Palm Beach County probate help.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• All proposed probate orders go directly to the circuit's online scheduling system (OLS). They are not submitted in person, by mail or email to the court or the clerk, and not through the e-filing portal. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• A death certificate can be e-filed. The original will is filed with the clerk by hand delivery or by mail to P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The circuit's probate page directs original wills, codicils, death certificates, authenticated or exemplified copies and commissions to be mailed or sent overnight to the courthouse where the matter is pending, marked Attn: Probate Department, at the Main, South County or North County address. 15thcircuit.com
• Probate images from 2008 to present can be viewed in eCaseView by the attorney of record or a registered user. Registration is free. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• Most court records before 2008 are not imaged. Copies are requested by email, by mail to the Records Service Center (PO Box 4526, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4526) or in person; a request can take up to 15 business days. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• Notices of Action and Notices to Creditors are not forwarded to a newspaper for non-indigent parties. The filer arranges publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Palm Beach County and files the proof of publication with the clerk. mypalmbeachclerk.com

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County, Probate Department fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Each posted fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $2 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies), except the caveat, which is $1 above § 28.2401(1)(b).

Judges and divisions

15th Judicial Circuit. Serves Palm Beach County only.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse (Main Courthouse), Probate Division IA, 205 North Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, FL 33401; (561) 355-3518 (Division IA) 15thcircuit.com probate assignment
• South County Courthouse, Probate Division IZ, 200 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444; (561) 330-1723 (Division IZ) 15thcircuit.com probate assignment

• The circuit's Divisions page lists two probate divisions: IA (Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer) and IZ (Judge Charles E. Burton, Administrative Judge). 15thcircuit.com
• Division IA sits at the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse and Division IZ at the South County Courthouse. 15thcircuit.com
• The circuit's Updated Administrative Orders list shows AO 11.102 (Assignment of Administrative Judges and Executive Committee) and AO 11.106 (Alternate Assignments), both dated 09-30-2026. AO 11.102 names Charles Burton for the Probate & Guardianship Division. AO 11.106 lists Schosberg-Feuer and Burton as the probate alternates. The division letters IA and IZ come from the Divisions page. 15thcircuit.com
• The clerk's FAQ says the division is the two-letter code on the paperwork in a case, and that the circuit's Divisions page leads to the judge's page with hearing and order instructions. mypalmbeachclerk.com

Administrative orders

Orders of the 15th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Palm Beach County. Circuit order index.

