Charlotte County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Losing a loved one in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, or Englewood requires a probate firm that understands the specific technicalities of the 20th Judicial Circuit. In Charlotte County, “near enough” is not good enough for the court registry—filings must be exact to avoid immediate rejection.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the legal system. To understand the broader requirements of estate law, we recommend reviewing our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in Charlotte County cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for every uncontested estate.

🏛️ Charlotte County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate and guardianship matters are handled at the main Justice Center in downtown Punta Gorda.

Courthouse Name: Charlotte County Justice Center
Address: 350 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Clerk of Court: Roger D. Eaton
Probate Department Phone: (941) 505-4716
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Filing Tip: While the Clerk’s primary office is in Punta Gorda, there is a satellite office at the Murdock Administration Building in Port Charlotte. However, original Wills must be deposited at the Punta Gorda location to ensure they are properly matched with your digital case file.

⚖️ 20th Judicial Circuit Local Procedures

Charlotte County judges (including Judge Donald H. Mason and the 20th Circuit bench) require strict adherence to local “Best Practices.”

Mandatory Probate Checklists: In the 20th Circuit, attorneys must submit a completed Charlotte County Probate Checklist with every proposed order. Failure to include this checklist will result in the court returning the order unsigned.
Direct E-Portal Submission: Unlike some counties where you route orders through the Clerk, Charlotte County requires proposed orders to be submitted directly to the Judge via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Virtual Appearances: In 2026, Charlotte County remains a leader in “Hybrid Courts.” Most uncontested probate hearings are held via Zoom, while evidentiary hearings (contested matters) typically require an in-person appearance in Punta Gorda.

💰 2026 Charlotte County Filing Fees

Current court costs as of early 2026 (not including convenience fees):

Action	Estimated Filing Fee
Formal Administration	$400.00
Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000)	$345.00
Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000)	$235.00
Opening Safe Deposit Box	$42.00

❓ Charlotte County Probate FAQ

Do I need an attorney for probate in Punta Gorda?

Yes. Per Florida Probate Rule 5.030, every personal representative must be represented by an attorney unless they are the sole interested party. This protects the rights of creditors and other beneficiaries. Most Summary administrations also require the help of an attorney.

How long does Summary Administration take in Charlotte County?

For estates that qualify (non-exempt assets under $75k or decedent deceased for 2+ years), our firm can often complete the process in 2-3 months, or even fasted depending on the responsiveness of the client and court.

Where do I file a Will if the decedent lived in Port Charlotte?

The original Will must be deposited with the Charlotte County Clerk of Court in Punta Gorda within 10 days of learning of the death. Our firm manages this process for our clients to ensure legal compliance.

What is the “Flat-Fee” model for probate?

At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly billing. We provide a single, all-inclusive flat fee for uncontested probate cases. You will know the total cost before we file a single document.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group for Charlotte County?

Our firm brings “insider” judicial experience to the 20th Judicial Circuit.

Checklist Mastery: We prepare every filing to meet the 20th Circuit’s mandatory checklist standards, ensuring your case isn’t delayed by technical “Deficiency Notices.”
No Hourly Billing: We focus on efficiency and results, not billable hours. This keeps more assets in the hands of the heirs.
Statewide Reach, Local Precision: We utilize the 2026 e-portal and Zoom systems to represent families worldwide who have inherited property in Southwest Florida.

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.

Roger

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...

S. Todd

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.

Michael O.

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.

Patti T.

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.

Shirley M.

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