Jacksonville Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Duval County

Navigating the legal requirements of an estate in Jacksonville requires a firm that understands both the vast geography of the First Coast—from Riverside and Avondale to Oceanway and Jacksonville Beach—and the specific procedural nuances of the 4th Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Jacksonville 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. As proud University of Florida alumni, the Davids have deep ties to the Jacksonville community, frequently visiting for the annual Florida-Georgia game and participating in the city’s professional legal landscape.

Notably, in 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their conference held right here in Jacksonville, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of national and local probate standards.

The Advantage of 4th Circuit Insight in 2026

In Duval County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local rules established by the 4th Judicial Circuit. As of 2026, the Jacksonville probate courts rely heavily on the 4th Circuit Probate Division’s digital workflows.

• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific procedural expectations of the Duval County bench. Whether your case is assigned to Judge Roberto Arias, Judge Michael Sharrit, or Judge Waddell Wallace, our firm prepares “judge-ready” petitions that comply with the strict electronic filing standards of the 4th Circuit.
• Mandatory Checklist Proficiency: Duval County judges utilize specific checklists to ensure all statutory requirements are met before an order is signed. Our “insider insight” allows us to anticipate these requirements, preventing the technical rejections and “Deficiency Notices” that can stall a case for weeks.
• High-Volume Efficiency: Jacksonville is home to one of Florida’s busiest probate divisions. We leverage our firm’s extensive experience to navigate the high-volume environment of the Duval County Clerk of Courts, ensuring your filings are processed as quickly as the court’s calendar allows.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Jacksonville Families Anywhere

Whether you are local to the First Coast or an out-of-state executor, 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 in Jacksonville or from across the country.
2. Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
3. Electronic Representation: We manage all filings with the Duval County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 4th Circuit judges on your behalf. You can fulfill your duties as a Personal Representative without ever stepping into a Jacksonville courtroom.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. Unlike many firms that charge a percentage of the estate’s total value, 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 Jacksonville 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 handle 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 Duval County Probate Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Jacksonville estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead (the primary residence), 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 without a beneficiary, brokerage accounts, and non-homestead real estate (like a rental property in Mandarin). Learn more about asset classification from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a Jacksonville resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Duval County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The probate office is located at the Duval County Courthouse (501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202). Our firm handles this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 4th Circuit? Judges in Jacksonville 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 like VyStar Credit Union or TIAA Bank to satisfy this requirement.

Can an out-of-state Gator fan 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 Jacksonville estate regardless of where you live. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

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 Duval County. We handle the technicalities of the law so you can focus on your family.