• AO 6.101-06/2022, Probate and Guardianship assignment criteria excluding cases heard by general magistrates. Date: June 6, 2022. Splits probate and guardianship into Divisions IA and IZ, assigns new and reopened cases randomly between them, and keeps related estate, trust and guardianship cases with the judge who has the first case.
• AO 6.201-3/22, Probate and guardianship procedures for filing and review of petitions. Date: March 14, 2022 (effective March 23, 2022). Requires a completed, signed checklist e-filed with each listed petition (rejected with leave to refile if inaccurate) and sends uncontested petitions to case-manager review before the judge.
• AO 6.202-6/22, Formal administration checklist for closing estates. Date: June 10, 2022. Vacates the 2008 order that required a checklist for closing estates; the clerk no longer provides a closing checklist.
• AO 6.306-10/22, Guardianship matters to be audited by the Clerk & Comptroller. Date: October 12, 2022. Sets the clerk's levels of audit and review of guardianship accountings, plans and inventories.
• AO 6.102-9/08, Matters to be filed in Probate and Guardianship Division. Date: September 29, 2008. Lists the matters filed in the Probate and Guardianship Division: the Probate Code (chapters 731 to 735), guardianship (chapter 744), conservators and curators (chapter 747), trust complaints under chapter 736 or 86, and Baker Act, Marchman Act, adult protective services and tuberculosis proceedings. Constructive and resulting trust actions go to the Civil Division.
• AO 6.103-12/13, Assignment of cases, South County probate, guardianship, mental health and substance abuse Divisions IX, IY and IZ. Date: December 30, 2013 (effective December 1, 2013). Re-opens Division IZ effective December 1, 2013 and assigns newly filed South County probate, guardianship, Marchman and mental health cases at random: IX 33 percent, IY 33 percent, IZ 34 percent. AO 6.101 provides that IX will be closed over time.
• AO 6.104-11/14, Emergency hearings in probate and guardianship matters. Date: November 19, 2014. Each judge decides a request for an emergency hearing on the emergency motion alone. A guardianship emergency motion is denied unless it alleges imminent risk of substantial physical harm to the person or ward, imminent risk of substantial waste of the person's or ward's property or finances, imminent illegal removal from the court's jurisdiction, or an appointment of an emergency court monitor or emergency temporary guardian. Motions for immediate payment of funds usually do not meet the standard.
• AO 6.107-09/2026, Mental health case assignment: Baker Act, Marchman Act, firearm motions and tuberculous cases. Date: September 8, 2026 (effective September 10, 2026). Assigns Baker Act, Marchman Act, adult protective services, tuberculosis and related firearm-motion cases by region: Southern Region to Division IZ, West Region to Division IW, Northern/Central Region to Division IA. Supersedes AO 6.107-6/2022.
• AO 6.310-1/2020, Professional Guardian Registry and appointment of professional guardians. Date: January 24, 2020. Requires a professional guardian to apply each year, May 1 to May 15 by email, to be appointed to the circuit's Professional Guardian Registry, and sets the grounds for removal from the registry.
• AO 6.315, Eldercaring Coordinator Roster. Date: September 19, 2024. Sets the circuit's eldercaring coordinator roster (title as printed on the circuit's index).
• AO 11.102-09/2026, Assignment of Administrative Judges and Executive Committee. Date: September 30, 2026. Names the administrative judge of each division, including Judge Charles Burton for the Probate & Guardianship Division. Supersedes AO 11.102-05/2026.
• AO 11.106-09/2026, Alternate assignments. Date: September 30, 2026. Designates paired alternate judges to preside over emergency matters when the paired judge is away from the courthouse. The Probate/Guardianship Division pair is Judge Schosberg-Feuer and Judge Burton. Supersedes AO 11.106-08/31/2026.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• New and reopened probate and guardianship cases are assigned at random between Divisions IA and IZ. Related estate, trust and guardianship cases go to the judge who has the first case, and the attorney of record tells the clerk in writing that related cases exist. 15thcircuit.com
• The Main Courthouse clerk office, Room 3.2300, takes probate cases and will deposits. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The clerk's South County Courthouse page also lists probate cases among its services. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The clerk's North County Courthouse page also lists probate cases among its services. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• Florida law requires an attorney to file for formal administration. Disposition without administration and summary administration do not require one. mypalmbeachclerk.com

Wills

• The custodian of a will deposits 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 states there is no filing fee to deposit a will, and the clerk places a deposited will in the probate file if an administration is opened later. mypalmbeachclerk.com

Summary administration

• Summary administration: the clerk's page and the circuit's summary checklist both state $150,000, or a decedent dead more than two years. Section 735.201(2) reads $150,000 as amended by chapter 2026-57, effective July 1, 2026. flsenate.gov
• The summary administration checklist asks for a copy of the death certificate with the Social Security number not redacted. 15thcircuit.com

Small estates

• The clerk supplies the form for disposition without administration. No form is required for summary administration (the circuit law library keeps a packet with template forms), and none exists for formal administration. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The clerk page describes disposition without administration as exempt personal property up to a net value of $20,000 plus non-exempt property up to funeral expenses (up to $20,000) and medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• Section 735.301(1) refers to preferred funeral expenses, which § 733.707(1)(b) caps at $6,000. flsenate.gov
• Section 735.301(1) sets the test: exempt property, and nonexempt personal property not above preferred funeral expenses and reasonable medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness. flsenate.gov
• The $20,000 figure on the clerk page matches the household furniture limit for exempt property in § 732.402(2)(a). flsenate.gov

