Martin County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Navigating probate in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, or Jupiter Island requires familiarity with the 19th Judicial Circuit. Martin County’s probate division is distinct for its rigorous adherence to “Circuit-Wide Mandatory Checklists” and a digital-first submission process. In 2026, the court utilizes a streamlined electronic review system that prioritizes cases where all supporting documentation—including the original Will and death certificate—is fully docketed before orders are proposed.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Stuart court system. For a comprehensive overview of the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in 19th Circuit cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to give your family total financial certainty.

🏛️ Martin County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate filings and official records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the constitutional courthouse in downtown Stuart.

• Courthouse Name: Martin County Courthouse
• Address: 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
• Clerk of Court: Carolyn Timmann
• Probate Department Phone: (772) 288-5576
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

2026 Will Deposit Rule: Under Florida law, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Stuart within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Martin County requires the decedent’s Social Security number or a death certificate to accompany the deposit for proper indexing.

⚖️ 19th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Martin County probate cases are governed by the procedural requirements of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters in Martin County are primarily assigned to Judge Sherwood Bauer, Jr.. Judge Bauer requires strict compliance with the court’s administrative orders and digital filing protocols.
• Mandatory Checklists: The 19th Circuit requires attorneys to file Opening and Closing Checklists for all estates. These checklists certify that all legal requirements—such as notice to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the filing of an Affidavit of Heirs—have been met.
• Proposed Orders: In 2026, all proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The court utilizes a digital signature system, so orders must include the standardized “Done and Ordered” block with sufficient space for the judge’s electronic signature.
• Notice of Trust: If the decedent had a Revocable Trust, a Notice of Trust must be filed with the Clerk. This informs potential creditors that assets may be available within the trust to satisfy claims.
• Virtual Hearings: Most uncontested probate matters are handled “in chambers” or via Zoom. This allows our firm to manage your case in Stuart efficiently without requiring you to travel to the courthouse.

💰 2026 Martin County Probate Filing Fees

Current court costs for the 19th Judicial Circuit (statutory rates):

❓ Martin County Probate FAQ

When is Summary Administration available in Stuart?

Summary Administration is an expedited track available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt assets (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) is less than $75,000. Because the primary home (protected homestead) is usually exempt from this limit, many estates in Martin County qualify for this faster process.

What is the “Flat-Fee” model?

At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly billing. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested Martin County case. This covers all filings with Carolyn Timmann’s office and the navigation of the 19th Circuit’s mandatory checklist requirements.

Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?

If you are not a Florida resident, you can only serve as a Personal Representative if you are a close relative (spouse, child, sibling, or parent) of the decedent. Our firm handles the remote qualification process for out-of-state family members regularly.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

Our firm is specifically structured to handle the technical, checklist-driven environment of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

• 19th Circuit Expertise: We are experts in Judge Bauer’s specific requirements and the circuit’s mandatory digital workflows.
• Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures the inheritance remains with your family rather than being consumed by billable hours.
• Modern Efficiency: We leverage 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom technology to manage the entire process for you remotely.