Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
DeSoto County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Handling an estate in Arcadia, Fort Ogden, or Hull requires an understanding of the specific procedural expectations of the 12th Judicial Circuit. While DeSoto County is a smaller jurisdiction, the court follows strict administrative protocols to ensure every estate is managed with transparency and legal accuracy.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we simplify the complexities of the Florida court system for local families and out-of-state heirs. For a comprehensive overview of the laws governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in DeSoto County cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with total financial certainty.
🏛️ DeSoto County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate filings and records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the historic courthouse in Arcadia.
- Courthouse Name: DeSoto County Courthouse
- Clerk of Court: Nadia K. Daughtrey
- Probate Department Phone: (863) 993-4876
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Submission: Under Florida law, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Arcadia within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal delivery and recording of the Will to ensure your case stays on track.
⚖️ 12th Judicial Circuit Standards
DeSoto County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit (serving DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties). Probate matters in Arcadia are typically overseen by Judge Don T. Hall.
- Mandatory Checklists: The 12th Circuit requires attorneys to submit specific Probate Checklists for both Formal and Summary Administrations. These checklists ensure that all necessary documents—such as the death certificate, proof of service to heirs, and the oath of the personal representative—are in the file before the judge reviews the case.
- Proposed Orders: In 2026, the court requires proposed orders to be submitted electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Orders must be in Microsoft Word format to allow for digital signatures and immediate processing.
- Zoom Hearings: Most uncontested probate matters are handled through Zoom or the court’s digital motion calendar. This modern system allows our attorneys to manage your case without requiring you to travel to the Arcadia courthouse.
💰 2026 DeSoto County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 12th Judicial Circuit (not including convenience fees charged by the State of Florida):
| Probate Action | Court Filing Fee |
| Formal Administration (Full Probate) | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000) | **$345.00** |
| Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000) | **$235.00** |
| Disposition of Personal Property | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $42.00 |
❓ DeSoto County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in DeSoto County?
Summary Administration is an expedited probate process. It is available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt assets (assets not including the primary homestead) is less than $75,000. Our team will help you determine if your case qualifies for this faster, less expensive timeline.
What does “Flat-Fee” Probate include?
At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly billing. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. This fee covers the drafting of all petitions, coordination with the Clerk’s office, and all necessary court appearances. You will know exactly what the legal fees are before we begin work.
Do I need to live in Florida to open a probate case in Arcadia?
No. Most of our clients live out of state or even abroad. Because the 12th Circuit utilizes electronic filing and virtual hearings, we can handle 100% of the probate process on your behalf. You do not need to visit DeSoto County for any part of an uncontested probate.
How do I list a house for sale during probate?
If the decedent owned real estate in Arcadia or elsewhere in DeSoto County, we file a Petition to Determine Homestead or obtain an Order Authorizing Sale. This provides the clear title required by title companies to close on the sale of the property.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings high-level circuit experience to the personalized environment of the DeSoto County courthouse.
- Circuit Precision: We prepare every filing to meet the 12th Circuit’s mandatory checklist standards, preventing the technical delays common with general practice firms.
- All-Inclusive Flat Fees: We focus on transparency. Our flat-fee model ensures that more of the estate’s value remains with the beneficiaries.
- Fast-Track Efficiency: We utilize the 2026 digital filing tools provided by Clerk Nadia K. Daughtrey’s office to secure Letters of Administration as quickly as the law allows.