Checklists

• A completed, signed checklist is e-filed with each listed petition. An inaccurate or incomplete checklist gets the petition rejected with leave to refile (AO 6.201). 15thcircuit.com
• Uncontested petitions for administration, summary administration, disposition without administration, sale of real property, extension of time and reopening are reviewed by a case manager or staff attorney before they reach the judge. Contested UMC matters, will contests and fee matters go straight to the judge. 15thcircuit.com
• The circuit lists approved checklists for guardian of a minor, homestead (two), discharge, formal administration (intestate, testate, ancillary), sale of real property and summary administration (intestate, testate, ancillary). 15thcircuit.com
• The clerk no longer provides a closing checklist; the circuit's discharge checklist is the closing checklist for formal administration. 15thcircuit.com

Proposed orders

• Proposed probate orders are uploaded to OLS, not sent to the clerk or the judge's email. The checklist for the motion or petition is completed in OLS. 15thcircuit.com
• A status order or deficiency memorandum must be cured before the order is resubmitted. 15thcircuit.com
• Division IA: orders are due within 48 hours after the hearing, and the judicial assistant is contacted about order status only after seven days or in an emergency. 15thcircuit.com
• Division IZ: orders are submitted in Word format through OLS so the court can electronically sign them. 15thcircuit.com

Petitions

• Verified documents carry at least 4 lines of petition text on the signature page, and waivers, consents, renunciations and receipts of assets are notarized. 15thcircuit.com
• The same 4-line signature-page rule applies in Division IZ. 15thcircuit.com
• The clerk accepts a petition to determine homestead without opening a summary administration estate. 15thcircuit.com

Hearings

• The ex parte docket is suspended until further notice in all probate divisions. Uncontested matters go in through uploaded proposed orders, and a Uniform Motion Calendar hearing is set only if needed. 15thcircuit.com
• Division IA holds Uniform Motion Calendar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., in person or by Zoom. Special sets are set by Order Specially Setting, not by notice of hearing, and special sets of one hour or longer are in person. 15thcircuit.com
• Division IZ holds Uniform Motion Calendar on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., in person or by Zoom. Hearings are required only for contested or adversary matters, and special sets of more than 30 minutes are requested through the judicial assistant. 15thcircuit.com
• Division IZ takes online scheduling for non-evidentiary special sets of 30 minutes or less and prints only documents of ten pages or fewer. 15thcircuit.com
• Exhibits for a trial or evidentiary hearing are uploaded to the digital evidence portal at least 72 hours ahead (Division IA). 15thcircuit.com
• Emergency motions are filed through the clerk's e-portal with the Emergency Filing box checked, with a courtesy copy to the division email (Division IA). 15thcircuit.com

Forms and checklists

• Probate Division page: approved checklists, forms and orders, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Division IA forms and orders: Order Specially Setting Hearing, Probate Final Disposition Form, Guardian Final Disposition Form, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Division IZ forms and orders: Order Specially Setting Hearing, Determine Homestead petitions, Probate Final Disposition Form, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, petition to determine homestead, formal and summary administration (file name: updated June 24, 2026), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, determination of homestead, stand-alone petition (file name: updated June 24, 2026), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, petition for discharge (file name: 2023), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, formal administration of intestate estate, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, formal administration of testate estate (file name: 2024), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, formal ancillary administration, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, petition to sell real property, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, summary administration of intestate estate (file name: updated June 24, 2026), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, summary administration of testate estate (file name: updated June 24, 2026), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist, summary ancillary administration (file name: updated June 24, 2026), Fifteenth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• The homestead exemption applies to the first $50,000 of assessed value ($25,000 for all taxes, including school taxes) and an additional amount, $25,722 at most for 2025, that excludes school taxes and applies automatically. pbcpao.gov
• Homestead requires permanent residence, title and Florida residency on January 1 and an application by March 1. Missing March 1 waives the exemption for that year. A change in ownership by sale, marriage, divorce or death is reported to the Property Appraiser. pbcpao.gov
• The widow or widower exemption is $5,000 for a spouse widowed before January 1 of the tax year. It ends on remarriage, a copy of the death certificate and a written request are submitted, and the Florida exemption law is § 196.202. pbcpao.gov
• The Property Appraiser's offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; general questions go to 561.355.3230. pbcpao.gov

