How Do I File for Probate in Charlotte County, Florida?
- 1). Retain the services of a probate attorney. Florida state statutes require attorney representation for almost all probate matters, the exception being very small estates with only one beneficiary or estates with no assets.
- 2). Fill out, or have an attorney fill out, probate papers including all information about the estate. Probate papers can be obtained from the court clerk and include basic information about the deceased and any assets or debts that belonged to the deceased.
- 3). File probate papers with the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court. You or your attorney must physically go to the court to do this.
Charlotte County Justice Center
350 E. Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1687
941-637-2199
If the deceased had a will, include a copy of the will with the probate papers. - 4). Pay the required filing fee. As of 2010, the basic filing fee for probate claims is $231. Once you have paid the fee, the clerk will assign a file number to the probate case and will maintain a docket sheet listing all the papers filed with the court associated with your probate case.
A Circuit Court judge will be appointed by the court to preside over the probate proceedings. The judge will in turn appoint a personal representative for the estate and determine when any necessary hearings will be held until the estate is settled.