Port Charlotte Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Charlotte County

Navigating the transition of an estate in Port Charlotte requires a firm that understands the technicalities of the 20th Judicial Circuit. Whether your family is dealing with assets in Deep Creek, Riverwood, or Kings Gate, the legal process for moving property from the decedent to the beneficiaries is a precision-based task.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Port Charlotte families with extensive experience, insider judicial insight, and the financial clarity of affordable flat fees. Our founding partners, R. Nadine David and Charles “Cary” David, are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and have built a firm dedicated to navigating Florida’s complex probate system with speed and transparency.

The Advantage of 20th Circuit Insight in 2026

Success in Port Charlotte probate is often determined by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the Charlotte County bench. As of 2026, the judges of the 20th Circuit—including Administrative Judge Geoffrey H. Gentile, Judge Shannon H. McFee, and Judge Lisa S. Porter—require strict adherence to digital filing protocols.

Mandatory Probate Checklists: Charlotte County judges will not review a petition without a corresponding “Mandatory Probate Checklist.” We utilize the latest 2026 checklists to ensure every predicate document is accurately docketed, preventing the technical rejections that often delay other firms.
Direct E-Portal Submission: Unlike other jurisdictions where filings are routed through the Clerk, Charlotte County requires proposed orders to be submitted directly to the Judge via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Our proficiency with this system ensures your case reaches the judge’s desk immediately.
Satellite Office Nuances: While the Charlotte County Clerk of Court maintains a satellite office at the Murdock Administration Building in Port Charlotte, original Wills must be deposited at the main Justice Center in Punta Gorda. We manage this physical deposit to ensure your case is initiated correctly and without delay.

Affordable Flat Fees: Predictability in a Difficult Time

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. While many Southwest Florida firms charge a percentage of the estate—which can cost families tens of thousands of dollars—we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

Summary Administration: An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for estates with non-exempt assets under $75,000 OR where the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
Formal Administration: The standard probate process for larger estates or those with complex creditor issues, governed by Florida Probate Rule 5.200.

For a comprehensive guide on the requirements, please see The Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Charlotte County Probate Guide.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Whether you are local to Port Charlotte or an out-of-state executor, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our attorneys via secure video from your home or office.
Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature.
Zoom Hearings: We manage all court appearances via the 20th Circuit’s digital platforms, providing seamless representation regardless of your physical location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset for the $75,000 Summary limit? “Exempt” assets, most notably a protected Florida Homestead, do not count toward the $75,000 limit. This allows many Port Charlotte estates with high-value homes to qualify for the faster Summary Administration process if the liquid assets (bank accounts, stocks) are below the threshold.

Where is the Will filed for a Port Charlotte resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Charlotte County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of notice of death. Our firm manages this secure physical filing at the Punta Gorda Justice Center for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Charlotte County? Judges in the 20th Circuit frequently require estate cash to be held in a Restricted Depository per Florida Statute 69.031. This is a protected account where funds cannot be withdrawn without a court order. We coordinate directly with local financial institutions to satisfy this requirement.

Secure Your Family’s Inheritance Today

With extensive experience and a commitment to the residents of Charlotte County, Florida Probate Law Group is your partner in efficient estate administration. We handle the complexities of the law so you can focus on your family.

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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