Marco Island Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Collier County

Navigating the transition of an estate in Marco Island requires a firm that understands both the high-value nature of local island real estate—from the beachfront estates on Collier Boulevard to the luxury canal homes in Tigertail Beach and The Estates—and the rigid procedural requirements of the 20th Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Marco Island families with extensive experience, insider judicial insight, and the financial predictability 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

In Collier County, probate success is determined by a firm’s mastery of “local-local” rules. As of 2026, the Collier Probate Division requires strict adherence to digital “Smart Forms” and mandatory checklists to avoid administrative delays.

• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific procedural expectations of Collier County judges, including Judge Joseph G. Foster and Judge Elizabeth V. Krier. Our founding partner, R. Nadine David, previously served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, giving our firm a unique “insider” perspective on how judges review filings. This allows us to submit “judge-ready” petitions that avoid the common “Deficiency Notices” that delay other firms.
• Mandatory Checklist Compliance: Per 20th Circuit protocols, judges will not review a file until a verified Probate Checklist is accurately docketed. We ensure every “Predicate Document” is perfect on the first submission to ensure court orders are signed without weeks of back-and-forth.
• Island Property & Homestead Expertise: For Marco Island residents, the family home often represents a significant portion of the estate’s value. We specialize in filing Petitions to Determine Homestead to protect this equity from creditors and clear the title for heirs, ensuring compliance with Florida’s unique constitutional protections.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. Unlike many South Florida firms that charge a percentage of the estate’s total value—which can be exorbitant for high-value Marco Island properties—we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

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

For more information on the process, view The Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Collier County Probate Guide.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Marco Island Families Globally

Whether you are currently on the island or are an out-of-state heir, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home or from anywhere in the world.
2. Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature.
3. E-Filing & Zoom: We manage all filings with the Collier County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 20th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Marco Island estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead (regardless of value), up to $20,000 in household furnishings, and two motor vehicles. “Non-exempt” assets typically include sole-name bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and non-homestead real estate.

Where do I file the original Will for a Marco Island resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Collier County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of notice of death. The probate office is located at the Collier County Government Center in Naples. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Collier County? Judges in the 20th Circuit frequently require estate cash to be held in a Restricted Depository per Florida Statute 69.031. This account protects beneficiaries by requiring a court order for any withdrawals. We coordinate directly with local financial institutions to satisfy this judicial requirement quickly.

Can an out-of-state relative serve as the Personal Representative? Yes. As long as you are a close blood relative (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.), you can serve as the Personal Representative for a Marco Island estate even if you live in another state. Non-relatives must be Florida residents to qualify. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Island Legacy

With extensive experience and a deep commitment to the residents of Collier 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.