Fort Myers Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Lee 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 Fort Myers – from the historic estates in the McGregor Boulevard corridor to the luxury communities of Gateway and Pelican Preserve – requires a firm that understands the specific procedural requirements 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.

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 is a primary reason our firm maintains such a high success rate in the 20th Circuit.
• National Leadership: In 2024, founding partner Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their conference in Jacksonville, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to setting the standard for probate excellence.
• 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 community.

The Advantage of 20th Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026

In Lee County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local rules established by the bench in Fort Myers. As of 2026, the Lee County Probate Division—overseen by judges such as Judge Josephine Gagliardi, Judge Lindsay Garza, Judge Devin George, and Judge Javier Pacheco—operates under strict administrative protocols.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

The 20th Judicial Circuit requires strict adherence to the Lee County Probate Checklist. No proposed order will be signed without a verified checklist that cross-references every required “predicate document” by its specific e-filing docket number. Our firm’s streamlined workflow ensures every filing is “judge-ready” to meet these rigorous standards from the very first submission.

Courtroom Decorum and Professionalism

Practicing in the Lee County Justice Center at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, requires absolute compliance with Administrative Order 2.13, which sets the standards for courtroom decorum. Furthermore, attorneys in this circuit must abide by the Standards of Professional Courtesy, ensuring that all proceedings are handled with the highest level of integrity and respect for the court.

Digital Filing and Manual Review

As of 2026, the Lee County Clerk of Court maintains a high-volume digital docket. However, judges still require a manual review of all original Wills and death certificates before entering orders. Our firm manages this coordination between digital filings and the physical deposit of documents at the courthouse, preventing the administrative delays that often stall cases for months.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Fort Myers is a global destination, and many heirs live out of state or abroad. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model, allowing you to settle an estate without ever coming to court or visiting our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing.
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 Lee County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 20th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Fee Structure: Summary vs. Formal Administration

We provide transparent, 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 is required when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle bank accounts, manage litigation, or clear the title on Fort Myers real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Lee County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. The courthouse is located at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 20th Circuit? Judges in Lee County 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.