Mount Dora Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Lake County

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis since 2014. Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Mount Dora requires a firm that understands the specific character of this historic “City of Festivals” – from the lakeside estates along Lake Dora to the charming bungalows of the Mount Dora Historic District and the residential communities of Lakes of Mount Dora. Settling affairs in this region involves navigating the specific procedural requirements of the 5th Judicial Circuit and the Lake County Judicial Center in Tavares.

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

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 judges such as Judge James R. Baxley (Administrative Judge), Judge Heidi Davis, Judge Dan R. Mosley, and Judge Brian Welke—operates under strict administrative protocols that require precise attention to detail.

• Mandatory Checklist Compliance (AO L-2022-24-A): In the 5th Circuit, every petition for Summary or Formal administration must be accompanied by a portal-stamped copy of a specific Probate Checklist. The court will not even begin the review of a file until this checklist is accurately e-filed and documented. Our firm’s streamlined workflow ensures every filing is “judge-ready” to meet the court’s rigorous standards from the very first submission.
• The 10-Day Review Window: Once a proposed order is submitted to the judge’s office in Lake County, local rules dictate a mandatory 10-day review period. If any required documentation—such as the original Will, death certificate, or the mandatory Notice Regarding Will—is missing after that window, the judge’s office will reject the order. In many cases, documents submitted via mail may even be destroyed to preserve filing space, requiring a full resubmission of the case. We utilize our insider judicial insight to ensure your filing is perfect on day one, avoiding these costly administrative resets.
• Affidavit of Heirs (AO L-2023-27): To protect the integrity of the family tree and the rights of potential beneficiaries, the 5th Circuit requires a detailed Affidavit of Heirs in nearly all cases. This is a critical protection for Mount Dora families, ensuring that no legal heirs are omitted from the distribution of assets, particularly in complex or intestate (no-will) estates.
• Notice Regarding Original Will (AO L-2023-28): Lake County requires a specific Notice Regarding Will form to be filed alongside the physical deposit of every original Will. This ensures the Lake County Clerk of Court properly matches the physical document to the digital case file, a technicality that often catches out-of-town lawyers off guard.

Unmatched Qualifications and Experience

Our firm offers a level of expertise born from the distinguished professional histories of our founding partners, R. Nadine David and Charles “Cary” David:

• 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 exactly what the court requires to issue orders efficiently. This “inside-out” knowledge of the judicial system is a primary reason our firm maintains such a high success rate in Lake County.
• National & Federal 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. Cary’s background also includes serving under U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich and with the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office, bringing federal-level precision to local probate matters.
• Florida Heritage: Both partners are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and proud University of Florida alumni. As regular attendees of the annual Florida-Georgia game, the Davids maintain deep roots in the Florida legal and social community.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Mount Dora property owners often have family members scattered across the country. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model, allowing you to fulfill your duties as an executor or beneficiary 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 in Mount Dora 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 the entire digital interface with the Lake County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 5th Circuit judges on your behalf. While we handle the physical deposit of Wills and death certificates at the courthouse in Tavares, your involvement remains entirely digital and stress-free.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. Unlike many Central Florida firms that charge a percentage of the estate’s total value—which can be exorbitant for high-value Mount Dora properties—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 Mount Dora real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Mount Dora 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 Mount Dora 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 Mount Dora resident? 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.

Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative? Not necessarily. As long as you are a close blood relative (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.), you can serve as the Personal Representative for a Mount Dora estate even if you live in another state. Non-relatives must be Florida residents to qualify under Florida Statute 733.304.

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