Bradenton 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. Navigating the legal transition of an estate in Bradenton – from the historic riverfront properties near Manatee Avenue and the charming neighborhoods of Village of the Arts to the luxury golf communities of Lakewood Ranch and the coastal retreats on Palma Sola Bay – requires a firm that understands the unique property landscape of the Suncoast and the rigorous procedural mandates of the 12th Judicial Circuit. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from the families we have served across Florida.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Manatee County Probate Guide. These resources provide a roadmap for beneficiaries and executors facing the complexities of Florida law.

Unmatched Experience and Insider Judicial Insight

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Bradenton families with extensive experience, having successfully resolved thousands of probate cases since 2014. 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 leverage elite professional qualifications to provide transparent, efficient legal services.

Elite Judicial Training: Founding partner R. Nadine David served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, providing her with 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, minimizing the risk of administrative delays.
Federal Precision: Founding partner Cary David brings a high-stakes litigation background, having worked for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich (the former Chief Judge of the Middle District of Florida) and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office. This training ensures every estate – from simple summary administrations to complex multi-million dollar filings – is handled with surgical precision.
National Thought Leadership: In 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges, underscoring our firm’s reputation as a standard-setter in Florida estate law.

The Advantage of 12th Circuit Insight in 2026

In Manatee County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the bench in Bradenton. As of 2026, the Manatee County Probate Division—overseen by Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland and Administrative Judge Frederick P. Mercurio—operates under strict administrative protocols that prioritize efficiency and technical accuracy.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

The 12th Judicial Circuit utilizes specific digital filing standards and mandatory checklists. Under current administrative guidelines, no proposed order will be signed without a verified checklist that confirms all statutory requirements—from the Affidavit of Heirs to the Proof of Service of Formal Notice—have been met. Our firm’s streamlined workflow ensures every filing is compliant with the 12th Circuit’s 2026 digital standards from day one.

Local Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate proceedings for Bradenton residents take place at the Manatee County Judicial Center.

Courthouse Address: 1051 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
Clerk of Court: The physical deposit of original Wills must be made with the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller within 10 days of receiving notice of death, as required by Florida Statute 732.901.

Key Administrative Orders

Active Case Management: We strictly comply with Administrative Order 2024-23.3 regarding division assignments and Administrative Order 2024-20.4 governing judicial assignments to ensure your case stays on a predictable timeline.

100% Remote Probate: No Physical Presence Required

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

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing from the comfort of your home.
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 Manatee County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 12th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We believe that probate should not be a financial mystery. Unlike many firms that charge a percentage of the estate’s total value, we offer affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

Summary Administration

An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for Bradenton 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 required when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to handle bank accounts, manage litigation, or clear the title on Manatee County real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Bradenton 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 valuable home in Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton Beach 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.

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 Bradenton 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 Bradenton. 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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