Anna Maria Island Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Manatee 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 on Anna Maria Island – from the beachfront cottages of the City of Anna Maria and the luxury canal homes of Holmes Beach to the historic neighborhoods in Bradenton Beach – requires a firm that understands the high-value coastal real estate of the Suncoast and the specific procedural requirements of the 12th Judicial Circuit. Our commitment to professional excellence is evidenced by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from the families we serve throughout Florida.

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

Unmatched Experience and Insider Judicial Insight

Our firm provides a distinctive advantage for island families navigating the court system in Bradenton. We apply insider judicial insight to ensure your family’s assets are protected and distributed without the administrative delays common in complex jurisdictions.

Elite 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 issue orders efficiently.
National Leadership: In 2024, founding partner Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges at their conference in Jacksonville, reinforcing our firm’s position as a thought leader in Florida probate law.
Federal Litigation Precision: Cary David’s background includes work for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office, ensuring that even the most complex estates are handled with federal-level attention to detail.
Florida Heritage: Both partners are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and proud University of Florida alumni.

The Advantage of 12th Circuit Insight in 2026

If you are probating an estate for an Anna Maria Island resident, your case will be heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. Success in this circuit is predicated on mastering the local rules and digital filing standards established by the bench.

Judicial Assignments: As of 2026, the Manatee County Probate Division is overseen by Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland. We coordinate closely with the Manatee County Probate Coordinator, Elizabeth “Libby” Olson, to ensure all filings meet the court’s specific requirements.
Mandatory Checklist Compliance: No proposed order will be signed in the 12th Circuit without a verified checklist that confirms all statutory requirements have been met. Our firm utilizes the latest 2026 digital standards to ensure your case moves to the judge’s desk on the first submission.
Key Administrative Orders: We strictly comply with Administrative Order 2025-13.4 regarding judicial assignments and Administrative Order 2025-01.1 governing case management to keep your case on a predictable timeline.
Manatee County Clerk & Courthouse: The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, led by Angel Colonneso, is located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. The physical deposit of original Wills must be completed here within 10 days of receiving notice of death, per Florida Statute 732.901.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel to Bradenton Required

Whether you are an out-of-state heir or are currently enjoying the island life, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or visiting our office physically.

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing.
Digital Document Execution: Sign required filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
Electronic Representation: We manage the entire digital interface with the Manatee County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 12th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We eliminate the financial mystery of probate by offering 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 necessary when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle bank accounts, manage litigation, or clear the title on island real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in an Anna Maria Island 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 multi-million dollar island home and still qualify for the faster Summary process if the remaining liquid assets are below $75,000. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 12th Circuit? Judges in Manatee 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, providing an extra layer of security for the heirs.

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 Coastal Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we treat your family’s legacy with the respect it deserves. We handle the technicalities of the Manatee County court system 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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