Davie City probate court records cover every estate case filed for people who lived in Davie, Florida. These records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the 17th Judicial Circuit Court.
Anyone can look at these records for free through the county’s online system. The records show who died, who handles the estate, what assets exist, and how the case moves through court. This page explains how to look up these records, what types of cases exist, what they cost, and where Davie residents can get legal help with probate matters.
Where Davie Probate Cases Are Filed
Davie sits inside Broward County in southeast Florida. All probate cases for Davie residents are filed at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse handles every type of probate matter, from simple will filings to full estate administrations. Knowing the right office saves time when searching for records or filing new cases.
Broward County Courthouse Location
The Broward County Courthouse stands at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. This building sits about eight miles east of the Town of Davie. The courthouse opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must pass through security screening before entering. The probate division occupies a specific section of the building, with staff who handle filings, record requests, and certified copies. Anyone planning an in-person visit should allow extra time for parking, which costs a small fee in the nearby garage.
17th Judicial Circuit Court Role
Broward County belongs to the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit court oversees all trial court cases in the county, including probate matters. The 17th Circuit website at 17th.flcourts.org posts local rules, court forms, and procedural guides that apply to Davie probate cases. The circuit also runs a self-help center at the courthouse where staff assist people who file without an attorney. Judges who hear probate cases in the 17th Circuit follow both Florida state law and local administrative rules specific to Broward County.
Clerk of Court Office Details
Clerk Brenda Forman heads the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. Her office runs the probate division along with all other civil filings. The clerk maintains the official case docket, stores filed documents, and operates the public records search system. The probate clerk staff can answer questions about filing fees, document requirements, and case status. Call (954) 831-6565 to reach the clerk’s office during business hours. The office website at browardclerk.org lists all available services, fee schedules, and online search tools.
| Office | Contact Detail |
|---|---|
| Broward County Courthouse | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Clerk Phone Number | (954) 831-6565 |
| Business Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Clerk Website | browardclerk.org |
| 17th Circuit Court | 17th.flcourts.org |
| Town of Davie | davie-fl.gov |
How to Search Probate Records Online
Broward County keeps a free public search system for court records. This system covers probate cases filed in the county, including all cases for Davie residents. The search works from any computer or phone with internet access. Users need only the name of the deceased person or a case number to begin a search.
Online Case Search System
The Broward County Clerk runs an online portal at browardclerk.org. The portal lets visitors search for probate cases by name, case number, or filing date. Each search result shows the case type, parties involved, judge assigned, and current status. Most case files include scanned images of filed documents like the will, petition, inventory, and court orders. These images let users read the actual paperwork without visiting the courthouse in person. The online system updates daily as new filings occur.
Search by Name or Case Number
To start a search, type the full name of the deceased person into the search box. The system works best with the last name first, followed by the first name. Results may include multiple people with the same name, so check the address and date of death to confirm a match. Users who already know the case number can type it directly into the search field. Broward County probate case numbers include a year and sequence code, such as “PR-2024-001234.” This number appears on every document filed in the case.
Requesting Older Records
Some older probate cases exist only on paper. These records predate the digital system or were filed before scanning began. To request an older record, call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565. Staff can pull physical files for review. In-person requests require valid photo ID. Copies cost a set fee per page, and certified copies cost more. Certified copies carry an official court seal and serve as legal proof of the document’s contents. Most certified copies are needed for closing bank accounts, transferring property titles, or filing insurance claims.
Types of Probate Cases in Florida
Florida law offers three main paths for handling a dead person’s estate. The path that applies depends on the size of the estate, what assets exist, and how long ago the person died. Davie residents follow the same rules as everyone else in Florida, since the state probate code applies statewide.
Formal Administration
Formal administration handles estates worth more than $75,000 in probate assets. The court appoints a personal representative, often called an executor, to manage the estate. This person collects assets, pays debts, files an inventory with the court, and distributes remaining property to heirs. Creditors receive notice and have at least three months to file claims against the estate. Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration unless the personal representative is the only heir. Formal cases often take six months to a year to close, sometimes longer if disputes arise.
Summary Administration
Summary administration offers a faster, cheaper path for small estates. A family can use summary administration when the total probate assets equal $75,000 or less, or when the person died more than two years ago. The court reviews a petition and issues an order distributing assets. No personal representative gets appointed, and no inventory filing is required. Most summary administration cases close within two to three months. The lower cost and faster timeline make this path popular for modest estates.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration covers very small situations. This option works when the deceased left no real property and the only assets are funds needed to pay final medical bills and funeral costs. The total amount must be under $6,000. A court order releases those funds directly to the person who paid the bills. No full probate case opens. This path saves time and money for families handling the simplest estates.
