Lake County Probate
Local legal representation for estates in Lake County, Florida.
Navigating the probate court in Lake County requires an understanding of local rules, judges' preferences, and specific filing procedures.
If your loved one resided in Lake County or owned property here, their estate will likely need to be probated in the Lake County Circuit Court.
We handle probate matters filed in the Lake County Circuit Court.
Key Benefits
Local Knowledge
Familiarity with Lake County court procedures and personnel.
Efficient Filing
Avoid delays caused by improper formatting or missing local requirements.
Accessible Counsel
Convenient representation for families located in or dealing with estates in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the probate court in Lake County?
Probate for Lake County is handled at the Lake County Judicial Center, 550 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. The Clerk of the Circuit Court accepts probate filings in the East Wing; the mailing address is P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778-7800, and the Clerk's main number is (352) 742-4100. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In practice, most filings and many hearings are handled electronically by your attorney, so a trip to the courthouse is often unnecessary.
Do I have to travel to Lake County if I live out of state?
In most cases, no. Your attorney can represent your interests and file documents without requiring you to appear. If a hearing or dispute arises, some proceedings may be handled remotely via video or phone, depending on the court.
Who gives me the death certificate in Lake County?
Not the Clerk of Court. Death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health in Lake County. Certified copies are $12 each, and the Eustis office at 16140 US Hwy 441 is the closest one to our office, with additional offices in Leesburg at 2113 W. Griffin Road and Clermont at 875 Oakley Seaver Drive. In-person requests usually take about fifteen minutes. A copy that shows the cause of death requires proper authorization, so it is worth asking for both types while you are there.
Is Florida probate filed online now? Do I have to learn a computer system?
Florida courts run on a statewide e-filing portal, and attorneys are required to file through it, so if we represent you the electronic filing is handled on our end and you do not need an account. A few things still travel on paper: the original will and the death certificate go directly to the Lake County Clerk, and the Fifth Circuit specifically asks that proposed orders not be sent through the portal.
What does the Clerk charge to open a probate case in Lake County?
The Lake County Clerk publishes its own fee schedule. As of this writing, formal administration is $400.00, summary administration is $345.00 where the estate is $1,000 or more and $235.00 where it is under $1,000, disposition of personal property without administration is $231.00, and a caveat or notice of trust is $41.00. These are the Clerk's filing fees only, and are separate from attorney's fees, newspaper publication costs, and certified copies.
Are Lake County probate records public? Can I look up a case myself?
Yes. Lake County probate cases are searchable through the Clerk's online court records system, and the Clerk states there is no cost to register or use it. Not everything appears on screen, because access is limited by Florida Supreme Court administrative orders depending on your role, the case type and the document, and older cases generally have no document images online. Many documents that are not shown immediately can still be requested, with confidential information removed first.
I live in Clermont, Leesburg or Umatilla. Do I still have to go to Tavares?
Lake County has fourteen municipalities, and all Lake County probate matters are handled at the Lake County Courthouse at 550 W. Main Street in Tavares, where the East Wing handles probate. The Clerk's branch offices in Lady Lake and Clermont handle only marriage licenses and passports, so they cannot accept a probate filing. In practice most families never make the trip, because the filing is done electronically and many probate matters are resolved without a hearing you need to attend.
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