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When a loved one passes away, you need a plan for the future, or your family is facing a legal challenge in Polk County — you need an attorney who knows the local courts and can guide you through it. At Zoecklein Law, P.A., we handle probate, estate planning, Medicaid planning, trust litigation, guardianship, and real estate matters throughout the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Our Lakeland office serves families throughout Polk County. Probate and guardianship matters are filed at the courthouse in Bartow, and we handle cases in the 10th Judicial Circuit regularly.
Talk to an attorney about your situation — no obligation.
(863) 808-0530 Schedule OnlineFormal and summary administration, ancillary probate for out-of-state decedents, creditor claims, homestead issues, and personal representative disputes in Polk County.
Learn about Florida Probate →Revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advanced directives, and Lady Bird deeds. Customized plans to protect your family and avoid probate.
Learn about Estate Planning →Protect your home and savings from nursing home costs. Asset protection trusts, QITs, crisis planning, and spend-down strategies for Lakeland families.
Learn about Medicaid Planning →Breach of fiduciary duty, trust contests, trustee removal, forced accountings, and will contests in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Learn about Trust Litigation →Adult and minor guardianship, emergency temporary guardianship, and guardian advocacy for families in Polk County.
Learn about Guardianship →Partition actions, quiet title, real estate fraud, ejectment, and homestead disputes arising from inherited or co-owned property.
Learn about Real Estate →Probate cases in Polk County are filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit at the Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. A typical formal administration takes 6 to 12 months.
A nursing home in Florida costs $9,000 to $12,000 per month. Without planning, most families lose nearly everything. Our Medicaid planning attorneys help Lakeland families protect their assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits.
Irrevocable trusts, Lady Bird deeds, spousal transfers, and strategic spend-down to protect your home and savings.
7 Protection Strategies →When a parent has already entered a nursing home. Immediate steps to protect assets and qualify for Medicaid as fast as possible.
Crisis Planning →Lady Bird deeds, homestead exemptions, and strategies to keep your home safe from Medicaid estate recovery.
Can Medicaid Take Your House? →We practice in the 10th Judicial Circuit and know the local rules, judges, and procedures.
Rated one of the top probate and estate planning firms in the Tampa Bay area.
We return calls and emails the same business day. Your case matters to us.
Brandon, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Lakeland, New Port Richey, Bradenton, and West Palm Beach.
Every case starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Tell us about your situation and we will explain your options.
Call (863) 808-0530 Schedule Online
Polk County probate is filed with the Probate Division of the 10th Judicial Circuit at the Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow. The 10th Judicial Circuit also covers Hardee and Highlands counties. Filings go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal per Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.525. Our Lakeland-area attorneys regularly appear in Bartow.
Yes. Florida law allows nonresident personal representatives in many circumstances โ typically when the PR is closely related to the decedent under Fla. Stat. ยง 733.304. We routinely coordinate Polk County probates for families living in other states, handling court filings, creditor notices, and asset transfers without requiring you to fly to Bartow. Hearings can often be attended by telephone or videoconference.
Most Florida probate cases take 6 to 12 months from petition to distribution. Formal administration of complex estates can run 12 to 24 months. Summary administration (estates under $75,000 of non-exempt assets) typically wraps in 60 to 90 days. The most common delays come from creditor claim periods, asset valuation disputes, and missing documentation.
Assets that pass outside Florida probate include: revocable trust property; joint tenancy with right of survivorship; accounts with named beneficiaries (401(k), IRA, life insurance); payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts; transfer-on-death (TOD) investment accounts; and homestead property protected by Florida Constitution Article X, ยง 4. Real estate transferred by a Lady Bird Deed also passes outside probate.
A straightforward Polk County probate (single beneficiary, no creditor disputes, no real estate complications) typically runs 6 to 9 months. Summary administrations move faster โ 60 to 90 days when the estate qualifies under the $75,000 non-exempt-asset threshold. Complex estates with contested claims, real property, or business interests can extend to 12 to 24 months.
Often, no. Many routine probate matters in the 10th Judicial Circuit are handled by motion or stipulated order without an in-person hearing. When hearings are required, most uncontested matters can be attended by phone or Zoom. Contested matters, evidentiary hearings, or trial settings normally require in-person attendance in Bartow.
Under Fla. Stat. ยง 733.702, known and reasonably ascertainable creditors must file claims within 30 days of personal service or 3 months after the first publication of notice to creditors, whichever is later. Unknown creditors have 2 years from the date of death under the statute of repose. Proper notice procedures matter โ done correctly, they shorten the window for surprise claims.
