Deerfield Beach City probate court records are public files that show how estates settle after someone dies in this Broward County city. These records include wills, petitions, court orders, and case status details.
They help families, lawyers, and researchers find facts about a deceased person’s estate in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The records stay with the Broward County Clerk of Court, not the city itself.
Deerfield Beach sits inside Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. All probate cases for people who lived in this city go through the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. This page covers how to search these records, what case types exist, what fees apply, and where to get legal help.
Where Deerfield Beach Probate Records Are Filed
Deerfield Beach probate records get filed and stored at the county level. Florida law requires probate cases to open in the county where the person lived at the time of death. Since Deerfield Beach sits inside Broward County, the Broward County Clerk of Court holds all probate files for city residents. The clerk’s office accepts new filings, stores old case files, and provides copies to the public.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all probate cases. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current clerk. The clerk’s office processes thousands of probate cases each year from cities across the county, including Deerfield Beach. The main office sits in the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
| Clerk Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Current Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Street Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 14610, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302 |
| Main Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Official Website | browardclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court covers only Broward County. It hears all probate matters for the county, including cases from Deerfield Beach. The circuit court assigns judges, sets hearing dates, and issues final orders. The 17th Circuit ranks among the busiest probate courts in Florida due to the large senior population across South Florida. The circuit website at 17th.flcourts.org provides judge schedules and self-help resources.
Why the City Does Not Hold Records
The City of Deerfield Beach does not store probate records. The city handles local government services like utilities, building permits, parks, and police. Probate falls under state court authority. The city website at deerfieldbeachfl.gov only provides general municipal services and has no link to court files. For any probate record search, go directly to the Broward County Clerk.
How to Search Deerfield Beach Probate Records
Anyone can search probate records for Deerfield Beach estates. The search tools are free to use. You need basic facts about the deceased person to start a search. The Broward County Clerk offers several ways to look up cases, both online and in person.
Online Case Search Tools
The Broward County Clerk offers an online case search at browardclerk.org. The search portal lets you look up probate cases by name, case number, or filing date. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. Most case details appear the same day they are filed with the court. You can also use the 17th Judicial Circuit website at 17th.flcourts.org. That site shows judge assignments, hearing schedules, and case progress. For full document images, use the clerk’s portal.
Searching by Name or Case Number
To search by name, type the last name of the person who died. Add the first name to narrow results. The search works best when you know the year of death. The system lists all matching probate cases filed in Broward County. To search by case number, enter the full number. Florida case numbers follow a set pattern. They start with two digits for the year, then a county code, then a sequence number. A sample case number looks like 2024-CP-012345. Each number stays unique to one case.
What Records Stay Confidential
Most probate records are public. Anyone can view the will, the petition, and the final order. Some records stay sealed by Florida law. The full inventory of estate assets stays confidential. Accountings of how money was spent also stay private. The court protects this data to keep family financial details out of public view. A summary of the inventory gets filed in a public form. The detailed version stays sealed.
Requesting Certified Copies
You can ask for certified copies of probate records. Certified copies have a raised seal and count as legal proof in court and in business settings. You can request them in person at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, by mail, or online for some document types. Each certified copy costs a set fee per page plus a certification fee. The clerk’s website lists all current fees. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person orders.
Types of Probate Cases in Broward County
Florida law gives families several ways to settle an estate. The right path depends on the estate value, the presence of a will, and family needs. All these case types apply to Deerfield Beach estates and get filed through the Broward County Clerk.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the gross value of probate assets is more than $75,000. A personal representative gets appointed by the court. The representative pays debts, files an inventory, and distributes assets to heirs. Formal administration takes at least six months and often lasts over a year. This path offers the most court supervision.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a faster and cheaper option. It applies when the estate value is $75,000 or less. It also applies when the person died more than two years ago, no matter the value. The court can approve a summary petition without appointing a personal representative. Many summary cases close in two to four months. This path works well for simple estates with no disputes.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest path. It only works for small estates with no real property. The estate must contain less than $6,000 in total assets. Funeral and medical bills are the only debts allowed. The clerk handles the whole process at the counter with no judge hearing needed. This path can finish in one day.
