Osceola County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in Osceola County—serving Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, and Poinciana—is governed by the 9th Judicial Circuit. While Osceola shares a circuit with Orange County, it maintains its own distinct local culture at the courthouse in Kissimmee. In 2026, Osceola has streamlined its probate division with a focus on electronic coordination through the JACS (Judicial Automated Calendaring System) and the use of the Odyssey case management system to track filings with surgical precision.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with the hyper-local authority needed to navigate the Kissimmee court system. We understand that Osceola’s rapid growth has led to a busy docket, making technical accuracy vital to avoid long wait times. For a complete breakdown of the legal standards we apply, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Osceola County cases, ensuring your inheritance isn’t eroded by unpredictable hourly bills.

🏛️ Osceola County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate filings and official records are managed by the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller.

• Courthouse Name: Osceola County Courthouse
• Address: 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741
• Clerk of Court: Kelvin Soto, Esq.
• Probate Department Phone: (407) 742-3500
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

2026 Will Deposit Rule: Florida law requires the original Last Will and Testament to be deposited with the Clerk in Kissimmee within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. Under Clerk Kelvin Soto’s 2026 fee schedule, there is a $6.00 fee for the preparation of an official receipt upon filing Wills for safekeeping.

⚖️ 9th Judicial Circuit (Osceola) Probate Procedures

Osceola County probate matters follow the 9th Circuit’s specific administrative orders, with local oversight at the Kissimmee branch.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters in Osceola are primarily assigned to Circuit Judge Christine E. Arendas (Division 20-B). Judge Arendas is known for requiring strict adherence to the “Checklist for Opening” which must be filed before Letters of Administration are issued.
• Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to division20b@ocnjcc.org. Per local guidelines, orders must include the full mailing addresses of all parties to be served; generic “cc: all counsel” blocks will result in the order being returned unsigned.
• Ex-Parte Procedures: Judge Arendas holds “Ex-Parte” motions (uncontested, short matters) from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in Hearing Room 6A. These are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and are not scheduled with the Judicial Assistant.
• Virtual Appearances: While the Kissimmee courthouse is open, most routine probate hearings are held via Webex. Our firm coordinates these digital logistics so you can participate from home in St. Cloud or even from out of state.

💰 2026 Osceola County Probate Filing Fees

Statutory filing fees for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Osceola:

❓ Osceola County Probate FAQ

Can I use “Summary Administration” for a home in Celebration?

Yes, if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the value of the probate assets (excluding the home) is under $75,000. Because many homes in Osceola County qualify as “protected homestead,” they are often excluded from the $75,000 calculation, making this faster process a common choice for local families.

How do I schedule a hearing in Kissimmee?

Osceola uses the JACS system for coordinating hearing dates. Before we can set a hearing, the motion must be e-filed, and we must clear the time with all interested parties. Judge Arendas’s staff is very efficient but expects attorneys to have their “predicate documents” (the Will and Death Certificate) already on the docket.

What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Osceola?

In a growing county like Osceola, judicial dockets can get backed up. Hourly billing can be risky for families during these periods. We provide one all-inclusive flat fee that covers all document prep, filings with Kelvin Soto’s office, and communication with the court.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

We provide the specialized attention required by the 9th Judicial Circuit’s Osceola division.

• Osceola-Specific Expertise: We are deeply familiar with Judge Arendas’s 2026 courtroom guidelines and the JACS scheduling system.
• Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing preserves the inheritance for your family.
• Modern Convenience: We handle 100% of the Osceola probate process remotely via digital filing and virtual hearings.