Carrollwood Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Hillsborough County

Navigating the legal requirements of an estate in Carrollwood requires a firm that understands the established character of this North Tampa community – from the lakefront homes in Carrollwood Village to the charming original neighborhoods of Original Carrollwood. Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Carrollwood families with extensive experience, having successfully resolved thousands of probate cases since 2014. Our firm combines insider judicial insight with 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 and proud University of Florida alumni. Our deep connection to the Tampa legal community ensures that your family’s inheritance is protected through every step of the process.

Unmatched Qualifications and Insider Judicial Insight

Our firm offers a level of expertise that is unique in the Tampa Bay area, born from the distinguished professional histories of our founding partners:

• Probate Court Staff Attorney Experience: Founding partner R. Nadine David served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, working directly within the judicial system. This role provided her with a firsthand understanding of how judges review petitions, the common errors that lead to delays, and exactly what the court requires to issue orders efficiently.
• Federal and Government Litigation: Founding partner Cary David gained elite experience during law school working for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich – the trailblazing first woman appointed as a U.S. District Judge in the Middle District of Florida and former Chief Judge—as well as the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Local Professional Foundations: Both partners sat for and passed the Florida Bar Exam right here in Tampa, and as Gators, they are regular attendees of the annual Florida-Georgia game, maintaining strong ties to the regional community.

The Advantage of 13th Circuit Insight in 2026

In Hillsborough County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the Tampa bench. As of 2026, the 13th Judicial Circuit utilizes specific digital filing standards and judicial preferences that require precise attention to detail.

• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific procedural expectations of the Hillsborough County judges overseeing the probate docket, including Judge Michael J. Scionti, Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, Judge Catherine M. Catlin, and Judge Caroline Tesche Arkin. Our firm prepares “judge-ready” petitions designed to move through the system without the “Deficiency Notices” that often stall less experienced firms.
• Mandatory Checklist Proficiency: The 13th Circuit utilizes mandatory checklists to ensure all statutory requirements are met before an order is signed. Our internal knowledge allows us to satisfy these requirements on the first submission, ensuring your case moves toward distribution as quickly as possible.
• Carrollwood Property & Homestead Expertise: For Carrollwood residents, the family home 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 Carrollwood 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 in Carrollwood or from anywhere in the world.
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 Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 13th 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 Carrollwood 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. This process is necessary when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle bank accounts, litigation, or tax issues.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Hillsborough County Probate Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Carrollwood estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead (regardless of its value), up to $20,000 in household furnishings, and two motor vehicles. “Non-exempt” assets typically include bank accounts held only in the decedent’s name, brokerage accounts, and non-homestead real estate. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a Carrollwood resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 13th Circuit? Judges in Hillsborough 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 Carrollwood estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Carrollwood Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we combine unique qualifications and the experience of thousands of resolved cases with a deep commitment to the residents of Carrollwood. We handle the complexities of the law so you can focus on your family.