Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, and the administrative side of settling an estate can feel overwhelming. Florida’s probate framework is set by state statute, but procedural details — filing workflows, clerk preferences, and local administrative orders — vary meaningfully from one county to the next. Our firm represents clients across Palm Beach and the surrounding region in every stage of Florida probate.
If you need guidance on opening, administering, or closing a Palm Beach County estate, contact Bucelo Diaz Law or call (954) 399-1910 to schedule a free consultation.
Palm Beach County Probate Court
- Court
- Palm Beach County Courthouse
- Address
- 301 North Olive Avenue, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Clerk website
- https://mypalmbeachclerk.com
- Phone
- (561) 355-2996
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
Key Takeaways — Probate in Palm Beach County
- Probate is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled. For Palm Beach County residents, that means filing in the local probate division of the circuit court listed above.
- Florida offers two administration tracks. Summary administration for smaller or older estates, and formal administration for everything else — including most estates involving real property.
- Counsel is typically required in formal administration. Personal representatives owe fiduciary duties that can create personal liability, so most estates benefit from a Palm Beach County probate attorney.
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Opening a Palm Beach County estate or unsure whether probate is required? Bucelo Diaz Law helps families and personal representatives across Florida navigate each stage of probate.
How Probate Works in Palm Beach County
Florida probate is generally initiated by filing a petition for administration with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. In Palm Beach, that filing goes to the local probate division, which assigns a case number and routes the matter to a presiding judge.
Most estates fall into one of two categories under Florida law. Summary administration is a streamlined process available to smaller estates meeting statutory thresholds, while formal administration is used for estates that require a personal representative, the appointment of counsel, and ongoing supervision by the court. Each approach has distinct filings, timelines, and strategic considerations.
Clerk procedures, submission portals, and local administrative orders can differ from county to county. A petition that is ready to file in one Florida jurisdiction may need a different cover sheet, notice form, or filing sequence elsewhere. For that reason, working with a probate attorney familiar with the Palm Beach court can reduce delays and avoid rejected filings. Personal representatives in particular benefit from counsel because Florida law imposes duties — to creditors, to beneficiaries, and to the court — that can carry personal liability if handled incorrectly.
A Palm Beach County probate attorney can help you file correctly the first time, avoid delays, and meet every statutory deadline. Let’s talk about your situation.
Do You Need a Probate Lawyer in Palm Beach County?
Florida does not require a lawyer for every probate scenario, but formal administration generally cannot be pursued without counsel, and summary administration is rarely handled successfully without legal guidance when real property or multiple beneficiaries are involved. Hiring a Palm Beach probate attorney is not about adding cost — it is about controlling risk. Personal representatives owe fiduciary duties to creditors and beneficiaries, and missteps can result in personal liability.
Our firm works with families and personal representatives across Palm Beach to open estates, respond to creditor claims, resolve title issues on real property, prepare inventories and accountings, and distribute assets in compliance with Florida law. If there is a will contest, a dispute over the personal representative, or a question about whether an estate even needs to be opened, we can evaluate the situation and recommend a path forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Probate in Palm Beach
Where do I file probate in Palm Beach, Florida?
Probate for a decedent who was domiciled in Palm Beach at the time of death is filed with the clerk of the circuit court’s probate division in Palm Beach. The petition, death certificate, and original will (if one exists) are submitted to the clerk, who opens a case file and routes the matter to a probate judge.
What courthouse handles probate in Palm Beach?
The Palm Beach probate division sits within the local circuit courthouse. The specific court name, address, and clerk website are listed in the court information section above.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Palm Beach?
In most formal administrations, Florida law requires the personal representative to be represented by counsel. Summary administration can sometimes be pursued without a lawyer, but legal guidance is strongly recommended — particularly when real property, creditors, or multiple beneficiaries are involved.
How long does probate take in Palm Beach?
Summary administrations in Palm Beach can often be completed in a matter of weeks once all documents are in order. Formal administrations typically take six months to a year, driven largely by the statutory creditor claim period and the complexity of the estate. Contested matters can take longer.
Nearby Florida Counties We Serve
Bucelo Diaz Law represents clients in probate matters across every Florida county. Explore nearby jurisdictions, or return to the Florida probate county directory for the full list.
Every Florida probate case turns on local procedure, statutory deadlines, and careful execution. If you’re dealing with an estate in Palm Beach County, Bucelo Diaz Law is ready to help.