Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Escambia County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Probate in Escambia County – serving Pensacola, Century, Cantonment, and Perdido Key – is governed by the 1st Judicial Circuit. Escambia is the westernmost county in Florida, and its probate division is known for a high volume of ancillary cases involving out-of-state owners of Gulf Coast real estate. In 2026, the court utilizes a specific administrative directive system for case assignments, ensuring that matters are triaged efficiently between the historic courthouse in Century and the administrative hub in Pensacola.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we offer families an “insider” advantage that transforms the probate experience. Our founding partner, R. Nadine David, is a former Probate Court Staff Attorney for the Florida judiciary. In that role, she personally reviewed and managed thousands of probate files, advising judges on the legal sufficiency of every petition and order. This internal judicial insight, combined with our firm’s history of handling thousands of cases across all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits, allows us to move files through the Escambia courthouse with surgical precision.
🏛️ Escambia County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and the deposit of original Wills are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Pam Childers.
- Main Probate Office: M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
- Address: 190 West Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Century Office: 7500 North Century Blvd., Century, FL 32535
- Clerk of Court: Pam Childers
- Probate Department Phone: (850) 595-4300
- Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: The original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Pensacola within 10 days of receiving notice of death. In Escambia County, the court requires a certified death certificate to be filed simultaneously to officially open the probate record.
⚖️ 1st Judicial Circuit (Escambia) Probate Procedures
Escambia County utilizes a specific division assignment system (ECAD 2024-03) to ensure judicial specialization.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and mental health matters in Escambia County are primarily overseen by Judge W. Joel Boles (Divisions R, U, and T). Judge Boles is known for his strict adherence to the “Restricted Depository” rule, which may require estate funds to be placed in a protected bank account until a judge authorizes their release.
- The “Staff Attorney” Edge: In the 1st Circuit, staff attorneys are the “first responders” who audit your file. Because R. Nadine David was a staff attorney for the judiciary, our firm drafts every document to satisfy the internal audit points they use. This helps our clients avoid the “Deficiency Memorandums” that often stall cases for weeks/months in Pensacola.
- Proposed Orders: All orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Microsoft Word format. Per 2026 local standards, orders must include a comprehensive certificate of service with specific email addresses for all interested parties.
- Virtual Hearings: While the M.C. Blanchard building is a hub for the local legal community, Judge Boles conducts most routine probate status conferences via Zoom. This allows our firm to represent families from Perdido Key or out-of-state without requiring a physical appearance in court.
💰 2026 Escambia County Probate Filing Fees
Statutory filing fees for the 1st Judicial Circuit in Pensacola:
| Action Type | Court Filing Fee |
| Formal Administration (Full Probate) | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000) | $385.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust / Caveat | $41.00 |
❓ Escambia County Probate FAQ
How does your experience across “all circuits” help in Escambia?
Every circuit has its own procedural “accent.” Having managed thousands of cases in all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits, we have seen every possible variation of probate. We bring these “best practices” to Escambia County, ensuring your case is handled with the professionalism of a statewide firm and the detail-oriented focus of a local practitioner.
What is “Ancillary Probate” for Pensacola Beach property?
If a resident of another state dies owning a home or condo in Escambia County, a secondary probate (Ancillary Administration) is required to transfer that property. We specialize in these cases, coordinating with your out-of-state counsel to ensure the Florida portion of the estate is handled seamlessly.
What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Escambia County?
We don’t believe in billable-hour surprises. Because our internal court insight allows us to move files efficiently through the 1st Circuit’s audit process, we offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate cases. You pay one transparent price for the entire process—from filing to the final order.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
The Escambia County court system rewards attorneys who are prepared, technically accurate, and authoritative.
- Judicial Insider Insight: Founded by a former Probate Court Staff Attorney who knows exactly how judges review files.
- Statewide Authority: Proven experience in all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits.
- Stetson Law Honors: Our founding partners bring elite academic standards to every Pensacola case.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures your family’s inheritance is protected.