Duval County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Losing a loved one in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, or Baldwin requires navigating the specific legal landscape of the 4th Judicial Circuit. In Duval County, the probate process is highly structured, requiring specific “Smart Forms” and strict adherence to judicial checklists to ensure the timely transfer of assets.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Jacksonville court system. For a comprehensive look at the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in Duval County cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to give your family total financial certainty.

🏛️ Duval County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate matters are handled at the Duval County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

Courthouse Name: Duval County Courthouse
Clerk of Court: Jody Phillips
Probate Department Phone: (904) 255-2000
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Filing Tip: While Clerk Jody Phillips has expanded digital services, the Original Will must still be physically deposited with the Clerk’s Office (Room 2338) within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. Our firm manages the secure delivery and recording of these original documents for our clients.

⚖️ 4th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Duval County operates under standardized procedures designed to move uncontested cases quickly through the system.

Judicial Assignment: Probate cases in Jacksonville are typically assigned to Division PR-A (Judge Kevin Blazs) or Division PR-B (Judge Thomas M. Beverly). Both judges require petitions to be formatted specifically according to 4th Circuit standards.
Mandatory Checklists: Before any probate order is signed, the 4th Circuit requires a completed Probate Checklist. This ensures all requirements—such as the death certificate, oath of personal representative, and proof of service—are present in the digital file.
E-Portal Proposed Orders: Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format directly to the judge through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Virtual Appearances: In 2026, nearly all uncontested probate hearings are conducted via Zoom. Our attorneys handle these appearances remotely, saving our clients the time and expense of traveling to downtown Jacksonville.

💰 2026 Duval County Probate Filing Fees

Current court costs as of 2026 (not including convenience fees charged by the State of Florida):

Action Type	Court Filing Fee
Formal Administration (Standard Probate)	$401.00
Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000)	$346.00
Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000)	$236.00
Notice of Trust	$42.00
Caveat by Interested Party	$42.00

❓ Duval County Probate FAQ

When is Summary Administration available in Jacksonville?

Summary Administration is an expedited track available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt assets is less than $75,000. Because Florida homestead property is often “exempt,” many Jacksonville families qualify for this faster process even if the home’s value exceeds the threshold.

What is “Flat-Fee” Probate?

At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly billing. We provide a single all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. This covers all document preparation, filing, and court coordination, ensuring you know the exact cost of our services from day one.

Do I need to live in Duval County to be a Personal Representative?

No. However, if you are not a resident of Florida, you must be a blood relative (or a spouse/sibling/parent) of the decedent to serve as a Personal Representative. Our firm works with out-of-state representatives daily to manage Jacksonville estates remotely.

How do I get a “Letter of Administration” in Duval County?

Letters of Administration are issued by the judge during a Formal Administration. They provide the legal authority needed to access bank accounts, sell real estate, and settle debts. We utilize the 2026 electronic certification system to obtain these letters as soon as the court authorizes them.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group for Duval County?

Our firm brings a specialized focus to the 4th Judicial Circuit, ensuring your case isn’t delayed by technical “Deficiency Notices.”

Circuit Precision: We are experts in the 4th Circuit’s mandatory checklists and local judicial preferences.
Predictable Pricing: Our flat-fee model means no surprise bills or hidden costs.
Tech-Forward Representation: We leverage 2026 digital tools and Zoom hearings to provide a seamless experience for families located anywhere in the world.

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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