Death certificates

• Florida death certificates cover deaths from 2009 to present at the county office; earlier deaths go to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or VitalChek. Valid photo identification goes with each request, and cause of death is released to family members and legal representatives. palmbeach.floridahealth.gov
• Main Office vital statistics: 800 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. palmbeach.floridahealth.gov
• The health department's phone line on the death certificates page is 561-840-4500. palmbeach.floridahealth.gov
• Delray Beach vital statistics: 225 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445, 561-274-3100. palmbeach.floridahealth.gov
• Belle Glade vital statistics: 38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430, 561-983-9220. palmbeach.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The Clerk's Self-Service Center is in Room 1.2500 of the Main Courthouse and gives court forms and packets (court forms/packets; Navigator appointments). mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The Self-Service Center phone is 561-355-7048. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The circuit announces that the Main Courthouse Law Library closes on September 8, 2026, for major renovations, with the reopening date unknown. 15thcircuit.com
• 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
• The clerk's probate page lists (561) 355-2986 as the probate contact. mypalmbeachclerk.com
• The clerk's Main Courthouse page lists (561) 355-2996 as the courthouse phone. mypalmbeachclerk.com

Sources

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

1. Florida Courts, Trial Courts - Circuit, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Fifteenth Circuit - Palm Beach

   Note: The page text is delivered by script, so a checker that reads only the page markup may not see it. Read in a browser on 2026-10-16: Eleventh Circuit - Miami-Dade; Fifteenth Circuit - Palm Beach.

2. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Home, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • 205 North Dixie Hwy. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
   • 3188 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
   • 200 West Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444
   • The Main Courthouse Law Library will close on September 8, 2026, for major renovations. The reopening date is currently unknown.
3. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Probate Division, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The ex parte docket is suspended until further notice
   • These documents must be mailed/overnight to the physical address of the courthouse where the matter is pending:
   • Main Courthouse: PBC Clerk & Comptroller's Office, 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Attn: Probate Department
   • South County: PBC Clerk & Comptroller's Office, 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 Attn: Probate Department
   • North County: PBC Clerk & Comptroller's Office, 3188 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Attn: Probate Department
   • Complete the appropriate Checklist in OLS for the motion/petition. Proposed Orders are to be uploaded to the OLS system and not sent to the clerk's office.
   • If you receive a status order or deficiency memorandum, the deficiency must be cured prior to resubmitting the order.
   • The Probate Division handles all matters relating to the validity and execution of wills, appointment of guardians, trusts, incompetencies (Baker Act)
   • Prior to first use, users must create an account in the Court's Online Services
   • Approved Checklists Appointment of Guardian - Minor Standing Order Incapacity IA Standing Order Incapacity IZ Determine Homestead - Formal & Summary Petition Determine Homestead - Stand Alone Discharge Formal Administration of Intestate Estate Formal Administration of Testate Estate Formal Ancillary Administration Petition to Sell Real Property Summary Administration of Intestate Estate Summary Administration of Testate Estate Summary Ancillary Administration
4. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Divisions, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IA Samantha Schosberg Feuer (561) 355-3518
   • IZ Charles E. Burton (Administrative Judge) (561) 330-1723
5. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Division IA instructions, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Assignment: Probate Division: IA
   • Courtroom: 4B Phone: (561) 355-3518 Room number: 4.2608 Courthouse: Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse
   • All waivers, consents, renunciations and receipt of assets must be notarized.
   • THE COURT REQUIRES THAT ALL VERIFIED DOCUMENTS CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF 4 LINES OF TEXT ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE IN ADDITION TO THE VERIFICATION.
   • The Clerk's office will now accept Petitions to Determine Homestead without the necessity of opening a Summary Administration Estate.
   • Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) will be held on: Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 9:00 AM - in person or via Zoom
   • All Special Sets must be set by Order Specially Setting Not by notice of hearing.
   • All special set hearings one (1) hour or longer are in-person.
   • please do not contact the JA about the status of your order unless it has been seven (7) days since the order was uploaded or if your order is an emergency.
   • All proposed orders for probate cases must be submitted directly through the OLS system
   • All proposed orders shall be submitted to the court for review no later than 48 hours following the hearing via OLS system
   • Evidence must be uploaded 72 hours before your trial or evidentiary hearing
   • Motions for Emergency Hearing should be filed with the Clerk's e-portal and then click the Emergency Filing box
6. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Division IZ instructions, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Administrative Judge Probate Assignment: Probate Division: IZ
   • Courtroom: SC 8 Phone: (561) 330-1723 Room number: 2W-145 Courthouse: South County Courthouse
   • Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) will be held on: Tuesdays @ 9:00 AM - in person or via Zoom
   • UMC hearings are only required for contested or adversary matters. Most matters do not require a hearing.
   • The Fifteenth Circuit has suspended all ex-parte dockets
   • Special Set Hearings more than thirty (30) minutes will continue to be requested through the Judicial Assistant.
   • The court can only print documents that are ten (10) pages or less.
   • All orders must be submitted in "Word format" via OLS for the court to electronically sign.
   • ALL VERIFIED DOCUMENT PAGES MUST CONTAIN A PORTION OF THE OF THE TEXT OF THE PETITION (4 lines) ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE.
   • Probate Division "IZ" is now participating in Online Scheduling for Special Set non-evidentiary Hearings thirty (30) minutes or less.
7. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders, Series 06, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Series 06 - Probate, Guardianship, and Mental Health
   • 6.101 Probate and Guardianship Divisions 374.95 KB 06/06/2022
   • 6.102 Matters to be Filed in Probate/Guardianship Division 57.87 KB 09/29/2008
   • 6.103 Establishment of South County Probate Divisions IX and IZ 45.71 KB 12/30/2013
   • 6.104 Emergency Hearings in Probate and Guardianship Matters 473.34 KB 11/19/2014
   • 6.107 Mental Health Case Assignment: Baker Act, Marchman Act, Firearm Motions and Tuberculous Cases 245.07 KB 09/08/2026
   • 6.201 Prehearing Review of Probate Documents 547.27 KB 03/14/2022
   • 6.202 Formal Administration:Checklist for Closing an Estate 247.58 KB 06/10/2022
   • 6.306 Guardianship Matters to be Audited by Clerk & Comptroller 336.1 KB 10/12/2022
   • 6.310 Professional Guardian Registry & Appointment of Professional Guardian 177.72 KB 01/24/2020
   • 6.315 Eldercaring Coordinator Roster 358.69 KB 09/19/2024

   Note: The PDFs of AO 6.102, 6.103, 6.104, 6.107, 6.310 and 6.315 are scanned images without text. Their titles and dates come from this index; the one-line effect restates the title.

8. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Updated Administrative Orders, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • 09-30-2026 11.102 Assignment of Administrative Judges and Executive Committee
   • 09-30-2026 11.106 Alternate Assignments

   Note: The PDFs of AO 11.102 and 11.106 are scanned images without text; their content was not read.

