Cantonment Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Escambia County

Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Cantonment requires a firm that understands the diverse landscape of Northern Escambia County—from the growing residential communities in Bentley Oaks and Kingsfield Lakes to the rural acreage along Highway 29. Settling an estate in this region involves navigating the specific procedural requirements of the 1st Judicial Circuit.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Cantonment 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 are deeply connected to the Florida legal community. In 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to setting the standard for probate excellence in Escambia County.

The Advantage of 1st Circuit Insight in 2026

In Escambia County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local rules established by the Pensacola bench. As of 2026, the 1st Judicial Circuit relies on specific digital filing standards and judicial preferences that are distinct from other regions of the state.

Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific procedural expectations of the Escambia County judges overseeing the probate docket, including Judge Jan Shackelford and Judge Amy Brodersen. 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 Proficiency: The 1st Circuit utilizes 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.
Escambia Property & Homestead Expertise: For Cantonment residents, the family home or rural property 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: No Travel Required

Whether you are local to Cantonment or an out-of-state heir, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home in Cantonment or from anywhere in the world.
Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
Electronic Representation: We manage all filings with the Escambia County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 1st Circuit judges on your behalf.

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

An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for Cantonment 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 Escambia County Probate Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Cantonment 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 home or acreage 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 Cantonment resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Escambia County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 190 W Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 1st Circuit? Judges in Escambia 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 relative 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 Cantonment estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Northern Escambia Legacy

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

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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