Jefferson County Probate Process for Residents & Non-Residents

When a loved one passes away in Jefferson County, Florida, the process of managing their estate can be complex and emotional. Whether or not they left a will, the Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate the probate process with care and efficiency. Our legal team focuses solely on probate and estate administration across Florida, including Jefferson County and the surrounding areas.

We provide compassionate guidance, ensuring that every step—from filing documents to distributing assets—is handled correctly and according to Florida law.

Jefferson County Probate Process

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets are identified, debts are settled, and remaining property is distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. In Jefferson County, probate cases are handled by the Jefferson County Circuit Court, located in Monticello, Florida.

The court oversees various types of probate proceedings, depending on the size and complexity of the estate:

  • Formal Administration – Required when the estate exceeds $75,000 in value or when a personal representative must be appointed.
  • Summary Administration – A simplified process for smaller estates valued under $75,000 or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
  • Disposition Without Administration – Applies to very small estates, usually involving minimal assets or reimbursement for final expenses.

Our firm assists clients with all forms of probate administration, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines in Jefferson County.

Probate Assets

Not all property owned by a deceased person must go through probate. Understanding what assets are subject to probate is an important first step in estate administration.

Assets that typically require probate include:

  • Real estate titled solely in the decedent’s name

  • Bank accounts without a payable-on-death (POD) or joint owner designation

  • Vehicles titled only in the decedent’s name

  • Personal property such as jewelry, art, or collectibles

  • Business interests or ownership shares in a company

  • Investment or brokerage accounts without a designated beneficiary

Assets that generally avoid probate include:

  • Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship

  • Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries

  • Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) with designated beneficiaries

  • Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts

  • Trust assets held in the name of a living trust

Our attorneys can help determine which assets must pass through probate and which can be transferred directly to beneficiaries—streamlining the process and avoiding unnecessary delays.

If you need assistance with probate in Jefferson County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for a free 30 minute consultation.

Serving All of Jefferson County

We proudly assist families throughout Jefferson County, including residents of:

  • Monticello
  • Wacissa
  • Lamont
  • Aucilla
  • Lloyd

If you need assistance with probate in Jefferson County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for a free 30 minute consultation.

Speak With a Jefferson County Probate Attorney

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and need help handling their estate, our experienced team at the Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC is here to guide you through every step. We serve clients throughout Jefferson County and the entire state of Florida.

Call us today or fill out our online consultation form to get started.