Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Manatee County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Probate in Manatee County—including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, and Longboat Key—is governed by the 12th Judicial Circuit. The Manatee probate division is known for its “checklist-driven” requirements and the use of the JACS (Judicial Automated Calendaring System) to manage its busy dockets. In 2026, the court continues to emphasize digital precision, requiring all proposed orders to be submitted with specific formatting to accommodate the judges’ electronic signatures.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Bradenton court system. For a comprehensive overview of state requirements, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Manatee County cases, ensuring your family has total financial certainty.
🏛️ Manatee County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
- Courthouse Name: Manatee County Judicial Center
- Address: 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
- Clerk of Court: Angelina “Angel” Colonneso
- Probate Department Phone: (941) 741-4021
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
[!IMPORTANT] 2026 Will Deposit Rule: Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Bradenton within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. The Clerk requires the decedent’s Social Security number or a death certificate to accompany the deposit.
⚖️ 12th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Manatee County follows the administrative orders and judicial requirements of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters in Manatee County are overseen by Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland. Judge Moreland requires all petitions to be accompanied by the appropriate circuit-wide checklists to ensure they are “procedurally ripe” for review.
- Mandatory Checklists: The 12th Circuit utilizes detailed checklists for Opening Formal Administration, Summary Administration, and Petitions for Discharge. These must be e-filed before a judge will sign the corresponding orders.
- Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Orders must include a specific 3-inch margin at the top of the first page or sufficient white space for the Clerk’s digital time-stamp and the judge’s electronic signature.
- Restricted Depositories: In many Formal Administrations, the court may require estate cash assets to be placed in a Restricted Depository (a blocked bank account) unless the Personal Representative is a corporate fiduciary or a bond is posted.
- Virtual Hearings: Routine probate matters are generally handled “in chambers” (without a hearing) or via Zoom. This allows our firm to represent you in Bradenton without requiring you to travel to the courthouse.
💰 2026 Manatee County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 12th Judicial Circuit (not including convenience fees):
| Action Type | Court Filing Fee |
| Formal Administration (Full Probate) | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000) | **$345.00** |
| Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000) | **$235.00** |
| Disposition of Personal Property | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust / Caveat | $41.00 |
| Audit Fee (Inventory > $25,000) | **$85.00** |
❓ Manatee County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Bradenton?
Summary Administration is an expedited process available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt probate assets is less than $75,000. If the decedent owned a home in Lakewood Ranch that qualifies as “protected homestead,” that property’s value is usually excluded from the $75,000 limit.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model?
We believe in financial transparency. At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested Manatee County case. This covers all document preparation, filings with Angel Colonneso’s office, and coordination with Judge Moreland’s staff.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?
No, but you must be a blood relative (or a spouse, sibling, parent, or child) of the decedent to serve if you live outside of Florida. Our firm regularly assists out-of-state family members in managing Manatee County estates remotely.
How do I find a probate case in Manatee County?
Public court records can be searched online through the Manatee Clerk’s Case Search tool. You will generally need the decedent’s name or a case number starting with “CP.”
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm is specifically structured to handle the technical, checklist-driven environment of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
- Checklist Mastery: We ensure every Manatee County mandatory checklist is perfectly executed to avoid judicial delays.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing preserves more of the inheritance for your family.
- Modern Convenience: We leverage 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom to handle 100% of the probate process for you, regardless of your location.