Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
West Palm Beach Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in the 15th Circuit
Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat-fee basis. Navigating an estate in West Palm Beach – from the historic Mediterranean-style homes of El Cid and Flamingo Park to the luxury waterfront estates of Ibis and the modern residences of Downtown West Palm – requires a firm that understands the technical precision and high-volume demands of the 15th Judicial Circuit. Our commitment to professional excellence is evidenced by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from families we have served across Florida.
For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Palm Beach County Probate Guide.
2026 Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing: All-Inclusive Savings
In a sophisticated market like West Palm Beach, where estate values frequently reach into the multi-millions, traditional percentage-based legal fees can be predatory. Under Florida Statute 733.6171, attorneys are often permitted to charge a “presumed reasonable” fee based on a percentage of the estate’s value—often 3%. For a $2,000,000 West Palm Beach estate, a percentage-based firm might charge $60,000 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-fee model provides massive savings for high-value estates, ensuring that the wealth built in Palm Beach County stays with the heirs, not the law firm.
Unmatched Litigation Experience: “Litigation-Proofing” Your Estate
The key to a smooth uncontested probate in the 15th Circuit is having a lawyer who understands exactly how contested probates work. Founding partner Charles “Cary” David has extensive experience in high-stakes litigation, notably representing eighteen family members in the multi-million dollar Bo Diddley trust litigation to restore the icon’s legacy. Cary has also managed numerous multi-million dollar probate disputes across Florida involving residential and commercial interests.
This litigation background provides a significant advantage for our uncontested probate clients in West Palm Beach:
- Identifying “Red Flags” Early: Because we have seen how estates fall apart into litigation, we can identify potential pitfalls in the first week. We draft petitions so precisely that they discourage challenges from disgruntled relatives or aggressive creditors before they ever start.
- Avoiding Administrative Pitfalls: Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s experience as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, we know exactly what the judges look for in a perfect filing. We move cases quickly because our filings are “judge-ready” and beyond reproach.
The Advantage of 15th Circuit Judicial Insight in 2026
If you are probating an estate for a West Palm Beach resident, your case will be adjudicated at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach. Success in the 15th Judicial Circuit is driven by a firm’s mastery of the local-local rules and advanced digital systems.
Mandatory OLS and Checklist Compliance
As of 2026, the 15th Circuit utilizes the Online Scheduling (OLS) system for all probate matters. Per Administrative Order 6.202, all petitions for Summary and Formal Administration must be accompanied by a completed, verified checklist. No proposed order will be advanced to the judge’s desk until these checklists are verified against the digital docket.
15th Circuit Probate Judges for 2026
Under Administrative Order 11.101, probate matters are overseen by a specialized bench in Divisions IA and IZ:
- Judge Sarah Willis (Division IA)
- Judge Charles E. Burton (Division IZ)
- Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer (Probate & Guardianship)
Local Filing and The “Four-Line” Rule
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, led by Joseph Abruzzo, manages all probate records.
- Main Courthouse: 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Original Wills: Per Florida Statute 732.901, original Wills must be physically deposited within 10 days of notification of death.
- Technical Formatting: To ensure judicial integrity, the 15th Circuit strictly enforces the “Four-Line” Rule: Every proposed order must contain at least four lines of the petition’s text on the same page as the judge’s signature to prevent “blank page” signings.
100% Remote Probate: Serving West Palm Beach from Anywhere
Whether you are an out-of-state heir or are currently in Palm Beach County, probate administration can be completed remotely without ever coming to court or to our office physically.
- Virtual Consultations: Connect with our team via secure video conferencing from anywhere in the world.
- Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
- Physical Document Management: We manage the physical deposit of the original Will at the downtown West Palm Beach courthouse so you never have to battle traffic or security.
- Virtual Appearances: We handle all appearances before the 15th Circuit bench on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do I deposit the original Will in West Palm Beach?
Under Florida law, the custodian of an original Will must deposit it with the Clerk of the Court within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. In Palm Beach County, this can be done at the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach, a satellite courthouse, or via mail to the Clerk’s probate division. If the Will is not “self-proving,” the 15th Circuit requires a formal Oath of Witness, which our team coordinates remotely to avoid unnecessary travel for your witnesses.
What are “Exempt” assets in a Palm Beach probate?
When determining if an estate qualifies for Summary vs. Formal Administration, we look at non-exempt assets. In Florida, “exempt” assets typically include the primary homestead and up to $20,000 in household furniture.
“Non-exempt” assets—which are subject to creditor claims—include:
1. Bank accounts held solely in the decedent’s name.
2. Brokerage accounts without a “Transfer on Death” (TOD) designation.
3. Real estate that was not the decedent’s primary residence (e.g., a vacation condo in Boca Raton).
4. Refunds, uncollected wages, or physical jewelry.
5. Lawsuit damages and settlement proceeds payable to the estate.
When can a person complete probate without an attorney in Florida?
In a formal estate administration with multiple beneficiaries it is legal requirement for the personal representative to be represented by an attorney – Fla. Prob. R. 5.030(a). In a summary administration, parties may file without an attorney but typically require professional assistance to secure court orders transferring assets.
Secure Your Family’s West Palm Beach Legacy
At Florida Probate Law Group, we treat your family’s legacy with the respect it deserves. We handle the technicalities of the Palm Beach County court system so you can focus on your family. Click here to learn more about our flat fees.