Winter Park 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. For founding partner Cary David, Winter Park is more than just a jurisdiction; it is a place of deep personal history. Attorney David grew up visiting his grandmother at her home on Oxford Drive, spending his childhood exploring the brick-lined streets near Park Avenue and the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. This local connection drives our firm’s commitment to providing the residents of “The City of Culture and Heritage” with elite legal representation that honors their family’s legacy.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from families across Florida. For a comprehensive look at the legal process, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Orange County Probate Guide.

All-Inclusive Flat Fees: Significant Savings for Winter Park Estates

In Winter Park, where estate values often reach into the multi-millions, the traditional percentage-based fee model 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 $2,500,000 Winter Park home, a traditional firm might charge $75,000 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 include all court filing costs, legal publications, and certified mailings within the United States. Our flat fees provide massive savings for high-value estates, ensuring your family’s wealth stays with the heirs, not the law firm.

Unmatched Litigation Experience and Judicial Insight

Navigating the 9th Judicial Circuit requires a firm that understands both the letter of the law and the specific expectations of the Orange County bench.

• Elite Judicial Training: Founding partner R. Nadine David served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney, providing her with a behind-the-bench perspective on how judges review petitions. This ensures our filings are “judge-ready” to pass through the 9th Circuit’s administrative review on the first submission.
• Litigation-Honed Precision: Founding partner Cary David brings a high-stakes litigation background, famously representing eighteen family members in the multi-million dollar Bo Diddley trust litigation. We use this experience to “litigation-proof” uncontested cases, identifying potential “red flags” before they turn into costly delays.
• 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.
• Stetson Honors Alumni: Both partners are honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law and proud University of Florida alumni.

Navigating the 9th Circuit in 2026

Winter Park probate cases are adjudicated at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Success in 2026 is driven by strict adherence to local administrative mandates:

Mandatory “Notice Regarding Original Will”

Per Administrative Order 2021-24, every estate case in the 9th Circuit must include a specific “Notice Regarding Original Will.” Failure to file this document with the opening of an estate results in an automatic rejection by the Orange County Clerk.

Judicial Assignments for 2026

Under Administrative Order 2025-13, the Orange County Probate Division (Division 5) is led by a bench of highly experienced judges:

• Judge Mark S. Blechman (Subdivision 01-5)
• Judge Heather L. Higbee (Subdivision 02-5; Associate Administrative Judge for Probate)
• Judge Alicia L. Latimore (Subdivision 09-5)

Local Filing Procedures

The Orange County Clerk of the Circuit Court, led by Tiffany Moore Russell, manages all probate records. Original Wills must be physically deposited at the courthouse (425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 335, Orlando, FL 32801) within 10 days of receiving notice of death, as required by Florida Statute 732.901.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Whether you are local to Winter Park or an out-of-state heir, 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.
2. Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature, compliant with 2026 digital standards.
3. Physical Logistics: We manage the physical deposit of the original Will at the downtown Orlando courthouse so you never have to deal with traffic or security.
4. Virtual Appearances: We handle all appearances before 9th Circuit judges on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Orange County? Judges in the 9th Circuit frequently require estate cash to be held in a Restricted Depository per Florida Statute 69.031. This account “freezes” the funds, requiring a specific court order for any withdrawal, which provides an extra layer of security for the family.

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Winter Park 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 Winter Park and still qualify for the faster Summary process if the remaining liquid assets are below $75,000. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

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 Winter Park 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.