Our Mission
When someone passes away, the last thing a grieving family needs is to struggle through confusing legal processes. Yet that is exactly what happens. Probate courts use unfamiliar terminology. State statutes are written for lawyers. County websites often lack basic information. And most online resources are thinly veiled advertisements for legal services.
Settled exists to change that. We provide free, straightforward information about probate in Florida, California, Texas, and Ohio. Our goal is simple: help families understand what probate involves, what it costs, and how to navigate it with confidence.
We do not sell legal services. We do not charge for our guides. We simply believe that accurate information should be accessible to everyone, especially during one of life's most difficult transitions.
What We Provide
County Guides
Detailed probate information for all 67 Florida counties, 58 California counties, 254 Texas counties, and 88 Ohio counties, including clerk contact details, filing fees, and local procedures.
Cost Calculators
Estimate your probate costs including filing fees, publication costs, and attorney fees based on your state's fee schedules.
Process Guides
Step-by-step explanations of probate procedures, timelines, and requirements written in plain English for each state.
Legal References
Every claim backed by official state statutes, probate rules, or official county sources so you can verify information yourself.
Why We Built Settled
The idea for Settled came from personal experience. When a family member passed away, we faced the probate system with no preparation. The court clerk was helpful but overwhelmed. The attorney spoke in statutes. Online searches returned pages of ads. Finding basic answers to simple questions took far longer than it should have.
We realized that thousands of families go through this same experience every month. Around 200,000 people die in Florida each year and over 300,000 in California. Many leave behind assets that require probate. Their families deserve better resources than what existed.
So we built Settled. We researched every county's probate procedures in Florida, California, Texas, and Ohio. We read the statutes and translated them into plain language. We created tools to help families estimate costs and understand their options. And we made it all free because we believe access to information should not depend on ability to pay.
Who We Are
Settled is an independent educational resource created by a small team passionate about making legal information accessible. We are not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice.
Our team includes researchers who specialize in estate law, technical writers who translate legal concepts into plain language, and developers who build tools to help families understand their options. We continuously update our content as laws change and fees are updated.
Contact Us
Have questions, feedback, or found information that needs updating? We want to hear from you.
Email: contact@amentilabs.com
Our Approach to Information
We take accuracy seriously. Every piece of information on Settled comes from verified sources:
- State Statutes - Official laws governing probate (Florida Chapters 731-735, California Probate Code, Texas Estates Code, Ohio Revised Code)
- Probate Rules - Court procedures established by state supreme courts
- County Clerk Websites - Local filing requirements, fees, and procedures
- State Bar Resources - Consumer pamphlets and professional guidance from the Florida Bar, State Bar of California, State Bar of Texas, and Ohio State Bar Association
- Official Court Forms - Direct links to state-approved probate forms
We cite our sources throughout our content. If you find information that appears outdated or incorrect, please let us know. Laws change, fees update, and we want to keep our resources current.
Read more about how we create and verify content in our editorial process.
What Settled Is Not
We want to be clear about what Settled does not provide:
- We are not a law firm. Settled provides educational information, not legal advice. We cannot tell you what to do in your specific situation.
- We are not attorneys. For legal advice about your estate, consult a licensed probate attorney in your state.
- We do not file documents. We explain the process and point you to official forms, but we cannot file on your behalf.
- We do not guarantee outcomes. Every estate is different, and our general information may not apply to your situation.
For a complete understanding of these limitations, read our legal disclaimer.
When You Should Consult an Attorney
While Settled helps you understand probate, many situations require professional legal help:
- Estates requiring formal administration (many states require an attorney)
- Contested wills or disputes among beneficiaries
- Complex assets like business interests or out-of-state property
- Estates with significant debts or creditor claims
- Situations involving minor beneficiaries
- Any case where you feel uncertain about the process
We created guides to help you decide: Do I Need a Probate Attorney?
How to Use Settled
Whether you are just learning about probate or actively managing an estate, here is how to make the most of our resources:
1. Start with the Basics
New to probate? Learn about the different types of Florida probate and which might apply to your situation. Our formal vs summary administration comparison is a good starting point.
2. Understand the Costs
Use our fee calculator to estimate what probate will cost. Learn about probate costs in Florida including filing fees, publication costs, and attorney fees.
3. Find Your County
Probate is filed in the county where the deceased lived. Find your county's specific information including clerk contacts, filing fees, and court procedures in our Florida county directory.
4. Know the Timeline
Understand what to expect with our Florida probate timeline guide. Learn about mandatory waiting periods and what can cause delays.
5. Explore Your Options
Learn about ways to avoid probate in Florida for future planning, or understand small estate options if the estate qualifies.
Probate by the Numbers
Understanding the scale of probate helps put your situation in context:
Florida, California, Texas, and Ohio handle more probate cases than most states due to their large populations. The good news: all four states offer simplified options for smaller estates, and their county courts have extensive experience handling these cases.