Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Hernando County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Navigating the probate process in Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, or Ridge Manor requires compliance with the specific administrative standards of the 5th Judicial Circuit. In Hernando County, the probate division is known for strict adherence to timeline requirements and circuit-wide checklists to ensure the orderly distribution of estate assets.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a transparent and efficient path through the Brooksville court system. For a comprehensive overview of the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in Hernando County cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with total financial certainty.
🏛️ Hernando County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the main courthouse in Brooksville.
- Courthouse Name: Hernando County Courthouse
- Address: 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
- Clerk of Court: Doug Chorvat Jr.
- Probate Department Phone: (352) 754-4201
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Deposit: Per Florida Statute 732.901, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Hernando County Clerk within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. Our firm manages the secure delivery and tracking of these documents for our clients.
⚖️ 5th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Hernando County follows the specific judicial instructions and standing orders of the 5th Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: Probate matters are primarily overseen by Judge Pamela Vergara. Judge Vergara’s standing orders require that all petitions be accompanied by the appropriate 5th Circuit Probate Checklists (e.g., Opening Formal Administration, Summary Administration, or Discharge).
- Homestead Rule: A critical local rule in Hernando County is that the court generally does not entertain “stand-alone” petitions to determine homestead property. If the sole asset is homestead real estate, the petitioner must still file for Summary Administration.
- Proposed Orders: In 2026, all proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Additionally, the court utilizes a dedicated email address (hernandoprobate@circuit5.org) for specific judicial communications.
- Completion Timelines: The court requires most probate matters to be completed within 12 months of the issuance of Letters of Administration. Failure to meet this deadline without an approved extension may result in a “Notice of Expired Letters” or a mandatory Case Management Conference.
💰 2026 Hernando County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 5th 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 |
| Filing Verified Inventory | $85.00 |
❓ Hernando County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Hernando 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. Because protected homestead property is excluded from this $75,000 limit, many estates involving Spring Hill or Brooksville homes still qualify for this faster process.
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 all document preparation, filings with Doug Chorvat Jr.’s office, and coordination with the 5th Circuit judicial staff.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?
No, but you must be a blood relative (or a spouse, sibling, parent, or child) of the decedent to serve if you live outside of Florida. Our firm works with out-of-state representatives daily to manage Hernando County estates remotely.
How do I obtain “Letters of Administration”?
Letters of Administration are issued during a Formal Administration. They provide the legal authority needed to access bank accounts and sell real estate. We utilize the 2026 electronic certification system to get these letters into your hands as soon as the judge signs the order.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings high-level 5th Circuit experience to the localized environment of Hernando County.
- Circuit Precision: We are experts in Judge Vergara’s standing orders and the 5th Circuit’s mandatory checklists.
- Flat-Fee Certainty: No hidden costs or surprise bills.
- Fast-Track Efficiency: By utilizing 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom technology, we secure Letters of Administration and determine homestead status as quickly as the law allows.