Windermere Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in Orange County

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat-fee basis.

Our commitment to excellence and transparent service is reflected in hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from the families we have served across the state. To learn more about the legal roadmap of estate administration, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Orange County Probate Guide.

Unmatched Litigation Experience: Protecting Windermere’s High-Value Estates

Windermere is known for its luxury real estate—from the exclusive golf course estates of Isleworth and Keene’s Pointe to the majestic lakefront properties along Chase Road. Administering such high-value assets requires more than just administrative knowledge; it requires a firm with a background in high-stakes litigation to ensure the estate is “litigation-proof” from day one.

Founding partner Charles “Cary” David brings a unique level of litigation expertise to our firm. Most notably, he represented eighteen family members of the legendary Bo Diddley in a successful multi-million dollar trust litigation case, restoring the rock-and-roll icon’s legacy to his rightful heirs. Cary has also successfully managed numerous multi-million dollar probate disputes across Florida, including significant cases right here in Orange County.

This litigation experience allows our firm to:

• Identify “Red Flags” Early: We know where disgruntled heirs or aggressive creditors often find openings to challenge an estate. We draft our uncontested petitions with such precision that we effectively close those doors before a dispute can ever start.
• Negotiate Creditor Claims: Luxury estates often attract sophisticated creditors. Our litigation background allows us to negotiate these claims from a position of strength, often settling for a fraction of the original amount.
• Ensure Asset Protection: We understand the nuances of the Florida Homestead laws and how they apply to multi-million dollar lakefront properties, ensuring that the primary family residence is shielded from creditors to the fullest extent of the law.

Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s experience as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, we offer an unparalleled perspective that blends “behind-the-bench” procedural knowledge with front-line litigation toughness.

All-Inclusive Flat Fees: Certainty for Windermere Families

In a community like Windermere, where estate values frequently reach into the multi-millions, traditional percentage-based legal fees can be predatory. Under Florida Statute 733.6171, lawyers are permitted to charge a “presumed reasonable” fee based on 3% of the estate’s value. For a $3,000,000 Windermere home, a traditional firm might charge $90,000 for a routine probate.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we reject this model. As of 2026, our flat-fee prices for uncontested probate cases are:

• Summary Estate Administration: $3,500
• Formal Estate Administration: $6,655

These fees are truly all-inclusive. They cover all court filing costs, legal publication fees, and certified mailings within the United States. Our flat fees represent tens of thousands of dollars in savings for high-value estates, ensuring your family’s wealth stays with the heirs, not the law firm.

The Advantage of 9th Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026

If you are probating an estate for a Windermere resident, your case will be heard at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Success in the 9th Judicial Circuit is predicated on mastering the local-local rules and digital filing standards established by the bench.

Judicial Assignments for 2026

Per Administrative Order 2025-14, the Orange County Probate Division (Division 5) is led by:

• Judge Mark S. Blechman (Subdivision 01-5)
• Judge Heather L. Higbee (Subdivision 02-5; Associate Administrative Judge for Probate)

Mandatory Filing Protocols

As of 2026, the 9th Circuit maintains strict procedural requirements to manage its high case volume:

• Notice Regarding Original Will: Per Administrative Order 2021-24, all litigants must file a specific “Notice Regarding Original Will” with the opening of any estate. Failure to include this notice results in an automatic rejection by the Clerk.
• The 10-Day Rule: Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be physically delivered to the Orange County Clerk of Courts (425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 335, Orlando, FL 32801) within 10 days of receiving notice of death. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

100% Remote Probate: Serving Windermere from Anywhere

Whether you are currently in Windermere or are an heir living out of state, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.

1. Virtual Consultations: Connect with our team via secure video conferencing from anywhere in the world.
2. Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
3. Physical Document Management: We handle the physical deposit of documents at the courthouse so you never have to battle downtown Orlando traffic or security.
4. Virtual Appearances: We handle all appearances before the 9th Circuit bench on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Windermere 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 Windermere 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 9th Circuit? Judges in Orange 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 withdrawal, 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, sibling, etc.) are legally qualified to serve as the Personal Representative.

Secure Your Family’s Windermere Legacy

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

Bo Diddley trust litigation details This video provides background on the rock and roll legend Bo Diddley, whose estate legacy was successfully restored by Florida Probate Law Group through high-stakes trust litigation.