Ancillary Probate
Ancillary probate applies when the deceased owned property in Florida but lived in another state. The out-of-state estate goes through probate in the home state first. A second probate case opens in Florida to handle the local property. Broward County handles ancillary cases for any Florida property owned by Deerfield Beach heirs or out-of-state decedents.
Trust and Will Deposit
Florida Statute 732.901 says any will must be filed with the clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. This rule applies even if no probate case will open. The clerk stores the will as a public record. Any person can inspect a deposited will during business hours. The deposit does not start a probate case by itself.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Probate filing fees in Broward County match Florida state law. The base fees stay the same across all Florida counties. Local surcharges may apply for some services. Always check the clerk’s website for the most current fee schedule before you file. Fees can change with each state budget cycle.
Petition Filing Fees
A formal administration petition costs around $400 to file. The exact fee depends on how many pages and documents you submit. A summary administration petition costs between $235 and $300. Disposition without administration costs less than $200. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. There is a small extra fee for credit card payments.
Certified Copy and Recording Fees
Each certified copy of a probate document costs a set fee per page. A separate certification fee applies to each document. Recording fees apply when you file real estate documents with the court. The clerk lists exact dollar amounts on browardclerk.org. Recording real estate deeds costs more than recording simple documents.
Attorney and Bond Costs
Florida law sets attorney fees for probate work. The fee is 3% of the first $1 million in gross estate value. The fee drops on a sliding scale above $1 million. Court costs and attorney fees stay separate. A personal representative bond may be required. The bond premium depends on the size of the estate. Heirs can waive the bond in many cases through a written agreement.
Notice to Creditors Cost
The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a Broward County newspaper. The publication cost runs from $75 to $200. The notice runs once a week for two consecutive weeks. Creditors have three months from the first publication date to file claims. Known creditors also get direct notice by mail.
The Probate Process Step by Step
Formal probate in Broward County follows a clear set of steps. The timeline runs from a few months to over a year based on case complexity. Here is how the process works for a typical Deerfield Beach estate.
Filing the Will and Petition
The first step is filing the will with the clerk. A petition for administration goes in at the same time. The petition names the proposed personal representative. The clerk stamps the documents and assigns a case number. A copy of the death certificate must be attached. The filing fee gets paid at this time.
Appointing the Personal Representative
A judge reviews the petition. If the judge approves, the court issues letters of administration. These letters give the personal representative legal power to act for the estate. The representative can now open bank accounts, sell property, and pay debts on behalf of the estate. The letters serve as proof of authority for third parties.
Notifying Creditors
The personal representative sends written notice to all known creditors. The representative also publishes a notice in a Broward County newspaper. Creditors have three months from the first publication date to file claims. Late claims may not be paid from estate funds. The representative keeps records of all notices sent.
Inventory and Appraisal
The personal representative files a confidential inventory of estate assets. The inventory lists all real property, bank accounts, investments, and personal items. The inventory gets filed with the court within 90 days of appointment. The full document is not public. A summary form is public. The representative may hire a professional appraiser for real property and business interests.
Final Accounting and Closing
After the creditor period ends, the representative pays valid claims. The representative files a final accounting with the court. The accounting shows all money in, all money out, and the proposed distribution. The judge reviews the documents. If all is in order, the court enters an order closing the estate. The representative gets discharged from all further duties.
Legal Help for Deerfield Beach Families
Many families need legal help with probate. Several local resources serve Deerfield Beach residents. These resources range from free legal aid to paid attorney services. Most probate attorneys offer a free first consultation.
Broward County Bar Association
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The service connects you with a probate attorney who practices in the 17th Circuit. Call (954) 764-8040 to get a referral. The first 30-minute consultation costs a small fee. You can also search for attorneys on the Florida Bar website at floridabar.org. Filter by county and practice area for the best results.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County offers free civil legal help to people with low income. They handle some probate cases based on eligibility. Their main office sits in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 765-8950. Deerfield Beach lies inside their service area. They can help with simple summary administration cases for eligible clients. Income limits apply to qualify for free help.
Self-Help Resources at the Courthouse
The 17th Circuit offers self-help resources for people who file probate without an attorney. Self-help staff answer basic questions about forms and procedures. They cannot give legal advice. The self-help center sits on the first floor of the Broward County Courthouse. The clerk’s website also has form packets for download. These forms work for simple summary cases.
