Tallahassee 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. Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Tallahassee – from the historic neighborhoods of Los Robles and Old Town to the residential communities of Killearn Estates and Southwood – requires a firm that understands the specific procedural requirements of the 2nd Judicial Circuit.

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

Extensive Experience and Insider Judicial Insight

Our firm provides a distinctive advantage for families navigating the court system in Florida’s capital. We don’t just file paperwork; we apply insider judicial insight to ensure your family’s assets are protected and distributed without the administrative delays common in high-volume circuits.

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. In 2024, Cary had the honor of addressing the National College of Probate Judges, reinforcing our firm’s commitment to setting the standard for probate excellence.
Local Foundations: Both partners are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and proud University of Florida alumni. They sat for and passed the Florida Bar Exam in Tampa and continue to serve as leaders in the state’s legal community.

The Advantage of 2nd Circuit 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 operates under strict administrative protocols.

Judicial Oversight: Probate and guardianship cases are primarily assigned to Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson. Judge Caloca-Johnson requires technical precision and the strict use of mandatory 2nd Circuit Checklists.
Mandatory Checklist Compliance: No proposed order will be signed in Tallahassee without a verified checklist. We utilize the 2026 versions of the Summary Administration Checklist and the Formal Opening Checklist to ensure every case is e-filed correctly the first time.
Active Case Management: We strictly adhere to Administrative Order 2024-08, which governs Active, Differential Civil Case Management, and Administrative Order 2025-01, which sets Priority Time Standards for the Leon County Clerk to ensure your case stays on track.
Leon County Courthouse & Clerk: The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, led by Gwen Marshall Knight, is located at the Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Physical deposit of original Wills must be completed here within 10 days of receiving notice of death.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Whether you are local to Tallahassee or an out-of-state heir, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically. We specialize in ancillary administration for non-residents who owned property in the Tallahassee area.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing from your home or office.
Digital 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 Leon County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 2nd 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 Tallahassee 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 necessary when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle bank accounts, manage litigation, or clear the title on Leon County real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Tallahassee estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead (regardless of its value), household furnishings, and motor vehicles. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a Tallahassee resident? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Leon County Clerk within 10 days of receiving notice of death. 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.

Can an out-of-state relative serve as the Personal Representative? Yes. Under Florida Statute 733.304, out-of-state blood relatives are legally qualified to serve. 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 Leon County. We handle the technicalities of the law so you can focus on your family.

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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