Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Flagler County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Managing the estate of a loved one in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, or Bunnell requires navigating the specific legal landscape of the 7th Judicial Circuit. In Flagler County, the probate process is highly detailed, requiring the use of specific circuit-wide checklists and electronic filing protocols to ensure that assets are legally transferred to the rightful heirs.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Flagler County 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 Flagler County cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with total financial certainty.
🏛️ Flagler County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate matters are handled at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.
- Courthouse Name: Kim C. Hammond Justice Center
- Clerk of Court: Tom Bexley
- Probate Department Phone: (386) 313-4497
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Deposit: Per Florida law, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk’s Office in Bunnell within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal deposit of Wills to ensure your case is initiated correctly and within the statutory timeframe.
⚖️ 7th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Flagler County follows the standardized procedures of the 7th Judicial Circuit (serving Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties).
- Judicial Oversight: Probate and guardianship cases in Flagler County are primarily heard by Judge Linda L. Gaustad and Judge Christopher A. France (Division 51). Both judges require strict adherence to circuit-wide administrative orders.
- Mandatory Checklists: The 7th Circuit requires attorneys to submit official probate checklists with every petition for Summary or Formal Administration. These checklists act as a safeguard to ensure all required documents—such as the death certificate and the oath of the personal representative—are in the court file.
- Proposed Orders via E-Portal: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This allows the judicial staff in Bunnell to process and sign orders digitally, speeding up the overall timeline.
- Virtual Hearings: In 2026, most uncontested probate matters are conducted via Zoom. Our firm manages these appearances remotely, so you do not have to travel to the courthouse in Bunnell.
💰 2026 Flagler County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 7th Judicial Circuit (not including convenience fees charged by the State of Florida):
| Action Type | 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 / Caveat | $41.00 |
❓ Flagler County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Flagler County?
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. If the estate primarily consists of a protected homestead (such as a primary residence in Palm Coast), it often qualifies for this faster process because the home’s value is generally excluded from the $75,000 limit.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model for probate?
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 covers the drafting of all legal documents, 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 be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?
No, but there are restrictions. If you are not a Florida resident, you can only serve as a Personal Representative if you are a close relative (spouse, sibling, parent, child, or other blood relative) of the decedent. Our firm regularly assists out-of-state family members with the remote management of Flagler County estates.
How do I obtain “Letters of Administration”?
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 Flagler County?
Our firm provides a high-tech, efficient approach to probate in the 7th Judicial Circuit.
- Circuit Precision: We are experts in the 7th Circuit’s mandatory checklists and local judicial protocols, preventing technical delays.
- Predictable Pricing: Our flat-fee model ensures that more of the inheritance is preserved for the heirs.
- Fast-Track Efficiency: By utilizing Clerk Tom Bexley’s 2026 digital filing systems, we secure Letters of Administration and determine homestead status as quickly as the law allows.