Assets Outside of Probate
Many assets pass to heirs without going through probate. Jointly held property transfers automatically to the surviving owner. Retirement accounts and IRAs with named beneficiaries pay out directly to those beneficiaries. Life insurance proceeds go to named beneficiaries outside the probate process. Assets held in a living trust also bypass probate. Knowing which assets skip probate helps families avoid unnecessary legal work and costs.
Filing Fees and Costs
Probate filing fees in Broward County follow the Florida state fee schedule. The total fee depends on the gross value of the estate’s probate assets. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Fees change from time to time, so always confirm the current amount before filing.
Court Filing Fee Schedule
The Florida probate fee schedule starts at $235 for estates worth up to $1,000. Estates between $1,001 and $2,500 pay $270. From $2,501 to $10,000, the fee is $300. Estates between $10,001 and $25,000 pay $355. From $25,001 to $75,000, the fee is $405. Estates over $75,000 pay a base fee of $405 plus $3.00 for each $1,000 above $75,000, up to a set cap. These fees cover the initial filing only.
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $235 |
| $1,001 – $2,500 | $270 |
| $2,501 – $10,000 | $300 |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | $355 |
| $25,001 – $75,000 | $405 |
| Over $75,000 | $405 + $3 per $1,000 above $75,000 |
Additional Costs
Beyond the initial filing fee, expect costs for recording the final judgment, publishing a notice to creditors in a Broward County newspaper, and getting certified copies of court orders. Newspaper publication gives creditors formal notice and costs between $50 and $150. Certified copies cost $1 to $2 per page, with a minimum charge per document. Recording fees apply when transferring real property titles based on court orders.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees in Florida probate cases follow a statutory formula based on the estate’s value. The formula sets a percentage and a fee for each service rendered. Parties can agree to different fee arrangements, but most attorneys follow the standard schedule. For smaller estates, some attorneys offer flat-fee services. The flat-fee option can save money for families using summary administration or disposition without administration.
Wills and Filing Requirements
Florida law requires specific steps when a person dies with a will. The rules apply statewide, including to Davie residents. Knowing these requirements helps families avoid legal problems and lost documents.
Filing a Will in Broward County
Anyone who has a will in their possession must file it with the clerk of court within 10 days of learning that the person who signed it has died. This rule comes from Florida Statutes section 732.901. Filing the will does not open a probate case. The filing simply places the document on the public record. Once filed, the will becomes available for anyone to request a copy. If probate opens later, the filed will becomes part of the case file. The clerk accepts wills for filing at the probate counter during business hours.
Florida Probate Code
The full Florida Probate Code appears in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes. These chapters cover who can serve as a personal representative, how debts get paid, how disputes are resolved, and how assets get distributed. The code applies uniformly across Florida, so Davie probate cases follow the same rules as cases in any other county. The statutes are available for free online at the Florida Legislature’s website.
Local Court Rules
The 17th Judicial Circuit posts local administrative rules that supplement the state code. These rules cover specific procedures for Broward County, such as formatting requirements for petitions, deadlines for filing certain documents, and standards for fiduciary accountings. Local rules carry the same legal weight as state law. The current local probate rules are available at 17th.flcourts.org. Reviewing these rules before filing helps avoid rejected paperwork and court delays.
Legal Help for Davie Residents
Davie residents dealing with probate matters have several places to turn for help. Some resources cost nothing, while others charge standard legal fees. The right choice depends on the complexity of the case and the family’s budget.
Florida Bar Referral Service
The Florida Bar operates a lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. Users can search for probate attorneys practicing in Broward County. The search tool shows attorney profiles, practice areas, and contact details. The Bar service also handles license verification and complaint filings. Many attorneys listed offer a free initial consultation. This meeting lets families discuss their case and learn about fee structures before hiring anyone.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. The agency assists with probate matters involving very small estates, surviving spouses needing protection, and minor children who stand to inherit. Visit legalaid.org to check eligibility and request help. The application process asks about income, assets, and the specific legal issue. Qualifying applicants receive full legal representation at no cost.
