When a family member passes away in St. Johns, the estate is typically administered through the local probate division of the circuit court. Personal representatives working in this county often encounter both the statewide Florida Probate Code and local practices unique to the court handling the estate. Our firm represents clients across St. Johns and the surrounding region in every stage of Florida probate.
If you need guidance on opening, administering, or closing a St. Johns County estate, contact Bucelo Diaz Law or call (954) 399-1910 to schedule a free consultation.
St. Johns County Probate Court
- Court
- Richard O. Watson Judicial Center
- Address
- 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Clerk website
- https://www.stjohnsclerk.com
- Phone
- (904) 819-3600
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
Key Takeaways — Probate in St. Johns County
- Probate is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled. For St. Johns 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 St. Johns County probate attorney.
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Opening a St. Johns 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 St. Johns County
The probate process in St. Johns tracks the procedural framework set out in the Florida Probate Code and the Florida Probate Rules. It starts with the filing of a death certificate, original will (if one exists), and a petition describing the estate and proposed personal representative.
Florida recognizes two principal types of administration: summary administration, available when the probate estate is valued at $75,000 or less (excluding exempt property) or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years, and formal administration, which applies to most larger estates and requires the appointment of a personal representative. Which path applies in a given St. Johns estate depends on the facts, not the county itself.
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 St. Johns 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 St. Johns 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 St. Johns County?
Whether you need a lawyer in St. Johns depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether there is a will, whether there are real property or out-of-state assets, and whether beneficiaries are in agreement. Florida law requires a licensed attorney to represent the personal representative in formal administration, and most summary administrations also benefit from legal guidance. Working with counsel familiar with the St. Johns probate court can significantly reduce the stress of the process.
Our attorneys handle probate matters across Florida and regularly work with families in St. Johns. We can help you determine which type of administration applies, prepare and file the necessary petitions, respond to creditors, and close the estate. If the matter is contested — for example, a challenge to a will or a dispute among beneficiaries — we also handle probate litigation in St. Johns and the surrounding counties.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Probate in St. Johns
Where do I file probate in St. Johns, Florida?
You file probate in the Florida county where the decedent lived — for St. Johns residents, that means the local clerk of court’s probate division. If the decedent lived elsewhere in Florida but owned real property in St. Johns, a separate ancillary proceeding may be opened here.
What courthouse handles probate in St. Johns?
Probate matters in St. Johns are handled at the local circuit court. Courthouse and clerk information is listed above — we recommend confirming current filing hours and submission procedures directly with the clerk’s office before filing.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in St. Johns?
Florida generally requires an attorney for formal administration. Even in summary administration, most families in St. Johns choose to work with probate counsel to ensure filings are accurate and deadlines are met. A consultation can help you decide.
How long does probate take in St. Johns?
Timelines vary. A simple summary administration in St. Johns may close in a few weeks; a formal administration usually takes at least six months, in part because Florida requires a three-month period for creditors to file claims. Disputes, real-estate issues, or tax complexity can extend the schedule.
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 St. Johns County, Bucelo Diaz Law is ready to help.