Overview
Glades County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 12,126. The Circuit Court for Glades County, Probate Division handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Florida probate is governed by the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731-735, Florida Statutes). The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Florida offers simplified procedures for smaller estates:
* Summary Administration: Available if the estate value is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
* Disposition Without Administration: A process to reimburse the person who paid for funeral or medical expenses from the estate's assets, typically for very small estates.
Florida law does not set a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based solely on a percentage of the estate, but provides a presumption of reasonable compensation (e.g., 3% for the first $1 million).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Glades County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Circuit Court for Glades County, Probate Division
Probate matters in Glades County are handled at the Glades County Courthouse.
Address: 500 Avenue J, Suite 102, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: (863) 946-6010 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the recorder of deeds and custodian of court records. The Probate Division is located within the main courthouse building.
Parking and Access
Public parking is generally available around the courthouse in Moore Haven. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Administration: If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less, or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- Disposition Without Administration: For very small estates consisting primarily of exempt property or assets needed to reimburse funeral/medical expenses.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration with the Circuit Court for Glades County. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Designation of Resident Agent
- Filing fee (approximately $400.00)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Florida and available for self-represented litigants via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Serve Notice of Administration on interested parties (surviving spouse, beneficiaries, etc.).
- Publish Notice to Creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Glades County (e.g., Lake Okeechobee News) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
- Serve Notice to Creditors on known creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate matters in Florida are handled ex parte (without a hearing) if documents are in order. If a hearing is required, the judge will review the petition and, if approved, issue Letters of Administration appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Collect and inventory estate assets.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.
- File a Final Accounting and Petition for Discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Glades County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must e-file documents. Self-represented litigants are encouraged to use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Checklists: The court may utilize checklists to ensure all required documents are filed before issuing Letters.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a qualified newspaper such as the Lake Okeechobee News.
- Local Rules: Consult the 20th Judicial Circuit administrative orders for specific local rules governing probate.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Glades County)
- Formal Administration: approximately $400.00
- Summary Administration: approximately $345.00
- Disposition Without Administration: approximately $232.00
- Caveat: approximately $41.00
- Notice of Trust: approximately $41.00
Fees are subject to change. Check with the Clerk's office for the most current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The Clerk accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a service fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for new case filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration: 1-3 months
- Formal Administration (Simple): 6-9 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months or longer
Timelines depend on the creditor claim period (3 months from publication) and court caseload.
Local Resources
Glades County Court Resources
- Court Website: Glades County Clerk of Court
- Probate Division: Probate Info
- Florida Courts Help: Probate Resources
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 342-8011 — floridabar.org
- Florida Rural Legal Services: (888) 582-3410 — frls.org
Publication
- Lake Okeechobee News: (863) 763-3134 — lakeokeechobeenews.com