Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Fort Myers Probate Lawyer: Flat-Fee 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.
Flat Fee Probate for Ft. Myers Residents
Our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews reflect the results families see across the state. For a Fort Myers probate lawyer search, that experience means specialized knowledge of the 20th Judicial Circuit and the technical precision the Lee County Clerk of Court expects.
All-Inclusive Flat Fees for Fort Myers & Lee County
We understand that families visiting the Lee County Courthouse at 2075 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd are often dealing with both emotional and financial stress. To provide total certainty, our fees for uncontested matters are all-inclusive, covering all court filing fees, legal publications, and costs. We offer two primary paths for Lee County residents:
- Summary Administration ($3,500): This is an expedited path for estates with non-exempt assets valued under $150,000, or in cases where the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. This process is designed for speed and efficiency in the Fort Myers courts.
- Formal Administration ($6,655): For larger or more complex estates requiring the appointment of a Personal Representative, our flat fee covers the entire process from the initial filing to the final discharge.
Traditional probate firms charge a percentage of the estate or bill by the hour. Our flat fee caps that cost up front, so more of a Fort Myers family’s inheritance goes to the heirs instead of legal overhead.
View our full 2026 Fee Schedule and Fort Myers Probate Pricing here.
Unmatched Qualifications and Experience
Our founding partners, R. Nadine David and Charles “Cary” David, bring:
- Probate Court Staff Attorney Experience: Founding partner R. Nadine David served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, giving her a firsthand view of how judges review petitions and what the court needs to issue orders. That “inside-out” knowledge shapes how we prepare every filing in the 20th Circuit.
- National Leadership: In 2024, founding partner Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their conference in Jacksonville.
- Florida Heritage: Both partners are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and proud University of Florida alumni. The Davids are regular attendees of the annual Florida-Georgia game.
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 until a verified checklist cross-references every required “predicate document” by its e-filing docket number. Our workflow keeps every filing “judge-ready” from the first submission.
Courtroom Decorum and Professionalism
Practicing in the Lee County Justice Center at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, requires compliance with Administrative Order 2.13 on courtroom decorum and the Standards of Professional Courtesy that govern attorney conduct in this circuit.
Digital Filing and Manual Review
As of 2026, the Lee County Clerk of Court runs a high-volume digital docket, but judges still require manual review of original Wills and death certificates before entering orders. We coordinate digital filings with the physical deposit of documents at the courthouse to avoid the delays that stall unprepared cases.
100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required
Fort Myers is a global destination, and many heirs live out of state or abroad. Our 100% Remote Probate model lets you settle an estate without visiting a courtroom or our office.
- Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing.
- Digital Document Execution: Sign nearly all required probate filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
- 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.
Snowbird Estates: Proving Florida Domicile for Lee County Probate
Fort Myers draws a large seasonal population that splits the year between Southwest Florida and a home up north. Lee County only has venue over an estate if Florida was the decedent’s legal domicile, not simply a place visited each winter. Florida Statute 731.101 requires probate to open in the county of domicile at death, and the 20th Judicial Circuit looks for a Florida driver’s license, a homestead exemption filed with the Lee County Property Appraiser, voter registration, or a recorded Declaration of Domicile as proof. We verify domicile the same way for seasonal residents throughout the county, including retirees we represent through our Cape Coral probate lawyer practice and our Bonita Springs probate lawyer team.
Fee Structure: Summary vs. Formal Administration
We provide transparent, affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters. For a full comparison of flat-fee probate options across Florida, see our flat-fee probate attorney pricing guide.
Summary Administration
An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for estates where:
- The total value of “non-exempt” assets is under $150,000 (or under $75,000 if the decedent passed away before July 2026).
- 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 applies when a Personal Representative must be appointed to handle bank accounts, litigation, or 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 $150,000 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 $150,000. 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 sometimes 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.
How long does probate take in Lee County once a case is filed?
Summary Administration in Lee County concludes within a few weeks of filing since it requires only one hearing before the judge. Formal Administration takes longer: Florida Statute 733.702 requires a three-month creditor notice period, so formal cases in the 20th Judicial Circuit run several months to discharge.
What happens if my Fort Myers relative died without a will?
Florida Statute Chapter 732 governs intestate succession. Lee County probate still proceeds through Summary or Formal Administration without a will, applying the statutory order of inheritance (spouse and children first) and appointing a personal representative to transfer title on Fort Myers property.
Can heirs sell a Fort Myers home before probate closes?
Only after the Lee County probate court appoints a personal representative. Once the Letters of Administration are issued, the personal representative can list and close on real estate such as a McGregor Boulevard or Gateway property, though homestead property may need separate court approval before a sale.
Does a boat or dock on the Caloosahatchee count toward the $150,000 asset threshold?
Yes. Unlike a homestead, a boat, slip, or dock is not exempt, so its value counts toward the $150,000 non-exempt asset limit. Combining a river home with a titled vessel can push a Fort Myers estate into Formal Administration.
Does a Fort Myers home need a formal appraisal before probate can proceed?
Not usually. In an uncontested Lee County probate, the personal representative can rely on the Lee County Property Appraiser’s assessed value or a broker’s price opinion for the required inventory. A full appraisal is needed only if the estate is contested or the IRS requires a date-of-death valuation.