Alachua, FL Probate: Protecting Legacies in the “Good Life” City

Located just minutes north of our Gainesville headquarters, the City of Alachua is a community defined by its history and its heart. Whether your family is dealing with a historic property near Main Street’s Bradford pear trees or a sprawling estate near the San Felasco Hammock, navigating the legal requirements of an estate requires a firm that knows Alachua County inside and out.

Why Alachua’s History Matters in Probate

Alachua has a fascinating legal origin story. Long before it was the “Good Life” city, the area’s legal hub was Newnansville, which served as the Alachua County seat in the early 1800s. When the railroad bypassed Newnansville in favor of the current City of Alachua, the community moved, but the deep-seated property lines and family legacies remained.

Today, Alachua residents fall under the jurisdiction of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Because many local estates involve multi-generational land or “heirs’ property,” having an attorney who understands the nuances of Alachua County’s land records is essential to clearing title and protecting your inheritance.

The Florida Probate Law Group Advantage: Your Neighbors in Alachua

We provide Alachua families with big-city results and small-town service. Here is how we stand apart:

• We Live Here Too: Our founding partners, Cary and Nadine David, are proud Alachua residents. After growing up in Gainesville, we were blessed to build our home in Alachua, and enjoy the community and country life. We aren’t just lawyers appearing on a screen; we are your neighbors, committed to the families that make this city special.
• The view from our back door:

• The Bo Diddley Victory: Our firm’s roots in Alachua County are defined by our commitment to justice. Founding partner Charles “Cary” David led the high-profile trust litigation that returned the legacy of rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley to his family. We fought to remove entrenched interests and ensure his 18 children and grandchildren received their rightful inheritance.
  • Read the Story: Bo Diddley’s family gets OK to hire new estate trustee – The Gainesville Sun
• Judicial Insight You Can’t Buy: Founding partner R. Nadine David didn’t just practice in the 8th Circuit—she helped manage it. As a former Probate and Guardianship Staff Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, she reviewed thousands of cases for local judges. That internal perspective ensures your filings are perfect the first time.
• Transparent Flat Fees: Probate shouldn’t be a financial mystery. While many firms charge a percentage of the estate, we offer all-inclusive flat fees (typically $3,000 – $7,000) for uncontested matters. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before we ever file a petition.

Local Resources & Quick Links

For Alachua residents, the legal process moves through the county seat in Gainesville. Here are the essential resources for your case:

• Eighth Judicial Circuit: Alachua cases are heard at the Family and Civil Justice Center.
• Alachua County Clerk: Official records and filing fee information can be found at the Alachua County Clerk of Court.
• Florida Statutes: All probate actions are governed by Chapters 731-735.
• FPLG County Guide: For a deep dive into county-specific rules, visit our Alachua County Probate Court Guide.

Minutes from Main Street to our Front Door

While we represent clients statewide, Alachua is in our backyard. Our home office is located just south of Alachua in downtown Gainesville, right across the street from the courthouse parking garage. This proximity allows us to file documents in person when speed is of the essence and maintain a constant presence with the local judiciary.

Need to settle an Alachua estate? We offer free consultations and deed examinations to help your family move forward.