Arcadia probate attorney, DeSoto County.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• The clerk's e-filing page states that attorneys submit all civil court documents electronically. Self-represented litigants can use DIY Florida in the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal; the five areas listed are landlord tenant, small claims, domestic violence, simplified dissolution and domestic relations. desotoclerk.com
• AO 2014-5.2 requires all documents for new probate and guardianship cases to be filed electronically. The order is captioned for Sarasota County and was copied to the DeSoto and Manatee clerks. jud12.flcourts.org
• Court records search covers civil information from about 1980 to the present. Viewing document images online takes a registered user agreement. desotoclerk.com

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Each posted fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $1 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies). The clerk's list does not say what the inventory fee covers.

Judges and divisions

12th Judicial Circuit. Serves DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Courthouses that hear probate

• DeSoto County Courthouse, 115 East Oak St., Arcadia, FL 34266; (863) 993-4644; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org probate assignment

• AO 2026-05b.4 assigns DeSoto County probate and guardianship to Judge Hall. His court page lists circuit civil, criminal, family and juvenile dependency under Division Assignment(s) and does not list probate. jud12.flcourts.org
• The Twelfth Circuit hears probate for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties; its Probate Division has jurisdiction over the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors. jud12.flcourts.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 12th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in DeSoto County. Circuit order index.

• AO 2026-05b.4, Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026. Date: August 31, 2026 (effective September 3, 2026). Assigns DeSoto County circuit civil, unified family, circuit criminal, juvenile and probate and guardianship cases to Judge Don T. Hall, and names him DeSoto County Administrative Judge.
• AO 2022-1.2, Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal. Date: January 14, 2022 (effective January 24, 2022). Requires the probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge to be e-filed to the clerk for audit; other proposed orders follow the judge's requirements. The rule that lets the Manatee and Sarasota clerks reject paper proposed orders does not apply in DeSoto, where the clerk and judges share an address.
• AO 2019-4.5, Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings. Date: February 2019. The DeSoto Probate Division presides over all adversary probate proceedings that need a trial, including pre-trial motions and the trial.
• AO 2019-11.1, Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil Cases Change in Status Reporting Requirements. Date: August 2019. Treats pending probate cases as active unless the court or clerk marks them inactive; the clerk changes status on a suggestion of bankruptcy, a post-judgment notice of appeal, an abatement or a Department of Justice hold.
• AO 2017-6.2, Administrative Closing of Inactive Reopened Cases. Date: May 2017. Has the DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota clerks administratively close probate and guardianship cases reopened before January 1, 2015 with no activity since January 1, 2016, and lets the clerk reclose a reopened case idle for one year.
• AO 2014-5.2, Creation of a Uniform Ex Parte Process for All Probate and Guardianship Cases and Division H Case Assignment. Date: January 2014 (effective March 3, 2014). Titled for all probate and guardianship cases; requires electronic filing of the documents that open a case and of the will before the paper original goes to the clerk, and notice to the judicial assistant by 3 p.m. the business day before an ex parte hearing. The order is captioned for Sarasota County and copied to the DeSoto and Manatee clerks.
• AO 2005-5.2, Case Maintenance Duties of Clerks in Probate Cases: Checklist for Closing Estates. Date: March 3, 2005. Directs the clerks to complete formal administration checklists before presenting a proposed order of discharge.
• AO 2024-14.5, Rescinding Administrative Order Regarding Do-Not Resuscitate Orders for the Ward in Guardianship Cases. Date: July 2, 2024. Rescinds AO 2020-02.5, because § 744.4431 now requires professional guardians to petition the court before consenting to a do-not-resuscitate order or to withholding life-prolonging procedures.
• AO 2018-8.5, Court Appointment of Non Professional Guardians in Guardianship Cases. Date: May 2018. Directs the clerk to keep Level 2 screening results and file credit history reports for each nonprofessional guardian who seeks appointment.
• AO 2017-11.5, Order Approving Guardianship Education Course. Date: July 2017. Approves the State College of Florida "Guardianship Training" course as compliance with § 744.3145.
• AO 2016-9.2, Due Process Service Rates. Date: July 2016 (rate schedule updated May 27, 2021). Sets the compensation rate schedule for due process services in cases where the court pays the cost.
• AO 2015-5a.5, Examining Committee Members' Fees in Guardianship Proceedings Where Ward Is Not Indigent. Date: 2015, effective April 1, 2015. Sets examining committee fees at $400 for a psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist and $250 for other members, paid from the ward's assets.
• AO 2024-02.2, Rescinding Local Rules. Date: January 8, 2024. Rescinds the circuit's 2007 Local Rules; the circuit manages its affairs by administrative order.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• The clerk's probate department keeps the files on probate estates, wills, trusts and guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons. desotoclerk.com
• Judge Don T. Hall handles every circuit division in DeSoto County, so one set of requirements covers civil, family, criminal, juvenile and probate matters. He allows remote appearance by Zoom for all case types. jud12.flcourts.org
• In DeSoto County the Probate Division hears adversary probate proceedings through trial, including pre-trial motions. jud12.flcourts.org
• Probate and guardianship cases reopened before January 1, 2015 with no activity since January 1, 2016 were administratively closed. To return one to open status, file a motion that explains the long inactivity; with no hearing set within 30 days of filing, the case closes again without an order. jud12.flcourts.org
• The clerk may reclose a reopened case with no activity for one year. Reopen fees are earned when paid and are not refunded; reopening a case reclosed this way takes a new motion and any filing fee. jud12.flcourts.org

