Ponte Vedra Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in St. Johns County

Navigating the transition of an estate in Ponte Vedra requires a firm that understands the specific demands of Florida’s wealthiest county – from the oceanfront estates of Ponte Vedra Beach and the luxury golf communities of Sawgrass to the growing neighborhoods of Nocatee. While Ponte Vedra is often associated with Jacksonville, it is situated in St. Johns County and falls under the jurisdiction of the 7th Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with extensive experience, insider judicial insight, and the financial clarity 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 are deeply connected to the Northeast Florida region, frequently attending the annual Florida-Georgia game in nearby Jacksonville.

Our firm is a recognized leader in the field; notably, in 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their Jacksonville conference, reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of probate practice.

The Advantage of 7th Circuit Insight in 2026

In St. Johns County, probate success is determined by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the St. Augustine bench. As of 2026, the St. Johns Probate Division requires strict adherence to digital filing standards and specific judicial preferences.

• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific procedural expectations of the St. Johns County judges overseeing the probate docket, including Judge Howard O. McGillin, Jr. (Division 46) and Judge Kenneth J. Janesk, II. Our firm prepares “judge-ready” petitions designed to move through the system without the “Deficiency Notices” that often delay out-of-town practitioners.
• Mandatory Checklist Compliance: The 7th Circuit relies on mandatory checklists to ensure all statutory requirements are met before an order is signed. Our insider insight allows us to satisfy these requirements on the first submission, ensuring your case moves toward distribution as quickly as possible.
• High-Value Homestead Expertise: For Ponte Vedra residents, the family home or condo is often the estate’s most significant 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 from Anywhere

Whether you are local to Ponte Vedra or an out-of-state heir, 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 or office.
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 St. Johns County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 7th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

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

Summary Administration

An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for Ponte Vedra 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

The standard process for larger estates or those with complex creditor issues, 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 St. Johns County Probate Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Ponte Vedra estate?

In Florida, “exempt” assets—most notably a protected Florida Homestead—do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This means an estate can include a high-value coastal property and still qualify for the faster Summary process if the remaining liquid assets (bank accounts, stocks) are below $75,000. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a Ponte Vedra resident?

Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 7th Circuit?

Judges in St. Johns County frequently require estate cash to be held in a Restricted Depository per Florida Statute 69.031. This account protects the assets by requiring a court order for any withdrawals. We coordinate directly with local financial institutions 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 Ponte Vedra estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Coastal Legacy

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