9. AO 6.101-06/2022, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.101-06/2022
   • will now be divided into two divisions: IA and IZ
   • shall be randomly and equitably assigned between Divisions IA and IZ
   • All Estate and Non-relief Trust matters filed relating to a decedent are deemed related to the Estate or Trust proceeding and shall be assigned to judge where the first case was opened.
   • It is the responsibility of the attorney of record to notify the Clerk of the Circuit Court in writing that related cases exist.
   • Divisions IH, II, IJ, IB, ID, IC, IX, and IY will be closed over time
10. AO 6.102-9/08 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.102-9/08
    • MATTERS TO BE FILED IN PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP DIVISION
    • Florida Probate Code (Ch. 731-35 F.S.)
    • Florida Guardianship Law (Ch. 744 F.S.)
    • Action seeking relief in the nature of constructive and resulting trusts shall be filed in the Civil Division.
11. AO 6.103-12/13 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.103-12/13
    • Court Administration will re-open Probate/Guardianship Division "IZ" effective December 1, 2013.
    • Division "IX" thirty-three percent (33%), Division "IY" thirty-three percent (33%), and Division "IZ" thirty-four percent (34%).
12. AO 6.104-11/14 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.104-11/14
    • EMERGENCY HEARINGS IN PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP MATTERS
    • Requests for Emergency Hearings shall be decided by each judge on the Emergency Motion alone.
    • Motions for immediate payment of funds usually do not meet the standard for emergency relief.
13. AO 6.107-09/2026 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.107-09/2026
    • effective September 10, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.
    • The Southern Region, in which cases will be assigned to the Division IZ Judge
    • The West Region, in which cases will be assigned to the Division IW Judge.
    • The Northern/Central Region, in which cases will be assigned to the Division IA Judge.
14. AO 6.310-1/2020 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.310-1/2020
    • PROFESSIONAL GUARDIAN REGISTRY & APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL GUARDIAN
    • must annually apply for and be appointed to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit's Professional Guardian Registry
    • to be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Court from May 1-15 of each year.
15. AO 11.102-09/2026 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGES AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    • Probate & Guardianship Division Charles Burton
    • this 30th day of September, 2026
16. AO 11.106-09/2026 (scanned PDF, read visually), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN RE: ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENTS
    • CIRCUIT COURT PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP DIVISION Judge Schosberg-Feuer / Judge Burton
    • this 30th day of September, 2026
17. AO 6.201-3/22, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.201
    • NOW, THEREFORE, effective March 23, 2022
    • 14th day of March, 2022
    • Failure to e-file an accurate and completed checklist shall result in a rejection of the petition with leave to refile.
    • The following uncontested petitions for relief and/or matters shall be reviewed by a case manager, staff attorney or other qualified court personnel before submittal to a divisional judge:
    • Contested matters heard at UMC, or at a specially set hearing.
    • Will contests.
18. AO 6.202-6/22, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 6.202-6/22
    • it is hereby ORDERED that Administrative Order 6.202-9/08 is vacated and set aside.
    • this 10th day of June, 2022
19. AO 6.306-10/22, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO.: 6.306 -10/22
    • Persons who are placed in guardianship need an effective and efficient review of guardianship accountings, plans, and inventories.
20. Checklist, petition to determine homestead, formal and summary administration (file name: updated June 24, 2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD
21. Checklist, determination of homestead, stand-alone petition (file name: updated June 24, 2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Determination of Homestead Checklist - Stand-Alone Petition