Wills

• The custodian of a will must deposit it with the clerk within 10 days after learning of the death. The clerk keeps the original for at least 20 years. flsenate.gov
• The clerk accepts wills on deposit after a person's death, prepares a receipt and gives the depositor a copy. There is no fee for the service. desotoclerk.com
• A competent adult may file a Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian with the clerk. There is no fee for the filing. desotoclerk.com

Small estates

• A disposition of personal property without administration may be filed without an attorney when the estate does not exceed preferred funeral expenses plus the expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness. desotoclerk.com
• The clerk's disposition packet states that the form is not the proper form of administration if there are estate creditors or real property. desoto-county-clerk.s3.amazonaws.com
• The clerk's disposition packet asks for a notarized petition (4 pages), a certified death certificate, the original will if there is one, a copy of the paid funeral bill, paperwork showing the asset, receipts for the last 60 days of medical expenses, and consents of any additional heirs. The filing fee printed on the packet is $231.00. desoto-county-clerk.s3.amazonaws.com
• The packet lists exempt personal property under § 732.402 as household furniture, furnishings and appliances with a net value of $20,000 in the usual place of abode, up to two motor vehicles, 529 plans and Florida prepaid college funds. A plain copy and a certified copy of the Order to Disburse or Transfer Assets come back to the filer. desoto-county-clerk.s3.amazonaws.com
• Summary administration fits an estate of $150,000 or less, or a decedent who has been dead more than two years (§ 735.201(2)). flsenate.gov

Hearings

• Judge Hall allows Zoom appearance for all case types. Hearings of more than 60 minutes are scheduled through the judicial assistant. jud12.flcourts.org
• Courtesy copies of the notice of hearing and motion reach the judicial assistant at least 5 days before the hearing (email for notices and motions under 15 pages). One week before the hearing the scheduling attorney also gives the judge the notice, motion and supporting case law, and a hearing binder. jud12.flcourts.org
• Requests for emergency hearing time go to Judge Hall in writing with a copy of the motion. jud12.flcourts.org
• Judge Hall's chambers are at 115 E. Oak St., Suite 201, Arcadia, and proceedings are held in Courtroom 201. The judicial assistant's line is (863) 993-4644, ext. 426; office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org
• An ex parte hearing needs notice to the judicial assistant by 3 p.m. on the business day before, under AO 2014-5.2. The order's title covers all probate and guardianship cases; its caption names Sarasota County. jud12.flcourts.org
• Exhibits for a Zoom hearing are e-filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, at least three working days before the hearing; documents and exhibits not e-filed may not be considered. An exhibit that cannot be e-filed needs written notice to the judicial assistant at least 5 days before. desotoclerk.com
• Sworn testimony by Zoom or telephone requires video or a notary or other official at the witness's location. The judicial assistant emails the Zoom link before the hearing. desotoclerk.com

