Lady Lake / Fruitland Park Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Lake County and The Villages

Navigating the transition of an estate in the Lake County portion of The Villages – specifically the communities surrounding Lady Lake and Fruitland Park – requires a firm that understands the unique needs of a premier retirement destination and the rigid procedural requirements of the 5th Judicial Circuit. Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis since 2014.

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

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families in the Lady Lake area with extensive experience, having successfully resolved thousands of probate cases. 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. We combine elite professional qualifications with a commitment to providing transparent, accessible legal services to the residents of Lake County.

The Advantage of 5th Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026

In Lake County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local rules established by the bench in Tavares. As of 2026, the Lake County Probate Division, overseen by Judge James R. Baxley (Administrative Judge), Judge Heidi Davis, Judge Brian Welke, and Judge Dan R. Mosley, operates under strict administrative protocols that differ significantly from neighboring counties.

• Mandatory Checklists & The “10-Day Rule”: Under current 5th Circuit procedures, every petition for Summary or Formal administration must be accompanied by a portal-stamped copy of a specific Probate Checklist. Once a proposed order is submitted to the judge’s office, the Judicial Assistant holds it for exactly 10 days. If any required documentation is missing after that window, the order is not just rejected—the documents are often destroyed, requiring a full resubmission. Our firm’s streamlined workflow ensures every filing is “judge-ready” on day one.
• Notice Regarding Original Will (AO L-2023-28): Lake County requires a specific Notice Regarding Will (Form CP 00) to be filed with the opening of every estate. This form ensures the Clerk of Court properly links the physical original Will to the digital case file. Failure to include this specific form can lead to immediate rejection by the clerk.
• Affidavit of Heirs (AO L-2023-27): To protect the integrity of the family tree, the 5th Circuit requires a detailed Affidavit of Heirs in nearly all cases. This document verifies that no legal beneficiaries have been omitted, a critical step for residents of The Villages who may have large, multi-generational families spread across the country.

100% Remote Probate: Serving The Villages Families Anywhere

We recognize that many heirs of Lady Lake and Fruitland Park residents live out of state. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model, allowing you to settle an estate without ever coming to court in Tavares or visiting our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video from your home 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: While we must mail original orders to the judges per local 5th Circuit rules, we manage the entire digital interface with the Lake County Clerk of Court and handle all virtual appearances 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—which can be exorbitant for high-value homes in The Villages—we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

Summary Administration

An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for 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, manage litigation, or clear the title on property.

Unmatched Qualifications and Experience

Our firm offers a level of expertise 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, providing her with a firsthand understanding of how judges review petitions and what is required to move a case through the system efficiently.
• National Recognition: In 2024, founding partner Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their conference, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to setting the standard for probate excellence.
• Florida Heritage: As University of Florida alumni and honors graduates of Stetson Law, the Davids are deeply connected to the state’s legal fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Lake County estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets—most notably a protected Florida Homestead—do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This means an estate can include a high-value home in Fruitland Park and still qualify for the faster Summary process if the remaining liquid assets (bank accounts, stocks) are below $75,000. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a resident of The Villages? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Lake County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 550 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. Our firm manages this secure physical filing and the mandatory Notice Regarding Will for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Lake County? Judges in the 5th Circuit 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 Lake County estate even if you live in another state. This is governed by Florida Statute 733.304.

Secure Your Family’s Lake County 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 Lake County. We handle the complexities of the law so you can focus on your family.