Founding Partner, Florida Probate Law Group
Charles “Cary” David is a founding partner of Florida Probate Law Group, where he has dedicated his career to making the Florida probate process affordable, predictable, and transparent. Along with his wife and law partner, R. Nadine David, Cary founded the firm with a mission to move away from the traditional, unpredictable hourly billing model in favor of an all-inclusive flat-fee structure for uncontested estate administrations.
Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families navigate the complexities of the legal system following the loss of a loved one. Our firm’s reputation is built on a foundation of elite professional qualifications and a track record of success, reflected in our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.
Elite Training & High-Stakes Experience
Cary’s approach to probate is shaped by his background in high-level litigation and federal court service. He is an honors graduate of Stetson University College of Law, a school nationally recognized for its excellence in elder law. During his time at Stetson, Cary gained invaluable experience working for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida under Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich and with the United States Attorney’s Office.
This rigorous training in federal and government litigation allows Cary to handle complex estates with a level of precision rarely found in general practice. His litigation experience serves as a “roadmap for efficiency” for the firm’s clients; by identifying potential pitfalls and “litigation-proofing” files from the first week, Cary ensures that even the most complex estates proceed without unnecessary delay.
A Recognized Authority in Florida Probate
Cary is a frequent contributor to the legal community and a recognized authority on the intersection of probate and personal injury law. His professional highlights include:
- National Speaker: Invited to address the National College of Probate Judges in 2024 to share insights on the state of Florida law with judges from across the country.
- The Bo Diddley Estate: Cary famously represented 18 members of rock and roll legend Bo Diddley’s family in a multi-million dollar trust litigation, successfully restoring the icon’s legacy to his rightful heirs.
- Settlement Support: He is a “go-to” resource for personal injury and wrongful death firms statewide, ensuring that settlement proceeds are properly attributed to survivors and that court-appointed Personal Representatives are qualified quickly to allow litigation to move forward.
100% Remote Probate
Cary has pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model that allows Florida Probate Law Group to serve clients in all 67 Florida counties. By leveraging digital filing standards and modern communication tools, administration can be completed without the client ever needing to step foot in a courtroom or a physical office. Whether you are dealing with a Summary Administration for smaller estates or a Formal Administration for complex matters, Cary’s team provides a streamlined, stress-free experience.
In addition to uncontested probate matters and his work with plainitff’s lawyers, Mr. David occasionally handles high stakes trust and estate litigation involving allegations of fraud and abuse of power. In 2018 and 2019 Mr. David notably represented 18 members of musician Bo Diddley’s family in their quest to wrestle control of the rock and roll legend’s music rights from the talent management team which had controlled Bo’s business affairs during his lifetime and continued to manage the estate after his death. Mr. David successfully returned control to the family and recruited record industry veteran Kendall Minter to serve as the new Trustee of Bo’s intellectual property.
Bo Diddley’s family gets OK to hire new estate trustee
The proud father of four daughters, Mr. David enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and playing sports in his freetime. Mr. David is a proud member of Florida Justice Association and frequent contributor to the Trial Lawyer’s Email List. Mr. David regularly authors blog articles and resources to assist injury lawyers in navigating issues related to wrongful death estate administration or child injury guardianship requirements.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., Cum Laude
- University of Florida, B.A., Cum Laude
Education
- Stetson University College of Law - J.D. - 2010
Cum Laude
G.P A.: 3.32; Rank: 7/81 - University of Florida - B.A. - 2007
Cum Laude, Political Science
G.P.A.: 3.79
Bar Associations
- Florida Bar
Legal Experience
Florida Probate Law Group Gainesville, FL
Attorney 02/12-present
- Consult with clients in the wake of tragedy, develop rapport, and identify legal issues
- Administer estates for the maximum benefit of clients, avoiding creditors through superior understanding of Florida law
- Prosecute and defend civil actions on behalf of estates
- Research and apply the full weight of the law for clients’ benefit at trials, hearings, and depositions
- Work closely with plaintiff’s firms to expedite wrongful death and child injury settlements
- Create estate plans to protect client assets and ensure long-term care expenses do not evaporate a lifetime of hard work
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. Gainesville, FL
AmeriCorps Attorney 09/11-02/12
- Advocated for indigent parties in eviction and unemployment proceedings
- Studied case law to gain an upper hand for tenant defendants against corporate plaintiffs
- Hosted legal workshops to provide expungement services to Alachua County residents
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of law student volunteers from the University of Florida to assist in legal workshops
