Lakewood Ranch Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in the 12th Circuit

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 Lakewood Ranch – from the luxury villages of The Lake Club and Country Club East to the vibrant multi-generational communities of Waterside and Esplanade – requires a firm that understands both the high-value real estate landscape of this premier master-planned community and the specific procedural mandates of the 12th Judicial Circuit. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from 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 or Sarasota County Probate Guide, depending on which side of the University Parkway line the property is situated.

Unmatched Experience and Insider Judicial Insight

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide Lakewood Ranch 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.

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 review petitions and exactly what the court requires to issue orders efficiently.
National Thought Leadership: In 2024, Cary David addressed the National College of Probate Judges, reinforcing our firm’s reputation as a standard-setter in Florida estate law.
Federal Precision: Cary David’s background includes work for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich and the Tampa U.S. Attorney’s Office, ensuring every estate is handled with federal-level attention to detail.

The Advantage of 12th Circuit Insight in 2026

Lakewood Ranch spans both Manatee and Sarasota Counties, meaning your case will be heard in either Bradenton or Sarasota. Success in the 12th Circuit is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the bench.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

As of 2026, the 12th Judicial Circuit – overseen by Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland and Probate Judge Charles E. Williams – requires strict adherence to mandatory checklists. No proposed order will be signed without a verified checklist that cross-references every required “predicate document” by its specific e-filing docket number.

Critical Local Administrative Orders

Uniform Ex Parte Process: We strictly follow Administrative Order 2014-5.2 to ensure routine orders are entered without the need for a formal hearing, saving your family time and money.
E-Filing Proposed Orders: Under Administrative Order 2022-1.2, all proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format through the Portal. Failure to follow these technical formatting rules leads to automatic rejection by the Clerk.
Professional Standards: Attorneys in this circuit are expected to adhere to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Standards of Professionalism.

Local Courthouse Information

Manatee County Judicial Center: 1051 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
Sarasota Historic Courthouse: 2000 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34237.
Clerk of Court: The original Will must be deposited with the Manatee Clerk or Sarasota Clerk within 10 days of receiving notice of death, per Florida Statute 732.901.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Whether you are local to Lakewood Ranch 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.
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 12th Circuit judges and clerks 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 Lakewood Ranch 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 manage bank accounts, handle litigation, or clear the title on Lakewood Ranch real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Lakewood Ranch 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 Lakewood Ranch 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 and Sarasota Counties 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 as the Personal Representative. We make this process seamless through our remote administration platform.

Secure Your Family’s Suncoast 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 Lakewood Ranch. 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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