Naples Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Collier County

Navigating the transition of an estate in Naples requires a firm that understands both the high-value nature of local real estate—from Port Royal and Old Naples to Pelican Bay and Grey Oaks—and the rigid procedural requirements of the 20th Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Naples 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 (Administrative Judge) 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.
Homestead Expertise: For Naples residents, the family home is often a multi-million dollar asset. 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 Naples firms that charge a percentage of the estate’s total value—which can be exorbitant for high-value 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 Naples Families Globally

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

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home in Park Shore or from anywhere in the world.
Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature.
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.

Deep Dive into Collier County Probate Requirements

Asset Inventory and “Non-Exempt” Property

A critical step in Naples probate is determining what constitutes a “non-exempt” asset. In Florida, certain property is “exempt” from the claims of most creditors and does not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration.

Protected Homestead: The primary residence of a Florida resident.
Household Furnishings: Up to $20,000 in value.
Two Motor Vehicles: Regularly used by the decedent or their family.

“Non-exempt” assets typically include bank accounts in the decedent’s sole name without a beneficiary, brokerage accounts, and non-homestead real estate (like a rental property in Golden Gate Estates).

Creditor Period and Formal Administration

In a Formal Administration, the Personal Representative must publish a Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper like the Naples Daily News. This opens a 90-day window for creditors to file claims. If no claims are filed, the estate can move toward final distribution. Our insider insight helps us navigate these timelines to ensure assets are distributed to heirs as quickly as the law allows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 is a protected account where funds cannot be withdrawn without a specific court order. We coordinate directly with local Naples financial institutions to satisfy this judicial requirement quickly.

Where do I file the original Will for a Naples 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 main probate office is located at the Collier County Government Center (3315 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112). Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

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 Naples estate even if you live in another state. Non-relatives must be Florida residents to qualify. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

How long does probate take in Naples? While every case is unique, a Summary Administration in Collier County typically takes 2-4 months, whereas a Formal Administration can take 6–12 months. Our streamlined 2026 digital filing process is designed to minimize these wait times by ensuring error-free submissions to the court.

Secure Your Family’s Inheritance Today

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’s legacy.

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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