- Developed a medical/legal resource partnership between Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. and HealthStreet at the University of Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida Tampa, FL
Tampa Division 08/10- 12/10
Judicial Intern for the Honorable Elizabeth A. Kovachevich
- Evaluated motions submitted by parties in federal litigation and advised the judiciary of the relative merit of arguments
- Conducted legal research in the areas of constitutional law, contract law, multiparty litigation, and criminal law
- Drafted proposed orders ruling on complex issues of constitutional law
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida Tampa, FL
Criminal Division 01/10-04/10
Legal Intern
- Assisted in federal drug trafficking, tax evasion, and Medicaid fraud prosecutions by analyzing theories of culpability in novel criminal cases
- Developed legal and factual bases to charge potential defendants suspected of defrauding the government through unconventional means
- Identified admissible evidence to convict potential defendants under United States law
Russo & Russo P.A. St. Petersburg, FL
Law Clerk 05/09-01/10
- Communicated with state prosecutors to request reduction and dismissal of clients’ criminal charges based on improper police procedure
- Drafted correspondence to highlight weaknesses in potential prosecutions
- Conducted factual investigations in personal injury cases by visiting accident scenes and identifying witnesses
- Prepared motions, orders, and affidavits
- Interviewed witnesses, victims, and clients
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Norwalk, CA
Hardcore Gang Unit 05/08-07/08
Law Clerk
- Participated in capital crime prosecutions by collaborating with prosecutors to analyze legal problems and formulate trial strategies
- Assisted with jury selection in felony cases
- Observed victim and witness interviews
- Created visual evidence presentations for use at trial
Publications
- Charles David, “Minor Personal Injury in Florida: When is Court Approval of Settlement Required?”
May 2015 – Courtapproval.com - Charles David, “Wait! Don’t Pay That Medicaid Lien From Your Client’s Wrongful Death Settlement!”
November 2016 – Courtapproval.com - Charles David, “What in the World is a Medicaid Set Aside?”
July 2016 – Courtapproval.com
Presentations
- Charles David, “Florida Probate - The State of Practice” April 2024 – National College of Probate Judges Spring Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
Abstract: Attending probate judges are updated on the state of probate in Florida, Florida court procedures, and local nuances for estate administration in the Sunshine State - Florida Justice Association Workhorse Seminar – Virtual CLE presentation
March 2020
Abstract: Attending plaintiff’s attorneys are instructed regarding the role of incapacity guardianship proceedings for clients in cognitive decline, or with traumatic brain injury. Attorney David explains the process of petitioning for guardianship, arranging for examining committee, and administering a tort case on behalf of a ward. - Florida Guardianship Conference -Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel – Jacksonville, FL
July 2017
Abstract: Professional guardians learn how estate administration and estate planning may be required during the course of guardianship administration. Attorney David explains the role of professional guardians in creating estate plans and initiating probate proceedings for their wards. - Estate Planning Workshop – The Atrium, Gainesville, FL
October 2016
Abstract: Attendees are counseled regarding estate planning instruments and their usefulness, the effect of failing to plan for the future, and the benefits and detriments of entrusting loved ones with powers of attorney and health care surrogacy. All attendees receive complimentary will. - DUI prevention Lecture – Multiple venues, Gainesville, FL
March and April 2014
Abstract: Attendees (college students) are warned of the consequences of a DUI conviction. Accompanying the attorney presenter is an individual charged with DUI to relay the hardships imposed by their poor choices.
Skills
- EnCase Computer Forensics I Certification
- Westlaw Advanced Legal Research Certification
- Lexis Advanced Legal Research Certification
Achievements
- Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in the area of Criminal Procedure
- Eagle Scout
Client Reviews
I was very happy with her response to my questions and concerns about Florida probate. I am in Ohio and was not familiar with the process but they cleared everything up for me and made me feel comfortable going through the probate process with my loved ones will.
Honest and straight forward assessment of complex case. My case span both federal and state issues, as well as civil case of fraud which maybe criminal fraud. He told me what he could do, what his limits of scope were and what my best/safest position should be and gave me an outline of how to get...
The world of probate can be fairly daunting for one who has little to no experience. Between trying to figure out what to file and when to file, there is also the where. I was quite relieved to have Nadine and Cary to guide me through the court process.
I highly recommend using this law group for your Florida probate needs, and in particular, Charles David. He explained clearly what my 91 year old aunt would need to do in order to sell property that was in hers and her late husband's name.
Florida probate law group,was very helpful in answering the many questions that I had concerning my situation their input was very appreciated thank you.
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