Killearn Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Leon County

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis, and our firm has successfully resolved thousands of probate cases since 2014. Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Killearn – from the established family homes in Killearn Estates to the luxury residences in Killearn Lakes and Golden Eagle – requires a legal team that understands the specific procedural requirements of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Our team brings a level of expertise backed by hundreds of 5 star Google Reviews from families we have helped across the state.

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

Unmatched Qualifications and Insider Judicial Insight

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Killearn families with extensive experience and insider judicial insight. 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 Tallahassee.

• Direct Judicial Training: 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 move a case forward without the typical administrative delays.
• Federal Precision: Founding partner Cary David gained elite experience during law school working for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich (the trailblazing former Chief Judge of the Middle District of Florida) and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office. This high-level training ensures every estate is handled with absolute precision.
• National Leadership: In 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to setting the standard for probate excellence throughout Florida.

The Advantage of 2nd Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026

In Leon County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the bench in Tallahassee. As of 2026, the Leon County Probate Division – overseen by Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson and Chief Judge Frank Allman – operates under strict administrative protocols.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

The 2nd Judicial Circuit is known for its “checklist-first” culture. No proposed order will be signed in Tallahassee without a verified, portal-stamped copy of the mandatory checklists. We utilize the 2026 versions of the Summary Administration Checklist and the Formal Administration Checklist to ensure every “predicate document” is cross-referenced by its specific e-filing docket number.

Critical Local Administrative Orders

• Active Case Management: We strictly adhere to Administrative Order 2024-08, which governs Active, Differential Civil Case Management, ensuring that probate estates stay on a strict timeline and do not languish in the court system.
• Priority Time Standards: Per Administrative Order 2025-01, the court has established priority time standards for the Leon County Clerk of Court to process filings. Our insider insight allows us to satisfy these requirements on the first submission.
• Affidavit of Heirs: Per local judicial preference, a detailed Affidavit of Heirs is required in nearly all cases to verify the family tree and ensure no beneficiaries are omitted from the distribution.

Leon County Courthouse Information

While Killearn is a residential hub, all legal proceedings and the physical deposit of documents occur at the Leon County Courthouse in downtown Tallahassee.

• Courthouse Address: 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
• Clerk of Court: Physical deposit of original Wills must be made with Gwen Marshall Knight, Leon County Clerk & Comptroller, within 10 days of receiving notice of death.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Killearn from Anywhere

Whether you are currently in Killearn or are an out-of-state heir, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing to discuss your case.
2. Digital 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 Leon County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 2nd Circuit judges on your behalf.

Fee Structure: Summary vs. Formal Administration

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 Killearn 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 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 counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Killearn 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 Golden Eagle or Killearn Lakes 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 Killearn resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Leon County Clerk of Court within 10 days of receiving notice of death. The courthouse is located at 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 2nd Circuit? Judges in Tallahassee 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, ensuring the heirs are protected.

Can an out-of-state relative serve as the Personal Representative? Yes. Under Florida Statute 733.304, out-of-state blood relatives (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.) are legally qualified to serve as the Personal Representative. We make this process seamless through our remote administration platform.

Secure Your Family’s Tallahassee 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 Killearn. We handle the technicalities of the law so you can focus on your family.