Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Nassau County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Probate in Nassau County—serving Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, and Amelia Island—is governed by the 4th Judicial Circuit. Nassau County maintains a unique judicial structure where probate matters are often handled by senior judges or specific circuit judges in a “Unified Court” model. In 2026, the court has transitioned to a digital-first approach for all non-evidentiary hearings, requiring strict adherence to the 4th Circuit’s “e-Portal” protocols for proposed orders.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we navigate the Nassau County court system with a rare advantage. Our founding partner, R. Nadine David, is a former Probate Court Staff Attorney for the Florida judiciary. In that role, she personally reviewed and managed thousands of probate files, advising judges on the legal sufficiency of every petition and order. This “behind-the-bench” insight, combined with our experience handling thousands of cases across all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits, allows us to move files through the Yulee courthouse with authoritative speed.
🏛️ Nassau County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and the deposit of original Wills are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center in Yulee.
- Courthouse Name: Robert M. Foster Justice Center
- Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097
- Clerk of Court: John A. Crawford
- Probate Department Phone: (904) 548-4600
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: The original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Yulee within 10 days of receiving notice of death. The 4th Circuit requires the original Will and a certified death certificate to be indexed on the electronic docket before a judge will consider a “Petition to Admit Will.”
⚖️ 4th Judicial Circuit (Nassau) Probate Procedures
The 4th Circuit emphasizes “Readiness” through the use of specific 2026 administrative orders.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters in Nassau County are primarily overseen by Judge Steven Fahlgren (Division B) and Judge Marianne L. Aho (Division A). Additionally, Senior Judge Robert M. Foster—the namesake of the justice center—often assists with the probate and guardianship dockets, typically holding hearings on Mondays.
- The “Staff Attorney” Edge: In the 4th Circuit, court staff attorneys act as the primary filter for the judges. Because R. Nadine David served in this same role for the judiciary, we know exactly what these legal researchers look for when auditing a file. We ensure every petition includes the necessary “Affidavit of Heirs” formatted to meet the specific 2026 technical requirements.
- Proposed Orders: All orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Microsoft Word format. Per the 4th Circuit’s e-Filing Procedures, orders must include a cover letter in PDF format and the correct Docket Item Number (DIN) to be routed to the judge’s digital queue.
- Virtual Hearings: While the Yulee courthouse is easily accessible, the court conducts most routine probate status conferences via Zoom. Our firm manages these virtual appearances, allowing families from Fernandina Beach or out-of-state to settle the estate without traveling to the mainland.
💰 2026 Nassau County Probate Filing Fees
Statutory filing fees for the 4th Judicial Circuit:
| Action Type | Court Filing Fee |
| Formal Administration (Full Probate) | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust / Caveat | $41.00 |
❓ Nassau County Probate FAQ
How does your experience across “all circuits” help in Nassau?
Every circuit has its own procedural “personality.” Having handled thousands of cases in all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits, we have seen every possible variation of probate. We bring these “best practices” to Nassau County, ensuring your case is handled with the professionalism of a statewide firm and the detail-oriented focus of a local practitioner.
Is “Summary Administration” right for property on Amelia Island?
Yes. If the home is the decedent’s “protected homestead,” its value is typically excluded from the $75,000 asset limit for Summary Administration. This allows many families to use the faster track to clear title to high-value coastal real estate, provided other assets are below the threshold.
What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Nassau County?
We don’t believe in billable-hour surprises. Because our internal court insight allows us to move files efficiently through the 4th Circuit’s review process, we offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate cases. You pay one transparent price for the entire process—from filing to the final order.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
The Nassau County court system rewards attorneys who are prepared, technically accurate, and authoritative.
- Judicial Insider Insight: Founded by a former Probate Court Staff Attorney who knows exactly how judges review files.
- Statewide Authority: Proven experience in all 20 Florida Judicial Circuits.
- Stetson Law Honors: Our founding partners bring elite academic standards to every Yulee case.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures your family’s inheritance is protected.