Union County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in Union County – serving Lake Butler, Raiford, and Worthington Springs – is governed by the 8th Judicial Circuit. As Florida’s smallest county by land area, Union County offers a more personal, accessible judicial environment. However, since it is part of the 8th Circuit (headquartered in Gainesville), it adheres to the same sophisticated procedural standards as its larger neighbors. In 2026, the court utilizes a rigorous case management system where “predicates”—like the original Will and certified death certificates—must be perfectly aligned before a judge will review a petition.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we combine high-volume experience with the rare “behind-the-bench” insight of our founding partner, R. Nadine David. Having served as a Probate Court Staff Attorney for the the 8th Circuit, Nadine has personally audited thousands of probate cases, advising judges on which filings meet the legal threshold for approval. This internal perspective, paired with our history of handling thousands of cases across all Florida Circuit Courts, allows us to navigate the Lake Butler courthouse with authoritative speed.

🏛️ Union County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate records and the deposit of original Wills are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in downtown Lake Butler.

• Courthouse Name: Union County Courthouse
• Address: 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054
• Clerk of Court: Kellie Hendricks Rhoades, CPA
• Probate Department Phone: (386) 496-3711
• 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 Kellie Hendricks Rhoades’ office within 10 days of receiving notice of death. Per Florida Statute 732.901, you must provide the decedent’s date of death or the last four digits of their Social Security number at the time of deposit.

⚖️ 8th Judicial Circuit (Union) Probate Procedures

Union County’s probate docket is managed with a focus on “Checklist Compliance.”

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters in Union County are primarily overseen by Judge Mitchell D. Bishop (County Judge acting as Circuit Judge) and Judge Sean Brewer. Judge Bishop is known for his deep ties to the local community and his expectation that all petitions include a verified Affidavit of Heirs.
• The “Staff Attorney” Edge: In the 8th Circuit, judicial assistants and case managers are the first line of review. Because R. Nadine David was that “first line” for the judiciary, we draft our filings to satisfy the exact internal audit points that staff look for. This helps our clients avoid “Deficiency Memorandums” that often stall cases for weeks in smaller counties.
• Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Microsoft Word format. Per 2026 administrative orders, orders must include the Docket Item Number (DIN) of the corresponding petition to ensure the Clerk routes them correctly to Judge Bishop’s digital queue.
• Virtual Hearings: While the Lake Butler courthouse is a landmark of Union County, the 8th Circuit conducts most routine probate matters via Zoom. Our firm coordinates these virtual appearances, allowing you to settle the estate without traveling to Main Street.

💰 2026 Union County Probate Filing Fees

Statutory filing fees for the 8th Judicial Circuit:

[!NOTE]

The Florida Legislature is currently debating HB 759 (2026), which may adjust these fees. Our flat-fee model is designed to absorb administrative complexity so you have one transparent price regardless of minor fee shifts.

❓ Union County Probate FAQ

How does your statewide experience help in a small county?

Small counties often have specific “unwritten” preferences. Having handled thousands of cases across Florida, we know how to balance the 8th Circuit’s formal rules with the local culture of the Union County Clerk’s office. We ensure your case is handled with the professionalism of a big-city firm and the personal touch a small town expects.

Is “Summary Administration” right for family land in Raiford?

If the decedent has been deceased for more than two years, or if the non-exempt assets are under $75,000, Summary Administration is often the best choice. In Union County, many family properties are “protected homestead,” meaning their value doesn’t count toward the $75,000 limit, allowing for a much faster transfer of title.

What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Lake Butler?

We don’t believe in billing by the hour for uncontested probate. Because our internal court insight makes us highly efficient, we offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing. You pay one set price for the entire process—from the initial filing with the Clerk to the final order of distribution.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

The Union County court system rewards attorneys who are prepared, technically precise, and locally respectful.

• Judicial Insider Insight: Founded by a former Probate Court Staff Attorney who knows exactly how judges review files.
• Statewide Authority: Thousands of successful cases managed across all 67 Florida counties.
• Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures the inheritance stays with your family.