Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Jackson County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Handling an estate in Marianna, Graceville, or Sneads requires navigating the specific judicial culture of the 14th Judicial Circuit. In Jackson County, the probate division is characterized by a “checklist-driven” approach, ensuring that every filing meets the strict requirements of Florida law before being presented to a judge.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Marianna 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 14th Circuit cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to give your family total financial certainty.
🏛️ Jackson County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and official filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the main courthouse in Marianna.
- Courthouse Name: Jackson County Courthouse
- Address: 4445 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446
- Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer 510, Marianna, FL 32447
- Clerk of Court: Clayton O. Rooks, III
- Probate Department Phone: (850) 482-9552
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST
[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: Under Florida law, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk’s Office in Marianna within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal delivery and recording of Wills to ensure your case is opened without administrative friction.
⚖️ 14th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Jackson County probate cases follow the standardized protocols of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: Probate matters in Jackson County are typically overseen by Judge Wade Mercer. Judge Mercer requires strict adherence to circuit-wide probate checklists for both Summary and Formal Administrations.
- Restricted Depositories: A unique feature of the 14th Circuit is the frequent use of Restricted Depositories. The court may require estate funds (especially from the sale of real property) to be placed in a restricted bank account that requires a court order for any withdrawals. This provides an extra layer of security for beneficiaries.
- Proposed Orders: In 2026, all proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Orders must include a “Petition or Motion Identifier” to ensure they are routed correctly to Judge Mercer’s staff.
- Virtual Hearings: Most routine or uncontested probate hearings are conducted via Zoom. This allows our firm to manage your Jackson County case efficiently without requiring you to travel to Marianna.
💰 2026 Jackson County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 14th 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 |
❓ Jackson County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Jackson 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 much of the property in Jackson County is protected homestead (family homes or farmland), it is often excluded from the $75,000 limit, making many estates eligible for this faster process.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model?
We believe in total financial transparency. At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. We do not bill by the hour, so you know exactly what the legal costs will be before the process begins.
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, sibling, parent, child, or other blood relative) of the decedent. Our firm handles the remote qualification process for out-of-state representatives regularly.
How do I sell a house during probate in Marianna?
If the decedent owned real estate in Jackson County, we file a Petition to Determine Homestead or an Order Authorizing Sale. This ensures the title is cleared so the property can be sold or transferred to the heirs without issue.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings high-level circuit experience to the personalized environment of the Jackson County courthouse.
- 14th Circuit Expertise: We are experts in Judge Mercer’s specific requirements and the circuit’s mandatory checklists.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee model ensures more of the estate’s value stays with the family.
- Modern Efficiency: We leverage 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom technology to manage 100% of the probate process for you, regardless of where you are located.