Pelican Bay Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Collier County

Navigating the transition of an estate in Pelican Bay requires a firm that understands both the high-value nature of local luxury real estate—from the high-rise towers like Mystique and The Laurentians to the exclusive villa communities and garden homes—and the rigid procedural requirements of the 20th Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Pelican Bay 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. Our firm is dedicated to navigating Florida’s complex probate system with speed and transparency, ensuring that your family’s legacy is protected.

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.
• High-Value Homestead Expertise: For Pelican Bay residents, the family home or condo often represents 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.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Families Globally

We recognize that many Pelican Bay property owners have primary residences elsewhere or spend significant time traveling. Our firm has pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model, allowing you to settle an estate without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home in Pelican Bay or from anywhere in the world.
2. Digital Document Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
3. Electronic Court Representation: We manage all filings with the Collier County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 20th Circuit judges on your behalf. You can fulfill your duties as a Personal Representative from your laptop, while we handle the heavy lifting.

Affordable Flat Fees: Transparency Without Percentages

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

Summary Administration

This is an expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201. It is available for estates where:

• The total value of non-exempt assets is under $75,000.
• OR the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.

Formal Administration

This is the standard process for larger estates, those with complex creditor issues, or when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to manage litigation or specific financial accounts. This process is governed by Florida Probate Rule 5.200.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Collier County Probate Guide.

Comprehensive Estate Administration: From Inventory to Distribution

A probate case in Pelican Bay involves several critical phases. Our firm manages the entire lifecycle of the case to ensure accuracy and speed.

1. Initial Filing and Appointment

The process begins with the filing of the Petition for Administration. If there is a Will, we seek to have it admitted to probate. If there is no Will, the estate is “Intestate,” and assets are distributed according to Florida Intestacy Statutes.

2. Notifying Creditors

In a Formal Administration, we must publish a Notice to Creditors in a local publication (typically the Naples Daily News). This starts a 90-day clock during which creditors can file claims. Our insider insight helps us evaluate these claims and utilize statutory protections to minimize the impact on the heirs’ inheritance.

3. Resolving Homestead Issues

Because Pelican Bay properties are often highly valuable, the Order Determining Homestead is the most important document we obtain. This order confirms that the home is not part of the “probate estate” for the purpose of paying creditors, effectively clearing the title so the property can be sold or transferred.

4. Final Distribution and Discharge

Once all valid debts are paid and tax issues (if any) are resolved, we petition the court for the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries. Once the assets are transferred, we obtain an Order of Discharge, which formally closes the estate and releases the Personal Representative from further liability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Pelican Bay estate?

In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead (regardless of its value), up to $20,000 in household furnishings, and two motor vehicles. “Non-exempt” assets typically include bank accounts held only in the decedent’s name, brokerage accounts without a “Transfer on Death” (TOD) designation, and non-homestead real estate.

Where do I file the original Will for a Pelican Bay resident?

Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Collier County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The probate office is located at the Collier County Government Center in Naples. Our firm handles this secure physical filing for our clients to ensure strict compliance with the law.

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 your financial institution to satisfy this judicial requirement quickly and efficiently.

How does my out-of-state status affect my ability to be an Executor?

In Florida, we use the term “Personal Representative.” As long as you are a close blood relative (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.), you can serve as the Personal Representative for a Pelican Bay estate regardless of where you live. Our 100% remote model is specifically designed to support out-of-state family members through this process.

Secure Your Family’s Inheritance Today

At Florida Probate Law Group, we combine the unique qualifications of our founding partners with a deep commitment to the residents of Collier County. We handle the technicalities of the law so you can focus on your family.