Vero Beach Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Indian River County

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 Vero Beach requires a firm that understands the unique coastal character of the Treasure Coast—from the historic estates on Ocean Drive and the luxury communities of John’s Island and The Moorings to the charming mainland neighborhoods of Vero Lake Estates.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Vero Beach 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. Cary David has a deep personal connection to this community, having grown up visiting family in Vero Beach. Cary’s family is related by marriage to the family of the historic Waldo Sexton, the visionary behind Vero Beach landmarks like the Driftwood Inn and Waldo’s Restaurant. Cary’s cousin, Charlotte Tripson owns and manages Waldo’s Secret Garden. These personal ties drive our commitment to preserving the legacies of Indian River County residents.

Unmatched Qualifications and Insider Judicial Insight

Our firm offers a level of expertise that is unique in Florida, 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 background provides her with a firsthand understanding of how judges review petitions and exactly what the court requires to move a case forward without the delays that often plague other firms.
Federal and Government Litigation: Founding partner Cary David gained elite experience during law school working for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich (the trailblazing former Chief Judge of the Middle District of Florida) and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office. This high-level training ensures every estate is handled with absolute precision.
Academic Excellence: Both partners graduated with honors from Stetson Law and are proud University of Florida alumni. As regular attendees of the annual Florida-Georgia game, the Davids maintain strong ties to the regional community.

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 Indian River Probate Division utilizes specific digital filing standards and mandatory checklists.

“Judge-Ready” Petitions: We understand the specific procedural expectations of the Indian River County judges overseeing the probate docket, including Judge Robert L. Pegg and Judge Victoria L. Griffin. Our firm prepares petitions designed to move through the system without the “Deficiency Notices” that often stall less experienced practitioners.
Mandatory Checklist Proficiency: The 19th Circuit requires strict adherence to administrative orders and mandatory checklists to ensure all statutory requirements are met. Our internal knowledge allows us to satisfy these on the first submission, ensuring your case moves toward distribution as quickly as possible.
High-Value Real Estate & Homestead Expertise: For Vero Beach residents, the family home or beachfront property is often the estate’s primary 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

Many heirs of Vero Beach 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.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home or from anywhere in the world.
Digital Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
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.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. Unlike many coastal 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 Vero Beach 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 Indian River County Probate Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Vero Beach 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 Vero Beach 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 Vero Beach estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Coastal 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 Vero Beach. We handle the complexities of the law so you can focus on your family.

Client Reviews

I was very happy with her response to my questions and concerns about Florida probate. I am in Ohio and was not familiar with the process but they cleared everything up for me and made me feel comfortable going through the probate process with my loved ones will.

Roger

Honest and straight forward assessment of complex case. My case span both federal and state issues, as well as civil case of fraud which maybe criminal fraud. He told me what he could do, what his limits of scope were and what my best/safest position should be and gave me an outline of how to get...

S. Todd

The world of probate can be fairly daunting for one who has little to no experience. Between trying to figure out what to file and when to file, there is also the where. I was quite relieved to have Nadine and Cary to guide me through the court process.

Michael O.

I highly recommend using this law group for your Florida probate needs, and in particular, Charles David. He explained clearly what my 91 year old aunt would need to do in order to sell property that was in hers and her late husband's name.

Patti T.

Florida probate law group,was very helpful in answering the many questions that I had concerning my situation their input was very appreciated thank you.

Shirley M.

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