Self-Help Centers
The 17th Circuit runs a self-help center at the Broward County Courthouse. Staff at the center help people who file without an attorney. They explain court forms, clarify procedures, and point users to the right resources. The staff cannot give legal advice or represent anyone in court. The center operates during courthouse hours. Check 17th.flcourts.org for the current schedule and any appointment requirements.
State Court Resources
The Florida Courts statewide self-help website at flcourts.gov offers downloadable probate forms and plain-language guides. These materials cover topics like opening a probate case, serving as a personal representative, and closing an estate. The guides use simple language and walk through each step. This free resource works well for families who want to handle a simple estate without hiring an attorney.
Contact and Office Details
Several offices play a role in Davie probate matters. Each office has its own phone number, address, and website. Keeping this contact data handy makes record searches and filings faster.
Phone and Hours
The Broward County Clerk of Courts probate division can be reached at (954) 831-6565. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone line handles questions about case status, filing fees, and document requests. Call during morning hours for shorter wait times. The 17th Circuit Court general information line is also available during business hours for questions about court procedures and hearing schedules.
Official Websites
The Broward County Clerk of Courts website at browardclerk.org offers the online case search tool, fee schedules, and forms. The 17th Judicial Circuit website at 17th.flcourts.org provides local rules, court calendars, and self-help resources. The Town of Davie website at davie-fl.gov posts local government contact details and community resources that may help during the probate process.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about probate records and procedures in Davie, Florida. The answers cover search methods, filing requirements, fees, and legal help options. Each answer points to specific offices, websites, and phone numbers for follow-up questions.
How Do I Find a Specific Probate Case in Davie?
Go to browardclerk.org and use the online case search tool. Type the full name of the person who died, or enter the case number if you have it. The search results show case status, party names, and filing dates. Click on a case to see the full docket and document images. Most cases from the past 20 years appear in the online system. For older cases, call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to request a physical file search. Have the deceased’s full name and approximate date of death ready when you call.
What Does It Cost to File a Probate Case in Broward County?
Filing fees start at $235 for very small estates and go up based on the estate’s total value. Estates over $75,000 pay $405 plus $3 for each $1,000 above that threshold. Additional costs include certified copies, newspaper publication for creditor notice, and recording fees for property transfers. Attorney fees follow a Florida statutory formula, though some attorneys offer flat-fee pricing for simple summary administration cases. Confirm all current fees with the clerk’s office before filing, as the schedule updates periodically.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Open a Probate Case in Davie?
Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration cases unless the personal representative is the only heir. Summary administration cases can proceed without an attorney, but legal guidance helps avoid mistakes. The self-help center at the Broward County Courthouse assists people who file on their own. Staff explain forms and procedures but cannot give legal advice. For complex estates, family disputes, or federal tax issues, hiring an attorney is the safer choice. The Florida Bar referral service at floridabar.org helps locate probate attorneys in Broward County.
Can I See Probate Records From Other Counties Through the Broward System?
No. The Broward County Clerk’s online search system only covers cases filed in Broward County. Davie residents file probate cases in Broward because Davie sits inside the county. For probate records from other Florida counties, contact that county’s clerk of court directly. Each Florida county runs its own records system. The Florida Department of State provides a county-by-county directory that links to each clerk’s office and online search portal.
What Happens If No One Files a Will After Someone Dies?
Florida law still requires the will to be filed. Whoever has the will in their possession must deliver it to the clerk of court within 10 days of learning about the death. Filing the will does not force a probate case to open. The will simply gets placed on public record. If no one opens probate, the will sits on file at the courthouse. Heirs who later want to act on the will can petition the court to open a case. The will filing requirement protects against lost or hidden wills.
How Long Does a Probate Case Take in Broward County?
Summary administration cases typically close in two to three months. Formal administration cases take six months to a year on average, longer if disputes arise or the estate holds complex assets. Creditors have at least three months to file claims after notice, which sets a minimum timeline. Courts can extend deadlines for good cause. The clerk’s office tracks each case and posts status updates online. Families can check progress anytime through the public case search system.
Are Probate Records Free to View in Florida?
Yes, basic case data and document images are free to view through the Broward County Clerk’s online system. Printed copies cost a per-page fee. Certified copies with the court seal cost more, usually $1 to $2 per page with a minimum charge. Certified copies serve as legal proof for bank, insurance, and property matters. Some financial details in estate cases stay sealed by court order, but the general case docket, will, and court orders remain public.