30 minutes, no obligation
We file with the 10th Judicial Circuit, Polk County (Bartow)
Court issues Letters of Administration
Identify assets, publish notice, handle claims
Pay debts, distribute to beneficiaries, close the estate
Polk County probate filings, Florida-wide context. See the complete Florida probate guide.
Florida statutory probate fees explained โ plus flat-fee options that often beat the percentage schedule.
Florida sets default probate attorney fees by statute under Fla. Stat. ยง 733.6171:
For simpler estates and summary administrations we offer flat-fee alternatives that often save the family money. Most cases run between $3,500 and $5,000 in attorney fees depending on estate size and complexity. Court costs and personal representative fees are separate.
We give you a clear written quote before any work begins.
Polk County Probate Court filing fees and other clerk costs are charged to the estate separately and vary by petition type.
Miranda Pages serves as the Client Operations Manager, bringing over a decade of leadership and management experience in youth program administration. Throughout her career, she has overseen team operations, staff development, and program coordination, experience that translates seamlessly into managing client services and internal operations in a professional environment.
Known as the teamโs go-to resource, Miranda is highly reliable and deeply dedicated to supporting both colleagues and clients. Her commitment to professionalism and service helps ensure the team operates efficiently while maintaining the high level of care clients expect.
Juan G. Croussett is a litigation attorney at Zoecklein Law, where he represents clients in complex probate and trust disputes and other contested matters. Known for his strong courtroom presence and strategic approach to advocacy, Juan focuses on protecting clientsโ interests through thorough preparation, persuasive legal argument, and disciplined case management.
Juan earned his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of South Florida. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive litigation experience handling a variety of complex matters, including property disputes, dependency proceedings, and high-conflict cases involving sensitive family issues.
Before joining Zoecklein Law, Juan served as a Senior Attorney with the Florida Department of Children and Families and later as Lead Dependency Attorney at The Spring of Tampa Bay. In these roles, he regularly appeared in court, managed complex case portfolios, and advocated on behalf of individuals navigating difficult legal circumstances.
At Zoecklein Law, Juan brings this depth of litigation experience to guide clients through challenging disputes with clarity, diligence, and strong advocacy. He is committed to developing thoughtful legal strategies and delivering results-driven representation.
Outside of his legal practice, Juan is a devoted husband and father who values family and community
Keegan Ashmore Gothers is an attorney at Zoecklein Law, where he assists clients with probate, estate, guardianship, and other civil litigation matters. He is known for his strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal issues while providing thoughtful and strategic support throughout the litigation process.
Keegan earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Louisville. During law school, he distinguished himself in competitive arbitration competitions, earning recognition as a champion in the University of Miami MLB Arbitration Competition and a finalist in the Tulane International MLB Arbitration Competition.
Prior to joining Zoecklein Law, Keegan gained experience working on a variety of civil litigation matters, including real estate disputes, contract issues, probate matters, and business disputes. He has experience drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, preparing discovery, and assisting with depositions, mediations, and motion hearings.
Outside of his legal practice, Keegan enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and golfing. His background in athletics reflects a competitive spirit and team-oriented mindset that he brings to his work serving clients
Mr. Rubin currently focuses on probate administration, estate litigation, and general civil litigation.ย Mr. Rubin grew up in Miami, Florida, and graduated from the University of Miami where he obtained a Bachelorโs of Science in Communications.
Mr. Rubin obtained his juris doctorate degree from Florida International University College of Law in Miami, Florida.ย 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.ย While at Florida International University, Mr. Rubin interned at the Miami-Dade State Attorneyโs Office and the Broward Public Defenderโs Office.
After graduating, Mr. Rubin worked at the Fort Myers Public Defenderโs Office as an Assistant Public Defender, and then worked for Florida Rural Legal Services, where he focused on family and immigration law.ย Mr. Rubin joined Zoecklein Law, P.A. in July of 2023.ย While not working, Mr. Rubin enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and their three cats, four spiders, one snake, and one scorpion.
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.
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.
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.
Stetson University College of Law โ cum laude
Virginia Polytechnic Institute โ cum laude
Zoecklein Law focuses on the following Florida practice areas:
Email: [email protected]
Toll-Free: (877) 206-0022
Brandon Office: 150 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511
St. Petersburg Office: 4021 Central Ave., Suite B, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Fax: (813) 925-4310
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