If you live in or around Sarasota County, you may need to take a trip to the Sarasota County probate court at some point in time. Today we want to talk a little bit about what you need to know before you head down there!
Sarasota County Probate Court: Information You Need
If you’re headed to the Sarasota County probate court, you’ll find it in the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller office at 2000 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34237. You can also contact them by phone at (941) 861-7400 if you get lost on your way or if you have any questions related to probate in Sarasota County.
If you are headed to the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller office, make sure to pay attention to their opening hours:
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Be sure to call ahead if you plan on visiting during the pandemic, though, because hours may be limited due to limited staffing. You can also check the site for more information relating to court holiday hours and closings.
Filing a Will
Filing a will at the Court is free, but the will must be filed within ten days of the person’s death.
Probate Forms
The Court also makes a few of their probate forms available online, you can find those here
- FORM: Probate Creditor Statement of Claim
FORM Packet: Disposition of Personal Property without Administration
Law Library
The Sarasota County Probate Court also offers a law library for self-help. You will find this useful if you are the executor of the estate or if you are contesting a will or estate executor.
Probate Fees
The probate fees for Sarasota County are as follows
| PROBATE | FEE |
|---|---|
| For opening of any estate of one document or more, including but not limited to: Petitions and Orders to approve settlement of minor’s claims; to open a safe deposit box; to enter rooms and places; for the determination of heirs (if not a formal administration); and for a foreign guardian to manage property of a non-resident. Note: This procedure is not for issuance of letters or orders of summary or family administration |
$231.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Caveat | $41.00 |
| Petition and order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies or transcript of record | $231.00 |
| For disposition of personal property without administration | $231.00 |
| Summary administration less than $1000 | $235.00 |
| Summary administration $1,000 or more | $345.00 |
| Formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings | $400.00 |
| Guardianship proceeding of person only | $235.00 |
| Veterans Administration Guardianship | $235.00 |
| Petition for determination of incapacity | $231.00 |
| Exemplified certificate | $7.00 |
| Petitions/Motions that reopen previously closed cases – F.S. 28.241(1)(b) Probate Case Reopen Fee Information |
$50.00 |
| Guardianship Audit Fee, Initial Inventory (if above $25,000.00) | $85.00 |
| Guardianship Audit Fee, Annual Financial Return: | |
| a. For estates valued at $25,000 or less | $20.00 |
| b. For estates valued from $25,001 to $100,000 | $85.00 |
| c. For estates valued from $100,001 to $500,000 | $170.00 |
| d. For estates valued at more than $500,000 | $250.00 |
Do You Need Representation For Sarasota County Probate Court?
If you need an attorney for probate in or around Sarasota County, Weidner Law would be happy to help! Just give us a call today at 727-954-8752.
