Ocala Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Marion County

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis. Our Ocala Office is dedicated to serving families throughout “The Horse Capital of the World,” providing expert guidance for estates involving everything from small residential properties to expansive equine operations. Our commitment to transparent, high-quality representation is evidenced by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from the families we have served.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Marion County Probate Guide. These resources are designed to help you understand your rights and the timeline for your inheritance.

Unmatched Litigation Experience: Protecting Your Inheritance

What sets Florida Probate Law Group apart is our deep background in contested probate and trust litigation. Founding partner Charles “Cary” David has successfully navigated some of the most complex and high-profile probate disputes in the state, including the representation of eighteen family members of the legendary rock-and-roll pioneer Bo Diddley. In that multi-million dollar trust litigation case, our firm fought to remove trustees and managers to restore the icon’s legacy to his rightful heirs.

Beyond high-profile celebrity cases, Cary David has managed numerous multi-million dollar probate disputes right here in Marion County. This extensive litigation experience provides a unique advantage for our clients in uncontested cases:

Identifying “Red Flags” Early: Because we have seen how estates fall apart into litigation, we can identify potential pitfalls in the first week of an uncontested case. We know exactly where aggressive creditors or disgruntled relatives look for openings.
Litigation-Proofing the Estate: We draft petitions and proposed orders with a “litigation lens,” ensuring that the court records are so precise and legally sound that they discourage challenges before they even start.
Insider Judicial Perspective: Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s experience as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, our firm understands both how the judges think and how opposing counsel strategizes.

By choosing a firm with a history of winning multi-million dollar battles, you are ensuring that your simple uncontested estate is handled with the highest level of efficiency and professional scrutiny.

The Advantage of 5th Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026

In Marion County, probate success is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the bench in Ocala. As of 2026, the Marion County Probate Division – overseen by Judge Robert W. Hodges (Administrative Judge), Judge Lisa Herndon, and Judge Steven G. Rogers – operates under strict administrative protocols.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

Under Administrative Order L-2022-24-A, no probate order will be signed in Ocala without a verified, portal-stamped copy of the mandatory checklist. We utilize the 2026 versions of these checklists to ensure your case moves to the judge’s desk for signature on the first submission.

Local Courthouse & Clerk Information

The Marion County Judicial Center serves as the hub for all probate proceedings.

Courthouse Address: 110 NW 1st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475
Clerk of Court: The physical deposit of original Wills must be made with the Marion 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 for 2026

Affidavit of Heirs: Per Administrative Order L-2023-27, a detailed affidavit is required to protect the integrity of the family tree and ensure no beneficiaries are omitted.
Notice Regarding Original Will: Per Administrative Order L-2023-28, a specific notice must accompany the physical deposit of the original Will to ensure it is properly linked to the digital case file.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

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

Virtual Consultations: Meet with our team via secure video conferencing.
Digital 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 Marion County 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 estates where non-exempt assets are under $75,000 or the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.

Formal Administration

The standard process for larger or more complex estates, governed by Florida Probate Rule 5.200. This is required when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to manage bank accounts, handle litigation, or clear the title on Ocala real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Marion County 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 horse farm 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 5th Circuit? Judicial officers in the 5th Circuit 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 Ocala Legacy

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