Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Highlands County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Navigating the probate process in Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid requires a firm grasp of the 10th Judicial Circuit’s localized administrative orders. In Highlands County, the court system is notably efficient but maintains a strict “checklist” culture—meaning any missing document in a filing can lead to immediate delays in the issuance of Letters of Administration.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we simplify the complexities of the Sebring courthouse for our clients. For a deep dive into the legal mechanics and timelines of these cases, please see our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in 10th Circuit matters, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to protect your family’s financial interests.
🏛️ Highlands County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the historic Highlands County Courthouse in Sebring.
- Courthouse Name: Highlands County Courthouse
- Address: 430 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
- Clerk of Court: Jerome Kaszubowski
- Probate Department Phone: (863) 402-6595
- Email: probate@highlandsclerkfl.gov
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Deposit: Per Florida Statute 732.901, the original physical Will must be deposited with the Clerk in Sebring within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal deposit of the Will and provides you with the recorded receipt.
⚖️ 10th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Highlands County probate cases are governed by the standards of the 10th Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters (Section JR) are primarily overseen by Judge Peter F. Estrada. Judge Estrada requires precise adherence to the circuit’s Official Probate Checklists.
- Mandatory Checklists: Unlike some circuits where checklists are optional, the 10th Circuit effectively mandates them for both Summary and Formal Administrations. These checklists must be signed by the attorney, certifying that every required affidavit and notice has been filed.
- Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The court utilizes an automated workflow (the Caps system) to route these orders to Judge Estrada for digital signature.
- Zoom Hearings: Most uncontested probate matters are handled “in chambers” (without a hearing) or via Zoom. This allows our firm to resolve your Highlands County case without requiring you to set foot in the courthouse.
💰 2026 Highlands County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 10th Judicial Circuit (not including convenience fees or e-filing surcharges):
| 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 |
❓ Highlands County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Highlands County?
Summary Administration is the “fast track” option. It is 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 many Highlands County estates involve a primary home (protected homestead), the value of that home is usually excluded from the $75,000 limit.
What does “Flat-Fee” Probate include?
At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the stress of billable hours. We provide a single, all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. This covers all filings with Clerk Jerome Kaszubowski’s office, document preparation, and all judicial coordination.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?
If you are not a Florida resident, you can only serve as a Personal Representative if you are a close relative (spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other blood relative) of the decedent. We regularly assist out-of-state family members with the remote management of local estates.
How do I get “Letters of Administration”?
Letters of Administration are the “keys” to the estate, allowing you to access bank accounts and sign deeds. These are issued by Judge Estrada during a Formal Administration. Our firm secures these electronically to get you moving as quickly as possible.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings technical 10th Circuit expertise to the specific landscape of Highlands County.
- 10th Circuit Precision: We are experts in Judge Estrada’s specific requirements and the mandatory circuit checklists.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee model protects the estate’s value for the beneficiaries.
- Remote Ease: By leveraging 2026 digital filing tools and virtual courtrooms, we handle the entire process on your behalf, regardless of where you live.