Sebastian Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Indian River County

Flat Fees, Fast Service, Predictable Results. Choose FPLG for your FL probate case.

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis. Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Sebastian requires a firm that understands the coastal heritage of the Treasure Coast – from the riverside homes along Indian River Drive to the quiet neighborhoods of Sebastian Highlands and Collier Club.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Sebastian families with extensive experience, having successfully resolved thousands of probate cases since 2014. 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 commitment to Indian River County is personal; Cary’s cousin, Charlotte Tripson, owns and manages the historic Waldo’s Secret Garden, a 12-acre sanctuary that preserves the “Old Florida” legacy of their relative, the visionary Waldo Sexton. This deep-rooted connection to the local soil informs our mission: protecting the legacies of Sebastian families with the same care we give our own.

The Advantage of 19th Circuit Insight in 2026

In Indian River County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the 19th Judicial Circuit. As of 2026, the Sebastian and Vero Beach probate dockets are managed under a historic, all-women bench that requires precision in digital filing and procedural adherence.

• Judicial Familiarity: We understand the specific expectations of the Indian River County judges, including Judge Rebecca White, Judge Victoria Griffin, Judge Cynthia Cox, and Judge Anastasia Norman. Specifically, under Judge White’s 2025/2026 Probate Memorandum, the court has moved to a high-volume digital review system.
• “Judge-Ready” Protocols: Unlike other circuits, the 19th Circuit requires all proposed orders to be submitted in Microsoft Word format directly to the Probate Case Managers at a dedicated internal email address (ProbateIRC@circuit19.org). Our firm’s streamlined workflow ensures that your filings meet these exact specifications on the first try, avoiding the technical rejections that stall out-of-town lawyers.
• Mandatory Checklists: The court will not review an estate without a verified Mandatory Probate Checklist e-filed by the attorney. We utilize the 2026 versions of these checklists for both Summary and Formal administrations, ensuring every “predicate document”—from the original Will to the Affidavit of Heirs—is perfectly docketed.

Affordable Flat Fees: Transparency in the Treasure Coast

We believe that legal fees should be predictable and fair. While many coastal firms charge a percentage of the estate—often totaling tens of thousands of dollars—we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

Summary Administration

This is an expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for Sebastian 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 is necessary when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to manage bank accounts, handle litigation, or clear the title on a Sebastian home.

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

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Many heirs of Sebastian residents live out of state or elsewhere in Florida. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model, allowing you to settle an estate without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home or from anywhere in the world.
2. Digital Document 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 Indian River County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances before 19th Circuit judges on your behalf. Whether you are across the bridge in Orchid or across the country, we keep the process moving.

Homestead Protection for Sebastian Families

In Sebastian, the family home is often the most significant asset in an estate. Under the Florida Constitution, “Homestead” property is protected from the claims of most creditors. However, this protection is not automatic.

Our firm specializes in filing the Petition to Determine Homestead Status of Real Property. This court order is essential because it:

• Clears the Title: Allows the heirs to sell or refinance the home.
• Shields Equity: Prevents credit card companies or medical billers from attaching liens to the property.
• Verifies Ownership: Formally transfers the home from the decedent to the beneficiaries named in the Will (or to the heirs-at-law).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in an Indian River County 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 Sebastian resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Indian River County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 19th Circuit? Judges in Indian River 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 Sebastian estate even if you live in another state. Non-relatives must be Florida residents to qualify. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Treasure Coast Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we combine unique qualifications, personal ties to the community, and the experience of thousands of resolved cases to serve the residents of Sebastian. We handle the complexities of the law so you can focus on your family.