22. Checklist, petition for discharge (file name: 2023), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR DISCHARGE
23. Checklist, formal administration of intestate estate, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE ESTATE
24. Checklist, formal administration of testate estate (file name: 2024), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ADMINISTRATION OF TESTATE ESTATE
25. Checklist, formal ancillary administration, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION
26. Checklist, petition to sell real property, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO SELL REAL PROPERTY
27. Checklist, summary administration of intestate estate (file name: updated June 24, 2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE ESTATE
    • does not exceed $150,000
    • A copy or digitized copy of the death certificate (do not redact social security number) was filed.
28. Checklist, summary administration of testate estate (file name: updated June 24, 2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF TESTATE ESTATE
29. Checklist, summary ancillary administration (file name: updated June 24, 2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR SUMMARY ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION
30. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Division IA forms and orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IA Forms and Orders
    • Order Specially Setting Hearing (Word) Guardian Final Disposition Form (Word) Probate Final Disposition Form (Word)
31. Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Division IZ forms and orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IZ Forms and Orders
    • Order Specially Setting Hearing (Word) Guardian Final Disposition Form (Word) Determine Homestead - Formal Petition (PDF) Determine Homestead - Stand Alone (PDF) Probate Final Disposition Form (Word)
32. Palm Beach Clerk, Probate of Estates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • All proposed probate orders must be submitted directly to the 15th Judicial Circuit Court's online scheduling system (OLS).
    • They cannot be submitted in person, by mail or email to the court or to the Clerk's office. They also cannot be filed through the e-filing portal.
    • The Clerk's office does not forward Notices of Action and Notices to Creditors for non-indigent parties to a newspaper for publication.
    • The newspaper must have a print circulation.
    • Pursuant to Administrative Order 6.202-06/22, the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller no longer provides a closing checklist.
    • This administration is a probate proceeding when the value of the entire estate, less the value of property exempt from the claims of creditor, does not exceed $150,000 or the decedent has been dead for more than two years
    • with a net value up to $20,000 as of the date of death and non-exempt property the value of which does not exceed the sum of funeral expenses (up to $20,000) and reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness.
    • The Clerk's office provides the necessary form for this proceedings.
    • 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.
    • There is no filing fee for this process.
    • If an administration is opened at later date, the deposited will is placed in the probate administrative file at that time.
    • You are not required to hire an attorney for a Disposition of Personal Property without Administration or a Summary Administration case.
    • Although there are no required premade forms for a Summary Administration case, the 15th Circuit Court's Law Library does have a Summary Administration packet with template forms.
    • There are no forms available for formal administration as Florida law requires that you be represented by an attorney to file for Formal Administration.
    • documents filed in probate cases are not viewable online except by the parties to the case or the attorney of record in a case.
    • The death certificate can be e-filed. However, the original will must be filed with the Clerk's office.
    • P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33402.
    • Self-Service Center at 561-355-7048
    • Contact (561) 355-2986
    • Caveat by Creditor/Interested Party - Florida Statute 731.110
    • Notice of Trust - Florida Statute 736.05055

