ProbateUS
Probate Court

St. Lucie County

Florida

772-462-6900

Phone

772-462-6900

Website

Official Site →

Email

probateslc@circuit19.org

In St. Lucie County, Florida, you file a probate case with the St. Lucie County probate court at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. You can reach the court at 772-462-6900. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 67 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

St. Lucie County, Florida

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate—

Judges & Officers

HS
Hon. Steven J. Levin

Probate Forms Library

67 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

Every St. Lucie Countyform, with a short summary and the official source →
Affidavit of DamagescountyDownload
Annual Guardianship Plan For Minors With Physician's ReportcountyDownload
Confidential-Records-Request-FormcountyDownload
Designation of Email Address - BondsmancountyDownload
Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration PacketcountyDownload
Download the Bond Refund Request Form & InstructionscountyDownload
SC19 — Form for Notice for Appointment of Guardian Advocate of the Person 5.905(b)countyDownload
SC19 — Form for Order for Appointment of Guardian Advocate of the Person 5.905(c)countyDownload
SC19 — Form for Petition for Appointment of Guardian Advocate of the Person 5.905(a)countyDownload
SC19 — Initial and Annual Guardianship Plans 5.904(a)countyDownload
SC19 — Initial Guardianship Plan for Adult 5.904(c)countyDownload
SC19 — Inventory 5.910countyDownload
SC19 — Letters of Guardian Advocacy 5.906countyDownload
SC19 — Letters of Guardianship of the Person 5.903(a)countyDownload
SC19 — Letters of Guardianship of the Property 5.903(b)countyDownload
SC19 — Order for Appointment of GuardiancountyDownload
SC19 — Petition for Appointment of GuardiancountyDownload
Petition For Summary With Will PacketcountyDownload
Petition For Summary Without Will PacketcountyDownload
SC19 — Petition to Determine Incapacity 5.901countyDownload
Summary Administration Checklist (PDF)countyDownload
Vulnerable Adult WorksheetcountyDownload
Waiver and ConsentcountyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

How Probate Works in St. Lucie County

Probate in St. Lucie County, Florida

The St. Lucie County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in St. Lucie County, FL, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Florida, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Florida?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Florida's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in St. Lucie County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the St. Lucie County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Florida law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Florida, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Florida does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with St. Lucie County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the St. Lucie County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Funeral homes near the St. Lucie County probate court

Additional Notes

Probate filings and original records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Fort Pierce. St. Lucie County utilizes a highly structured system of mandatory checklists and digital submissions. All proposed orders must be submitted via email to ProbateSLC@circuit19.org in Microsoft Word format. The 19th Circuit requires the original Last Will and Testament to be deposited with the St. Lucie Clerk within 10 days of receiving notice of death.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in St. Lucie County, FL?

Probate petitions for estates in St. Lucie County are filed at the St. Lucie County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in St. Lucie County?

Probate filing fees in St. Lucie County, Florida vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Florida?

Probate in Florida typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in St. Lucie County?

While not always legally required in Florida, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Florida, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The St. Lucie County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

John Severson

Burns & Severson, P.A.

Tequesta · 36 mi

Robert (Lee) McElroy

Downey McElroy, P.A.

Palm Beach Gardens · 44 mi

Fiduciary LitigationGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Edward Downey

Downey McElroy, P.A.

Palm Beach Gardens · 44 mi

Asset ProtectionCharitable Planning+1

Keith Braun

Comiter, Singer, Baseman & Braun, LLP

Palm Beach Gardens · 44 mi

General Trust & EstateFiduciary Litigation+2

Andrew (Andy) Comiter

Comiter, Singer, Baseman & Braun, LLP

Palm Beach Gardens · 44 mi

Business PlanningIncome Tax Planning+1
See more attorneys near St. Lucie County→

Related Resources

FloridaProbate Guide →All FloridaCourts →St. Lucie CountyProbate Forms →Florida executor fee calculator→Florida small estate checker→Florida creditor claim deadlines→Banks and Insurers to Notify →