Proposed orders

• With an agreed order, email it to the judicial assistant. Without agreement, each side may send its own proposed order and say in the email that the orders are not agreed. jud12.flcourts.org
• The probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge are e-filed to the clerk as proposed orders, because the clerk audits them before the judge reviews them. jud12.flcourts.org
• The clerk completes the formal administration checklist before a proposed order of discharge reaches the judge. jud12.flcourts.org

Guardianship

• The clerk files a summary of Level 2 screening results and the credit history report for each nonprofessional guardian who seeks appointment. jud12.flcourts.org
• Examining committee fees for a ward who is not indigent are $400 for a psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist and $250 for other members, paid from the ward's assets. jud12.flcourts.org

Forms and checklists

• Disposition of Personal Property without Administration packet, DeSoto County Clerk
• Statement of Claim (probate), DeSoto County Clerk
• Checklist for Audit of Initial Guardianship Plan, DeSoto County Clerk
• Checklist for Audit of Annual Guardianship Plan (adult), DeSoto County Clerk
• Clerk's probate and guardianship forms (Civil & Court Actions page), DeSoto County Clerk
• Probate and guardianship forms library, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Judge Don T. Hall requirements and information, Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• To receive the homestead exemption for a year, the owner must live in the home on January 1. Exemption applications are due March 1. desotopa.com
• A Florida permanent resident who is a widow or widower may claim a $5,000 exemption. The appraiser may ask for a death certificate filed with the DeSoto County Clerk of Court, and the exemption ends on remarriage. desotopa.com
• The DeSoto County Property Appraiser's office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. desotopa.com

Death certificates

• The Department of Health in DeSoto County answers at 863-993-4601. desoto.floridahealth.gov
• Death certificates are ordered through VitalChek, the only vendor the Department of Health recommends, by mail, or in person at the county health department. Florida deaths from 2009 to the present are available this way. desoto.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• Court records search covers civil information from about 1980 to the present. Viewing document images online takes a registered user agreement that is signed, notarized and returned to the clerk. desotoclerk.com
• Court records images are viewed under a registered user agreement for attorneys and members of the public. desotoclerk.com
• Section 735.201(2) in the 2026 Florida Statutes reads $150,000, as amended by chapter 2026-57, which took effect July 1, 2026. flsenate.gov
• Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service takes calls at 800-342-8011, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. floridabar.org
• A guardianship is generally needed for a minor who receives a court settlement of more than $15,000 or inherits more than $15,000 or real property. desotoclerk.com

Sources

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Each source shows the text that supports the facts above.

1. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Serving Desoto, Manatee & Sarasota Counties
2. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders index, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Probate/Guardianship (5)
3. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Probate & Guardianship Division, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The Probate Division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction of proceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors
   • DeSoto County Manatee County Sarasota County South County (Venice)
4. Twelfth Circuit AO 2026-05b.4, Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2026-05b.4
   • The following judicial assignments are effective September 3, 2026.
   • DONE AND ORDERED in Bradenton, Manatee County, on August 31, 2026.
   • DeSoto County Administrative Judge Honorable Don T. Hall
   • Circuit Civil (other than Divisions R and T), Honorable Don T. Hall Unified Family, Circuit Criminal, Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency, Probate and Guardianship
5. Twelfth Circuit AO 2022-1.2, Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • the following proposed orders are required to be E-Filed through the Portal to the clerk's office into the court file
   • Order Admitting Will
   • The Desoto County Clerk of Court and judges share a mailing address and physical address, so this provision does not apply to Desoto County.
6. Twelfth Circuit AO 2019-4.5, Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE, AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
   • The Probate Divisions in Desoto County, and South County Division H will preside over all adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial, including all pre-trial motions and trials.
7. Twelfth Circuit AO 2019-11.1, Change in Status Reporting Requirements, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • All pending Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil cases are designated "active"
   • Suggestion of Bankruptcy
8. Twelfth Circuit AO 2017-6.2, Administrative Closing of Inactive Reopened Cases, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE, AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
   • All circuit civil, probate, guardianship, mental health, family, county civil and small claims cases reopened prior to January 1, 2015, with no record activity in the case since January 1, 2016, shall be administratively closed by the Desoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Clerks of the Circuit Courts.
   • shall file a motion to return the matter to open or active status, including an explanation for the prolonged inactivity.
   • If no hearing is scheduled within 30 days of its filing, the case shall be administratively closed without further order of the Court.
   • no record activity for one year
   • Reopen fees initially paid for the filing the motion are earned at the time of filing and are not subject to refund.
   • the party shall file a new motion and pay any applicable Clerk filing fees
9. Twelfth Circuit AO 2014-5.2, Uniform Ex Parte Process for Probate and Guardianship Cases, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Administrative Order No. 2014-5.2
   • IN AND FOR SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
   • All documents for new Probate and Guardianship cases shall be electronically filed in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525.
   • Copies to: Clerk of Court - Manatee and DeSoto Counties
   • The attorney desiring an ex parte hearing shall notify the judicial assistant for the Division judge, no later than by 3 p.m. the preceding business day of the hearing.
10. Twelfth Circuit AO 2005-5.2, Case Maintenance Duties of Clerks in Probate Cases, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR CLOSING ESTATES
    • the Clerks of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit shall resume or continue to complete formal administration checklists prior to presenting the court with any proposed order of discharge in an estate
11. Twelfth Circuit AO 2024-14.5, Rescinding Do-Not-Resuscitate Order for Wards, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • Administrative Order 2020- 02.5, rendered January 17, 2020, is hereby RESCINDED, effective immediately.
12. Twelfth Circuit AO 2018-8.5, Court Appointment of Non Professional Guardians, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall maintain the statutorily required Level 2 screening results
13. Twelfth Circuit AO 2017-11.5, Guardianship Education Course, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • The course entitled "Guardianship Training" presented by State College of Florida is hereby approved.
14. Twelfth Circuit AO 2016-9.2, Due Process Service Rates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR SARASOTA, MANATEE, AND DESOTO COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • The due process services compensation rates schedule attached hereto as Attachment "A"
15. Twelfth Circuit AO 2015-5A.5, Examining Committee Members' Fees, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • Psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist $400.00 Other members of committee $250.00
    • These fees shall be paid by the guardian from the assets of the Ward.
16. Twelfth Circuit AO 2024-02.2, Rescinding Local Rules, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • the Local Rules of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, approved by the Florida Supreme Court on May 16, 2007, are hereby RESCINDED
17. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, JACS hearing scheduling, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Calendars are set up for each judge with hearing times ranging from 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes.
    • You must register for attorney access in order to access JACS.
18. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Court Forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate & Guardianship Forms
19. Florida Statutes § 28.2401, probate service charges and filing fees (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Fee for the opening of any estate of one document or more
    • Charge for caveat .......... $40
    • Fee for petition and order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies, or transcript to record .......... $230
    • Fee for disposition of personal property without administration .......... $230
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at $1,000 or more .......... $340
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at less than $1,000 .......... $230
    • Fee for formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings .......... $395
    • Fee for guardianship proceedings of person only .......... $230
    • Fee for veterans' guardianship pursuant to chapter 744 .......... $230
    • Charge for exemplified certificates .......... $7
    • Fee for petition for determination of incompetency .......... $230
    • An additional service charge of $4 on petitions seeking summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, guardianship, curatorship, and conservatorship shall be paid to the clerk.
20. Florida Statutes § 28.241, filing fees for trial and appellate proceedings (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Reopen fees are due at the time a party files a pleading to reopen a proceeding if at least 90 days have elapsed since the filing of a final order or final judgment with the clerk.
21. Florida Statutes § 732.901, production of wills (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the clerk of the court having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead.
    • the clerk shall retain and preserve the original will in its original form for at least 20 years
