Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Jefferson County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Navigating the probate process in Monticello, Lloyd, or Waukeenah requires following the procedures of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. In Jefferson County, the probate division is efficient but meticulous, utilizing specific checklists to ensure that all statutory requirements—from creditor notices to homestead determinations—are met before any assets are distributed.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Monticello court system. For a comprehensive look at the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in 2nd Circuit cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to give your family total financial certainty.
🏛️ Jefferson County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the historic courthouse in Monticello.
- Courthouse Name: Jefferson County Courthouse
- Address: 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344
- Clerk of Court: Jason L. Welty (and Chief Financial Officer Cecil “Trey” Hightower)
- Probate Department Phone: (850) 342-0218 ext. 233
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Deposit: Per Florida law, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Monticello within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. Our firm manages the secure delivery and recording of Wills to ensure your case is opened properly and on time.
⚖️ 2nd Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Jefferson County follows the administrative orders and judicial preferences of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which also serves Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, and Wakulla counties.
- Judicial Oversight: Probate matters are typically overseen by Judge Robert R. Plaines. The 2nd Circuit is known for its rigorous use of Mandatory Probate Checklists. Attorneys must submit these checklists with every petition to certify that all heirs, creditors, and tax authorities have been correctly addressed.
- Affidavit of Heirs: In every intestate case (where there is no Will), the court requires a verified Affidavit of Heirs to be filed before the appointment of a Personal Representative. This ensures the court has a clear record of all individuals entitled to inherit under Florida law.
- Proposed Orders: In 2026, all proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The 2nd Circuit requires that all supporting documents (like Oaths of Personal Representative and Death Certificates) be fully docketed before the proposed order is sent to the judge.
- Virtual Appearances: Most routine probate hearings in Monticello are conducted via Zoom. This allows our firm to represent you effectively without requiring you to travel to the courthouse.
💰 2026 Jefferson County Probate Filing Fees
Standard court costs for the 2nd 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 |
❓ Jefferson County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Jefferson 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. If the estate consists primarily of a family home (protected homestead), it often qualifies for this faster process regardless of the home’s value.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model?
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. This covers all legal work, document preparation, and court coordination with Clerk Jason Welty’s office, so you know exactly what your costs are from the beginning.
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). We regularly assist out-of-state family members in qualifying as representatives for Jefferson County estates.
How do I obtain “Letters of Administration”?
Letters of Administration are issued during a Formal Administration. These give you the legal authority to manage bank accounts, sign deeds for real estate in Monticello, and handle the decedent’s affairs. We secure these for you as soon as the judge authorizes them.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings high-level circuit experience to the personalized environment of the Jefferson County courthouse.
- 2nd Circuit Expertise: We are experts in Judge Plaines’ specific requirements and the mandatory circuit checklists.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee model preserves more of the inheritance for the family.
- Modern Efficiency: We leverage 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom technology to manage 100% of the probate process for you, regardless of your location.