St. Lucie County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in St. Lucie County—serving Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and Hutchinson Island—is governed by the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit is known as one of the most technologically advanced and procedurally rigorous in Florida. In 2026, the court operates a strictly “paperless” probate division, requiring all proposed orders and mandatory checklists to be submitted through a specific electronic workflow before they ever reach the judge’s desk.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we navigate the St. Lucie court system with a rare advantage. Our founding partner, R. Nadine David, is a former Probate Court Staff Attorney who spent years inside the Florida judiciary reviewing thousands of probate files and advising judges on their legal sufficiency. This “behind-the-bench” insight, combined with our experience handling thousands of cases across all 67 Florida counties, allows us to anticipate the court’s requirements and avoid the common technical errors that cause cases to stall for months.

🏛️ St. Lucie County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate filings and original records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Fort Pierce.

• Courthouse Name: St. Lucie County Courthouse
• Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
• Clerk of Court: Michelle R. Miller
• Probate Department Phone: (772) 462-6900
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

2026 Will Deposit Rule: The original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the St. Lucie Clerk within 10 days of receiving notice of death. The 19th Circuit requires the original Will to be physically in the Clerk’s possession before the court will process any petition to admit the Will or appoint a Personal Representative.

⚖️ 19th Judicial Circuit (St. Lucie) Probate Procedures

St. Lucie County utilizes a highly structured system of mandatory checklists and digital submissions.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters in St. Lucie County are overseen by Judge Steven J. Levin (Division 11). Judge Levin is known for his “Paperless Office” policy and requires all attorneys to strictly follow the 19th Circuit’s Probate Guidelines and Procedures.
• Mandatory Checklists: Per 2026 administrative orders, we must file signed checklists for:
  • Opening a Formal Estate
  • Summary Administration
  • Closing a Formal Estate (Discharge)
• The “Insider” Edge: Because R. Nadine David previously worked as the person reviewing these types of checklists for the judiciary, our firm prepares every filing to meet the specific “audit points” the court looks for. We ensure every petition includes the necessary “Affidavit of Heirs” and diligent search for creditors as required by Judge Levin’s 2026 standards.
• Proposed Orders: All orders must be submitted via email to ProbateSLC@circuit19.org in Microsoft Word format. They must include a full service list with physical or email addresses; the court will not execute orders that simply say “cc: all parties.”
• Virtual Appearances: Judge Levin conducts most Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) and non-evidentiary hearings via Zoom. Our firm handles the digital coordination, allowing you to settle the estate from Port St. Lucie or out of state without a trip to the courthouse.

💰 2026 St. Lucie County Probate Filing Fees

Statutory filing fees for the 19th Judicial Circuit:

❓ St. Lucie County Probate FAQ

Why does the “Staff Attorney” experience matter in Port St. Lucie?

In the 19th Circuit, the Court’s staff attorneys and case managers act as the “gatekeepers” for the judges. R. Nadine David’s background in this role means she knows exactly how to format a petition to get past that initial audit quickly. We’ve used this internal knowledge to help thousands of families avoid procedural delays.

Is a “Summary Administration” viable for a home in St. Lucie West?

Yes. If the home is the decedent’s “protected homestead,” its value is generally excluded from the $75,000 limit for Summary Administration. Many families in St. Lucie County can use this expedited track even if the home’s market value is high, provided other assets are below the threshold.

What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Fort Pierce?

We reject the traditional billable-hour model. Because we have handled thousands of cases statewide and understand the court’s internal processes, we work efficiently. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate cases, giving your family total financial certainty.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

St. Lucie County demands an attorney who is both technically proficient and locally authoritative.

• Judicial Insider Insight: Founded by a former Probate Court Staff Attorney who understands the court’s “checklist” culture from the inside.
• Proven Statewide Authority: Thousands of successful probate cases managed across all 67 Florida counties.
• Efficiency and Speed: We leverage the 19th Circuit’s digital systems to move your case from filing to final order as fast as possible.
• Financial Certainty: Our all-inclusive flat fees mean no surprises for the heirs.