22. Florida Statutes § 735.201, summary administration (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • does not exceed $150,000 or that the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years
    • s. 7, ch. 2026-57
23. Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Section 7. Subsection (2) of section 735.201, Florida Statutes, is amended
    • Section 14. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
24. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves as a single, statewide access point connecting thousands of users to Florida's court system.
25. The Florida Bar, Lawyer Referral Service, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Call 800-342-8011, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
26. DeSoto County Clerk, Probate & Guardianship, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The probate department maintains the files on probate estates, wills, trusts, and guardianships for both minors and incapacitated persons.
    • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration may be filed without the assistance of an attorney.
    • These are filed when the amount of the estate does not exceed the amount of the preferred funeral expenses and the expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness.
    • The Clerk's Office accepts wills on deposit after a person's death.
    • A receipt of Last Will and Testament is prepared by the probate clerk, and a copy is provided to the depositor. There is no fee for this service.
    • A competent adult may choose a person to be their guardian or the guardian of their minor child(ren), before they have a need for that guardian by completing a Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian.
    • The declarant may file the declaration with the Clerk of Court. There is no fee charged for this service.
    • A guardianship is required for a minor who is the recipient of a court settlement over $15,000
    • A minor has inherited money of more than $15,000 or real property
27. DeSoto County Clerk, Contact, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Phone: (863) 993-4876
    • Office Address: 115 East Oak Street, Room 101 Arcadia, Florida 34266
    • Courthouse Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12 - 1 PM)
28. DeSoto County Clerk, Filing Fees, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Formal Administration $400.00
    • Summary Administration Less Than $1,000.00 $235.00
    • Summary Administration More Than $1,000.01 $345.00
    • Petition to Admin Foreign Will $231.00
    • Guardianship of Person Only $235.00
    • Guardianship Ancillary $400.00
    • Veterans Guardianship $235.00
    • Determination of Incompetency $231.00
    • Inventory $85.00
    • Caveats & Trusts $41.00
    • Estate Audit Value $25,000 or Less $20.00
    • Estate Audit Value $25,000 - $100,000 $85.00
    • Estate Audit Value $100,000 - $500,000 $170.00
    • Estate Audit Value $500,000 or More $250.00
    • Open Any Estate $231.00
    • Re-Open Estate $50.00
    • Copy Per Page $1.00
    • Certifying Per Document $2.00
    • Search, Per Year/Name $2.00
    • Record First Page of Any Document $10.00
    • Record Each Subsequent Page $8.50 Per Page
    • Disposition Without Administration $231.00
29. DeSoto County Clerk, E-Filing, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Beginning April 1, 2013, the Florida Supreme Court set forth that attorneys would submit all civil court documents electronically.
    • The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides self-represented litigants with DIY Florida, an electronic filing application that helps self-represented litigants complete court forms.
    • More than 20 forms are currently available on the DIY Florida platform in 5 areas: Landlord Tenant Small Claims Domestic Violence Simplified Dissolution Domestic Relations
30. DeSoto County Clerk, Court Records Search, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • This application accesses Civil information from approximately 1980 to the present.
31. DeSoto County Clerk, Search Records, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Registered User Agreements are available for attorneys and members of the public seeking to be able to view images online.
    • The completed form must be signed, notarized, and returned to the Clerk's Office.
32. DeSoto County Clerk, Zoom Hearings, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • For court hearings and dockets for Judge Don T. Hall and Judge Parker R. Hall that will be conducted remotely using Zoom videoconferencing.
    • you must e-file documents and other exhibits using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
    • it is strongly encouraged that you e-file exhibits at least three (3) working days before the hearing.
    • Documents and exhibits not e-filed may not be considered by the Court at the hearing.
    • you should notify the presiding judge's judicial assistant in writing at least 5 days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
    • If you or your witnesses wish to provide sworn testimony through Zoom or by telephone, you/they must either appear by video or have a licensed notary or other official authorized to administer oaths at your/their location.
    • you will receive an email invitation from the Judge's Judicial Assistant, which will include a link to the Zoom hearing.
33. DeSoto County Clerk, Civil & Court Actions forms (Probate & Guardianship), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Disposition Without Administration Petition to Open Safe Deposit Box Statement of Claim Checklist for Audit of Initial Guardianship Plan Checklist Annual Guardianship Plan Adult
34. DeSoto County Clerk, Judge's Requirements, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • the requirements for Judge Don T. Hall and Judge Parker R. Hall are provided below
35. DeSoto County Clerk, Disposition of Personal Property packet, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Household furniture, furnishings and appliances in the decedent's usual place of abode with a net value of $20,000 as of date of death.
    • Two (2) motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight GVW less that 15,000 lbs.
    • Qualified tuition programs under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986; and Florida pre-paid college trust funds.
    • NOTE: IF THERE ARE ESTATE CREDITORS, OR REAL PROPERTY THIS IS NOT THE PROPER FORM OF ADMINISTRATION.
    • Disposition without Administration Petition - 4 pages, notarized.
    • Certified Death Certificate
    • Original Will - If the decedent had a will, the original MUST be filed with the verified statement, unless previously filed.
    • Copy of PAID funeral bill.
    • Copy of last 60 days medical expenses with receipts
    • Consents of any additional heirs with address and notarized signature, or death certificate, if applicable.
    • Filing fee of $231.00 payable to: DeSoto Clerk of Courts.
    • A plain copy and a certified copy of the Order to Disburse or Transfer Assets will be provided to you.
36. DeSoto County Clerk, Statement of Claim form, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • STATEMENT OF CLAIM BY
37. DeSoto County Clerk, Checklist for Audit of Initial Guardianship Plan, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR AUDIT OF INITIAL GUARDIANSHIP PLAN
38. DeSoto County Clerk, Checklist for Audit of Annual Guardianship Plan, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR AUDIT OF ANNUAL GUARDIANSHIP PLAN
39. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, DeSoto County Courthouse, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Address: 115 East Oak St. Arcadia, FL 34266
    • Phone: (863) 993-4644
    • Business Hours 8:30am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
    • Clerk of Court: (863) 993-4878

