matters involving substantial and complex estates, including matters that may involve both state probate law and federal tax considerations.
Our lawyers represent clients through legal matters such as:
- Estate Administration
- Complex Estate Litigation
- Estate Tax Avoidance or Reduction
- Estate Planning & Private Wealth Services
- Trust Administration
- Legal Disputes Involving Trusts
- Business Planning & Corporate Structuring
Regardless of the size of your estate, our legal team is well equipped to handle your individual estate planning needs.
Key Takeaways: High Value Estates in Florida
- “High value estate” is not a specific legal classification under Florida probate law, but the term is often used for estates involving substantial assets or added complexity.
- For decedents dying in 2026, the federal estate tax basic exclusion amount is $15 million.
- Florida does not currently impose a separate state estate tax on estates of decedents who died after December 31, 2004.
- High value estates may involve additional issues such as business interests, multiple properties, trusts, creditor claims, tax considerations, and disputes among beneficiaries or fiduciaries.
- Florida law provides a percentage-based attorney-fee schedule that is presumed reasonable for ordinary probate services, but the parties may agree to a different compensation structure.
What’s Considered a High Value Estate?
“High value estate” is not a specific legal classification under Florida probate law. Instead, the term is generally used to describe estates involving substantial assets or added complexity, such as significant investment holdings, business interests, trusts, real estate, or potential federal estate tax issues.
One important consideration is whether the estate exceeds the applicable federal estate tax threshold. For decedents dying in 2026, the federal basic exclusion amount is $15 million.
Secondly, high value estates can also be one that involves complex administration of not only probate, but various tax shelter trusts.
Proper estate planning may help reduce potential federal estate tax exposure through strategies implemented during a person’s lifetime. After death, the personal representative and the estate’s advisors may also need to evaluate available deductions, elections, and other tax considerations as part of administering a high value estate.
Why High Value Estates Can Be More Complex
High value estates often involve more than simply identifying assets and distributing them to beneficiaries. Depending on the estate, additional issues may include:
- Closely held businesses or ownership interests
- Multiple real estate holdings
- Trusts and other estate-planning structures
- Investment accounts and other financial assets
- Valuation of complex or illiquid property
- Federal estate and gift tax considerations
- Creditor claims
- Disputes among beneficiaries, fiduciaries, or other interested parties
The more complex the estate, the more important it can be to coordinate probate administration with tax, financial, and other professional advice when appropriate.
High Value Estate Administration
When it comes to the administration of a large estate, there are legal considerations at both the state and federal level. For example, Florida has its own legal process for the distribution of assets and inheritance through probate court. Florida does not currently impose a separate state estate tax on estates of decedents who died after December 31, 2004, although federal estate tax may still apply depending on the size and circumstances of the estate. Additionally, there are many federal laws regarding estate taxes, gift taxes, trusts, annuities, etc.
When someone passes away in Florida and leaves behind a large estate, it’s beneficial to work with an attorney experienced in Florida probate law who also understands the federal tax and legal issues that can arise in large estates
Doing so can help the personal representative navigate federal tax considerations, probate requirements, and other issues that may arise when administering a large or complex estate.
Pricing Structure
Florida law provides a percentage-based fee schedule that is presumed to be reasonable compensation for an attorney’s ordinary services in a formal probate administration. However, the attorney and the appropriate parties may agree to a different method of compensation. When the estate is very large, a fee calculated using a percentage of the estate can be quite substantial. In most cases, we structure our fees based on hourly rates as opposed to a percentage. For a high value estate, this can allow legal fees to more closely reflect the amount and complexity of the work actually required to administer the estate.
At Di Pietro Partners, we are a focused team of attorneys who provide highly personalized representation to our clients.
Our firm emphasizes direct communication and a close attorney-client relationship throughout the probate process. For clients administering high value or complex estates, this approach allows us to provide individualized attention while addressing the legal, financial, and practical issues involved in the administration.
High Value Estate Litigation
When one or more beneficiaries or other interested parties have a legal objection concerning the administration of an estate, a probate dispute may arise. These disputes can involve the validity or interpretation of a will, the conduct of the personal representative, fiduciary duties, accountings, creditor claims, asset distribution, or other issues affecting the administration of the estate.
The lawyers at Di Pietro Partners handle complex probate and related trust disputes, including:
- Will contests
- Breach of fiduciary duty by a personal representative
- Removal or misconduct of a personal representative
- Mental capacity issues
- Undue influence
- Disputes among beneficiaries or heirs
- Creditor disputes
- Accounting and asset-distribution disputes
- Related trust litigation, including claims involving trustees and trustee compensation
Our experienced team of estate litigation attorneys can represent you through these complex disputes and work to protect your legal rights and interests.
Florida High Value Estate Attorneys
If you are administering a high value or complex estate in Florida, or are involved in a dispute concerning substantial estate assets, Di Pietro Partners can help you navigate the probate and litigation issues involved. Contact our firm to discuss your situation with an experienced Florida probate attorney.
