The Hidden Cost of Probate: Why Families Pay Twice When my husband died, I learned something most families never realize: in Florida probate, beneficiaries often pay two fees for one estate. The Personal Representative manages the estate — a paid role. The Resident Agent, usually an attorney, handles court papers — also a paid role. In my case, the Resident Agent had full authority to act for the Personal Representative and could hire paralegals, accountants, and staff — all paid from the estate. The result? The estate my husband worked so hard to build was slowly drained, while the professionals benefited financially. The system seems to favor lawyers and court-appointed roles over the surviving spouse or beneficiaries. Families should know this hidden cost before it’s too late — probate can quietly take twice as much from what you thought was yours.

1. Filing # 158443695 E-Filed 10/03/2022 10:55:27 AM
***ELECTRONICALLY FILED 10/03/2022 01:46:56 PM: KEN BURKE, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, PINELLAS COUNTY***
Case Number:22-010189-ES

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Izhereby designate N. MICHAEL KOUSKOUTIS, ESQ, who is a member of The
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a resident of PINELLAS County, Florida, Whose office address is 623 E.
TARPONAVENUE, TARPON SPRINGS, Florida 34689 and Whose post office address is 623
E. TARPON AVENUE, TARPON SPRINGS, Florida 34689 as my agent for the service of
process 0r notice in any action against me, either in my representative capacity, 0r personally, if
the personal action accrued in the administration of the estate. »
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Sworn to (0r affirmed) and subscribed before me by means 0f Mysical presence
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I CERTIFY that I am a permanent resident of PINELLAS County, Florida, and my office
address is as indicated abo/ e. Ihereby acce t the foregoing designation as Resident Agent.
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