    Note: This page lists (863) 993-4878 for the Clerk of Court; the clerk's own contact page lists (863) 993-4876.

40. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Judge Don T. Hall, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Physical Address 115 E. Oak St., Suite 201, Arcadia, FL 34266
    • Courtroom Proceedings are held in Courtroom 201
    • Division Assignment(s) Circuit Court - Civil Circuit Court - Criminal Circuit Court - Family Circuit Court - Juvenile Dependency
    • Judge Hall allows remote appearance via Zoom for all case types.
    • Judge Hall handles all Circuit Divisions for DeSoto County
    • If the parties have an agreed/stipulated order, the order may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
    • If the parties have not agreed on the order both sides may submit their own proposed orders to the Judicial Assistant.
    • These documents should be furnished to the judicial assistant at least 5 days prior to the date of the hearing.
    • The scheduling attorney must provide the judge's office with a courtesy copy of the notice of hearing as well as a copy of the motion being scheduled for hearing.
    • Notices and Motions under a total of 15 pages may be emailed to
    • Please indicate in the email that the orders were not agreed upon.
    • No later than one week prior to hearing date, it is required that scheduling attorney furnish the judge with copies of: Notice of Hearing; Motion; and any supporting case law.
    • No later than one week prior to hearing date, it is required that scheduling attorney furnish the judge with a hearing binder.
    • Requests for emergency hearing time must be submitted to Judge Hall in writing with a copy of the motion.
    • Hearings of more than 60 minutes must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant.
    • Phone (863) 993-4644, Ext. 426
    • Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed for lunch Noon-1 p.m.
41. DeSoto County Property Appraiser, home page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 863-993-4866
42. DeSoto County Property Appraiser, contact page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 815 N. Mills Ave, Suite 101 Arcadia, Florida 34266
    • 8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
43. DeSoto County Property Appraiser, Property Tax Exemptions, checked October 16, 2026
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    • declaring that you were living in the dwelling which is being claimed for homestead exemption on January 1
    • Any widow who is a permanent Florida resident may claim this exemption.
    • Any widower who is a permanent Florida resident may claim this exemption.
    • You may be asked to file a death certificate with the DeSoto County Clerk of Court when filing for the first time.
    • If the widow remarries, she is no longer eligible.
    • If the widower remarries he is no longer eligible.
44. DeSoto County Property Appraiser, Important Dates, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Exemption applications due: March 1st.
    • $5,000 - Widow's Exemption $5,000 - Widower's Exemption
45. Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, home page, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Contact DOH-DeSoto 863-993-4601
46. Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Orders may be placed online or by phone through VitalChek
    • VitalChek® is the only vendor recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
    • Death certificates are available for all deaths in the State of Florida from 2009 to present.