Nassau County Probate Process for Residents & Non-Residents

In Florida, probate is a court-supervised legal process that manages a deceased person’s assets, addresses creditor claims, and distributes property to rightful beneficiaries. Whether the decedent lived in Nassau County or owned property here, understanding the county-specific probate process can help ensure an efficient administration.

Identifying Probate Assets

Determining whether probate is necessary starts by identifying which assets require court involvement. Probate assets generally include:

• Real estate titled solely in the decedent’s name
• Bank accounts without joint owners or beneficiaries
• Vehicles, jewelry, and other personal property
• Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts without transfer-on-death designations

Non-probate assets, such as those with joint ownership, designated beneficiaries, or payable-on-death (POD) features, usually transfer automatically without probate.

Real Estate & Property Records

To confirm property ownership, consult the Nassau County Property Appraiser:

Nassau County Property Appraiser
96135 Nassau Place, Suite 4
Yulee, FL 32097
https://www.nassauflpa.com/

If real estate is solely in the decedent’s name, probate is required to transfer or sell the property. It’s strongly recommended to wait until the estate is open and a personal representative is appointed before signing any contracts to sell or transfer property.

Forwarding Mail to Identify Additional Assets

Mail can reveal the existence of financial accounts, insurance policies, or creditor notices. Family members or the personal representative should arrange for mail forwarding via USPS to avoid missing critical information.

Restricted Depositories in Nassau County

In some cases involving property sales or minor beneficiaries, the court may order funds to be held in a restricted depository account. These accounts protect the estate’s assets until the court authorizes disbursement. Florida Probate Law Firm can assist with setting up restricted depositories and preparing the necessary petitions.

Ancillary Probate for Non-Residents

If a non-resident owned property in Nassau County, ancillary probate may be necessary. This secondary probate proceeding allows for the legal transfer or sale of Florida property owned by individuals whose primary estate is being administered in another state.

For example, if a Georgia resident owned a vacation home in Fernandina Beach, the primary probate would occur in Georgia, while ancillary probate would be opened in Nassau County to handle the Florida property.

Ancillary probate may be required if the non-resident decedent:

• Owned Florida real estate or timeshare property
• Held Florida-based financial accounts or tangible personal property
• Owned assets that require Florida probate authority for transfer

Working with an experienced Florida ancillary probate attorney can help minimize delays and ensure compliance with Florida law.

If you need assistance with probate in Nassau County, Florida, contact the Florida Probate Law Firm for help through every step of the process at (561) 210-5500.