Bonita Springs Probate Lawyer: Personalized Estate Solutions in Lee County

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis since 2014. Settling an estate in Bonita Springs—from the luxury golf communities of Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing to the gulf-front residences along Hickory Boulevard—requires more than just legal paperwork; it demands an advocate who understands the sophisticated property landscape of Southwest Florida and the technical nuances of the 20th Judicial Circuit.

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

Why Experience Matters in Lee County Probate

Our firm provides a distinctive advantage for families navigating the court system in Fort Myers. We don’t just file forms; we apply insider judicial insight to ensure your family’s assets are protected and distributed without the typical administrative delays.

Elite Judicial Training: Founding partner R. Nadine David served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, giving her a behind-the-scenes perspective on how judges evaluate petitions. This experience allows us to prepare “judge-ready” filings that anticipate the court’s requirements before they are even asked.
Federal Precision: Founding partner Cary David brings a high-stakes litigation background, having worked for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office. We treat every estate—whether a simple summary administration or a complex formal process—with federal-level attention to detail.
National Thought Leadership: In 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges, underscoring our firm’s reputation as a standard-setter in Florida estate law.
Deep Regional Roots: As honors graduates of Stetson Law and University of Florida alumni, we are proud to serve the community where we took our bar exams and built our practice.

The “Lee County Way”: Navigating the 20th Circuit in 2026

If you are probating an estate for a Bonita Springs resident, your case will be heard at the Lee County Justice Center in Fort Myers. Success in this circuit is predicated on mastering local-local rules that many out-of-area firms overlook.

Mandatory Technical Checklists

Judges in the 20th Circuit, including Judge Michael T. McHugh (Administrative Judge for Civil/Probate), Judge Alane Laboda, and Judge James Shenko, require strict adherence to the Lee County Probate Checklist. We cross-reference every filing with current e-portal standards to ensure your case moves to the judge’s desk for signature on the first submission.

Local Courthouse & Clerk Information

The physical heavy lifting of probate—depositing original Wills and death certificates—happens at the Lee County Clerk of Court in downtown Fort Myers.

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Administrative Orders: We strictly comply with Administrative Order 2.13 regarding courtroom decorum and AO 1.13 regarding civil case management to keep your case on a strict timeline.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel to Fort Myers Required

Many heirs of Bonita Springs residents are part-time residents or live out of state. We have pioneered a remote-first model that allows you to fulfill your duties without ever leaving your home.

Secure Virtual Strategy: Consult with our attorneys via encrypted video link.
Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature, fully compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
Comprehensive E-Representation: We manage the physical deposit of the original Will and handle all interactions with the Lee County judiciary on your behalf.

Clear Pricing for Complex Estates

We eliminate the financial uncertainty of probate by offering affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested matters. We categorize estates into two main paths:

Summary Administration

An expedited process under Florida Statute 735.201 for estates where non-exempt assets are under $75,000 or the decedent has been passed for over two years.

Formal Administration

The comprehensive process governed by Florida Probate Rule 5.200. This is required for larger estates or those involving business interests, complex creditor issues, or the need to appoint a Personal Representative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Lee County? To protect cash assets, 20th Circuit judges often require funds to be held in a Restricted Depository under Florida Statute 69.031. This account requires a specific court order for any withdrawal, providing an extra layer of security for the heirs.

How do I handle “Non-Exempt” assets in Bonita Springs? Assets like bank accounts or non-homestead property are considered “non-exempt.” However, your primary residence (Homestead) is often protected from creditors. We help you navigate these definitions to maximize the inheritance passed to your family.

Can I probate a Will if I live in another state? Yes. Under Florida Statute 733.304, out-of-state family members are legally qualified to serve as the Personal Representative. We make this process seamless through our remote administration platform.

Protect Your Family’s Southwest Florida Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we treat your family’s legacy with the respect it deserves. We handle the technicalities of the Lee County court system so you can focus on what matters most.

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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