Baker County Probate Process for Residents & Non-Residents
In Florida, probate is a court-supervised process used to identify a deceased person’s assets, pay valid debts, and distribute property to beneficiaries. If your loved one lived in Baker County or owned real estate here, the Baker County probate court will typically oversee the process.
Whether the estate involves a Last Will & Testament or is handled through Florida’s intestacy laws, the Florida Probate Law Firm can help you navigate every step.
Florida Probate Process
If a decedent passes away with a valid Will, the original document must be filed with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Baker County. The court will appoint a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) to administer the estate.
When there is no valid Will, Florida’s intestacy statute determines how assets are distributed — generally starting with the surviving spouse and children. This process is also managed by the Baker County probate court.
Baker County Probate Court Location
Probate cases in Baker County are handled by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court:
Baker County Courthouse
339 East Macclenny Avenue
Macclenny, FL 32063
Probate Assets
A key step in probate is determining which assets are considered probate assets. These include items owned solely by the decedent without a beneficiary designation. Common probate assets include:
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Bank accounts without a POD (payable-on-death) designation
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Vehicles or boats owned individually
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Personal property such as jewelry, art, or household valuables
Real estate titled only in the decedent’s name
Non-probate assets, on the other hand, may transfer automatically to beneficiaries. Examples include:
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Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries
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Retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries
Jointly owned property with survivorship rights
For real estate, families can confirm title ownership through the Baker County Property Appraiser’s Office. If the property was in the decedent’s sole name, probate will be necessary before transfer or sale.
Ancillary Probate for Non-Residents
If someone lived outside Florida but owned real estate in Baker County, an ancillary probate may be required. For example, if a Georgia resident owned hunting land or a vacation property in Macclenny, a secondary probate case must be opened in Baker County to properly transfer or sell that property.
This ancillary process begins after probate is initiated in the decedent’s home state and ensures Florida property passes legally to heirs or buyers.
If you need assistance with probate in Baker County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for a free 30 minute consultation at (561) 210-5500.
The Florida Probate Law Firm proudly serves all municipalities in Baker County, FL
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Macclenny
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Glen St. Mary
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Taylor
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Sanderson
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Olustee
If you need assistance with probate in Baker County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for a free 30 minute consultation at (561) 210-5500.
