The Villages Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Marion County

Flat fees, efficiency, and customer service – FPLG is the probate firm for The Villages in Marion County.

Florida Probate Law Group has successfully resolved thousands of probate cases since 2014. Navigating an estate in the Marion County portion of The Villages – including neighborhoods near Mulberry Grove, Belle Aire, and the Glenview Champions Country Club – requires a legal team that understands the distinct procedural landscape of the 5th Judicial Circuit. Our commitment to providing elite, transparent representation is backed by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from families who have trusted us to protect their inheritance.

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 the timeline, costs, and requirements for settling a Florida estate from anywhere in the world.

Strategic Litigation Experience: Protecting Villages Heirs

Why is litigation experience valuable in handling an uncontested probate case? Because knowing how a case can go sideways helps us keep it right side up. What separates Florida Probate Law Group is our extensive history in high-stakes probate and trust litigation. Founding partner Charles “Cary” David has spent over a decade litigating complex disputes, most notably representing eighteen family members of the rock-and-roll icon Bo Diddley. In that multi-million dollar trust case, our firm successfully fought to remove fiduciaries and restore the family’s legacy.

Cary David has also managed numerous multi-million dollar probate disputes in Marion County, involving complex equine estates and high-value residential assets. This litigation background provides a significant advantage even in uncontested cases for residents of The Villages:

• Anticipating Conflict: We have seen exactly how “simple” estates turn into multi-year legal battles. We use this knowledge to draft petitions that are litigation-proof, closing doors to potential challenges before they can open.
• Creditor Defense: Many estates in The Villages face aggressive claims from medical providers or credit card companies. Our litigation experience allows us to navigate these claims from a position of strength, often settling for a fraction of the original amount.
• Precision in Planning: By understanding the pitfalls of trust administration and probate litigation, we ensure your family’s summary or formal administration is handled with the same level of scrutiny applied to the state’s largest contested cases.
• A “Judge-Ready” Standard: Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s background as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, we know the benchmarks for success in the Marion County court system.

Local Presence: Our Ocala Office

While we represent clients across the entire state, our Ocala Office is perfectly situated to serve residents in the northern portion of The Villages. We believe in providing local expertise with a statewide reach, ensuring that our clients in communities like Summerfield and The Villages have access to top-tier probate counsel without having to travel outside their region.

The Advantage of 5th Circuit Insight in 2026

If you are probating an estate for a resident of the Marion County side of The Villages, your case will be adjudicated at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala. Success here is determined by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules established by the 5th Judicial Circuit bench.

Mandatory Checklist Compliance

Under Administrative Order L-2022-24-A, the Marion County judges – including Judge Robert W. Hodges, Judge Lisa Herndon, and Judge Steven G. Rogers – will not sign an order unless it is accompanied by a verified checklist. We utilize the 2026 digital standards to ensure your Summary Administration or Formal Administration filing is correct on the first submission.

Local Courthouse & Clerk Procedures

The Marion County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is responsible for processing all probate filings.

• Courthouse Address: [invalid URL removed].
• The 10-Day Rule: The court maintains a strict 10-day review period for proposed orders. If the file is not 100% complete after this window, the petition is rejected, and documents may be discarded. Our team ensures your case is “judge-ready” to pass this review without delay.
• Notice Regarding Original Will: Per Administrative Order L-2023-28, a specific notice must be filed when depositing the original Will at the courthouse.

Required Heirs Documentation

In 2026, the 5th Circuit requires an Affidavit of Heirs per Administrative Order L-2023-27. This document protects the family by verifying the legal heirs and ensuring no one is excluded from their rightful inheritance.

100% Remote Probate: No Court Appearances Required

We understand that many heirs of Villages residents live in other states or are unable to travel to Ocala for court proceedings. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model that allows you to fulfill your duties as an executor or beneficiary without ever leaving your home.

1. Virtual Consultations: Meet with our attorneys via secure video link.
2. Digital Execution: Sign required filings securely via electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
3. Electronic Representation: We manage all physical filings with the Marion County Clerk and handle all virtual appearances before 5th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Affordable Flat Fees: Summary vs. Formal Administration

We eliminate financial uncertainty by offering affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters. We classify estates into two main paths:

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 comprehensive process 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 property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “non-exempt” asset in a Villages estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead property (regardless of its value), household furnishings, and up to two motor vehicles. “Non-exempt” assets usually include bank accounts held only in the decedent’s name, brokerage accounts, and non-homestead real estate. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

Where do I file the original Will for a resident of The Villages in Marion County? Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be deposited with the Marion County Clerk of Courts within 10 days of receiving notice of death. The courthouse is located at 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in the 5th Circuit? Judges in Marion 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.

Secure Your Family’s Marion County Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we treat your family’s legacy with the respect it deserves. We handle the technicalities of the court system so you can focus on your family.