    Note: The clerk page prints funeral expenses 'up to $20,000' for disposition without administration; section 733.707(1)(b) caps class 2 funeral expenses at $6,000.

33. Palm Beach Clerk, Probate Fees, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate - (561) 355-2986
    • Caveat $41.00
    • Conservatorship $401.00
    • Curatorship $401.00
    • Disposition of personal property, without administration $232.00
    • Formal administration; Ancillary Administration $401.00
    • Petition to Admit Foreign Will, Authenticated Copies, or Transcript to Record $232.00
    • Generic petition and order:to open safe deposit box, to determine heirs $232.00
    • Oath of witness to will $3.50
    • Summary administration (less than $1,000) $236.00
    • Summary administration ($1,000 or more) $346.00
    • Indexing each Defendant in excess of five $2.50
    • Filing cross-claim, counterclaim, counterpetition or third-party complaint $395.00
    • Summons issued $10.00
    • Re-open Fee $50.00
    • Notice of Trust $41.00
34. Palm Beach Clerk, Main Courthouse, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Main Courthouse Address: 205 N. Dixie Hwy. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 355-2996
    • Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    • Probate: Room 3.2300 Probate cases, will deposits
    • Self Service Center: Room 1.2500 Court forms/packets; Navigator appointments
35. Palm Beach Clerk, South County Courthouse, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • South County Courthouse Address: 200 W. Atlantic Ave. Room 1S-124 Delray Beach, FL 33444
    • Probate Cases
    • Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
36. Palm Beach Clerk, North County Courthouse, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • North County Courthouse Address: 3188 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
    • Probate Cases
    • Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
37. Palm Beach Clerk, Court records copies, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Most court records prior to 2008 are not imaged.
    • You may use eCaseView to view document images for the case types below when the case is not older than 2008 and if you are either the attorney of record or a "registered user."
    • Including deposited wills
    • To sign up as a registered user : Registration is free.
    • [email protected]
    • PO Box 4526, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4526
    • the request can take up to 15 business days to fulfill.
38. Palm Beach Clerk, Court Records Search (eCaseView), checked October 16, 2026
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    • Court Records Search
    • Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
39. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, checked October 16, 2026
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    • the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves as a single, statewide access point connecting thousands of users to Florida's court system.
40. 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
41. 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
    • Fee for formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings .......... $395
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at $1,000 or more .......... $340
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at less than $1,000 .......... $230
    • Charge for caveat .......... $40
    • Fee for disposition of personal property without administration .......... $230
    • Fee for guardianship proceedings of person only .......... $230
    • Charge for exemplified certificates .......... $7
    • 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.
42. 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.
43. 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
44. 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.
45. Florida Statutes § 735.301, disposition without administration (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • nonexempt personal property the value of which does not exceed the sum of the amount of preferred funeral expenses and reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days
46. Florida Statutes § 733.707, order of payment of expenses and obligations (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Reasonable funeral, interment, and grave marker expenses, whether paid by a guardian, the personal representative, or any other person, not to exceed the aggregate of $6,000.
47. Florida Statutes § 732.402, exempt property (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Household furniture, furnishings, and appliances in the decedent's usual place of abode up to a net value of $20,000 as of the date of death.
48. 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.
49. Palm Beach Property Appraiser, Home, checked October 16, 2026
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    • PAPA - Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office
    • Homestead Exemption
50. Palm Beach Property Appraiser, Homestead Exemption, checked October 16, 2026
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    • All homestead exemption applications must be eligible as of January 1 and submitted by March 1 of the year in which the benefit will be applied.
    • Per Florida law, failure to apply for the homestead exemption on or before March 1 constitutes a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year.
    • A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property's assessed value.
    • For 2025, the maximum amount of the additional exemption is $25,722.
    • Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
    • Hold title to the property
    • Make the property your permanent residence
    • change to ownership due to a sale, marriage, divorce, death, or change in property use
51. Palm Beach Property Appraiser, Widow/Widower Exemption, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Florida grants a $5,000 exemption to widows and widowers who were widowed prior to January 1 of the tax year.
    • If the surviving spouse remarries, they are no longer eligible to receive the additional exemption.
    • To apply, submit a copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate and a written request for the exemption.
52. Palm Beach Property Appraiser, Contact, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Monday through Friday, Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • General Questions: 561.355.3230
    • 301 North Olive Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.355.2866
    • South County Service Center 14925 Cumberland Drive Delray Beach, FL 33446 561.276.1250
    • North County Service Center 3188 PGA Boulevard, 2nd Floor Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561.624.6521
    • Mayor Fred Pinto Midwestern Community Building 200 Civic Center Way, Suite 200 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561.784.1220
    • Belle Glade Service Center 2976 State Road 15 Belle Glade, FL 33430 561.996.4890
53. Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Death Certificates are available for deaths occurring in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.
    • Any death prior to 2009 must be requested from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville
    • A legible copy of a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, or military identification card must accompany all requests.
    • You must be a family member or legal representative when requesting cause of death.
    • Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • $15 Death Certificate
    • Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County 561-840-4500
    • Order death certificates online through VitalChek
54. DOH Palm Beach, Main Office, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Physical Address: 800 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
    • Birth and Death Certificates
    • Monday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
55. DOH Palm Beach, Delray Beach Health Center, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Physical Address: 225 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445 Phone: 561-274-3100
    • Birth and Death Certificates
56. DOH Palm Beach, C. L. Brumback Health Center, Belle Glade, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Physical Address: 38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430 Phone: 561-983-9220
    • Birth and Death Certificates