Nearby Court Locations
Deerfield Beach residents must visit the main Broward County Courthouse for probate matters. The courthouse sits about 13 miles south of Deerfield Beach in downtown Fort Lauderdale. No satellite probate office serves Deerfield Beach directly. Public transit options connect Deerfield Beach to the courthouse.
Broward County Courthouse Address
The main courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The building sits near the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Public parking is available in nearby garages for a daily fee. The courthouse is a short walk from the Broward Central Terminal bus station. Several Tri-Rail and Brightline stops are also nearby.
Phone and Office Hours
You can reach the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and on Florida state holidays. Phone wait times are shortest early in the morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The clerk recommends calling early in the day for the best service.
Official Website
The official Broward County Clerk of Court website is browardclerk.org. The site hosts the online case search, fee schedules, and downloadable forms. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court website is 17th.flcourts.org. This site provides judge schedules and self-help resources. Both sites are mobile-friendly and work on any device.
Common Questions About Deerfield Beach Probate Records
People often have questions about probate records and the search process. The answers below cover the most common questions asked by Deerfield Beach families, heirs, and researchers. Each answer gives clear facts and points to trusted sources. The information follows Florida state law and Broward County local rules as of 2026.
How do I check if a will exists for someone who died in Deerfield Beach?
Start with the Broward County Clerk online case search at browardclerk.org. Type the decedent’s full name and the year of death. The system lists all matching probate cases filed in Broward County. Florida law requires every original will to be filed with the circuit court clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. This rule applies even when no formal probate case opens. The will may sit on file with the clerk. Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to confirm if a will is on file. Staff can check by name during business hours. To view the will in person, visit the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk pulls the file for you. You can hand copy or request certified copies for a fee. The clerk cannot give legal advice about the will’s meaning or terms. For help reading or contesting the will, hire a probate attorney. Legal Aid Service of Broward County may help eligible low-income families. Search the Florida Bar directory at floridabar.org to find a local probate lawyer.
Can I view a probate file online?
You can view the basic case docket online through the clerk’s portal at browardclerk.org. The docket lists all filed documents, hearing dates, and court orders. Full document images may not all be available online for older cases. Many cases filed before 2010 only show docket entries, not full images. You can request copies of specific documents through the portal for a small fee. For full file access on older cases, visit the clerk’s office in person. The clerk can pull paper files from the storage area. Confidential documents like the full inventory are not available online or in person without a court order. You would need to file a motion with the court to unseal specific records. Most public documents can be viewed for free through the online portal. The portal updates each night with new filings from that day.
How long does probate take in Broward County?
Formal administration typically takes six months to one year for simple cases. Complex cases with disputes, tax issues, or real property sales can take two years or more. The creditor claim period of three months sets the minimum timeline for formal cases. Summary administration usually closes in two to four months. Disposition without administration can be completed in one day at the clerk’s counter. The exact timeline depends on case complexity. Cases with no disputes close fastest. Cases with creditor disputes, will contests, or missing heirs take much longer. The court publishes a current time study on case processing speeds. Most Deerfield Beach estates fall in the middle range for timing. The 17th Circuit court tracks average case length by case type each year.
Do I need a lawyer to file probate?
You can file summary administration and disposition without administration without a lawyer. The clerk’s self-help center can answer basic questions about forms and procedures. Formal administration is much more complex. Most attorneys recommend hiring a probate lawyer for formal cases. Mistakes in formal probate can create personal liability for the personal representative. An heir who serves as representative can be held liable for errors. Legal Aid Service of Broward County may help eligible low-income families with simple cases. Income limits apply for free legal help. The Florida Bar lawyer referral service at (954) 764-8040 can match you with a local attorney. Many probate attorneys offer free first consultations. The cost of an attorney often pays for itself in faster case resolution.
What happens if no one files probate?
If no one files probate, the estate remains open indefinitely. Creditors can still file claims against the deceased’s property years later. Real property cannot transfer to heirs without probate or another legal process like a trust. Florida law allows the state to take unclaimed property through the Department of Financial Services. Banks may freeze accounts with no legal authority to release funds. Family members cannot access safe deposit boxes without a court order. Title to cars cannot transfer without probate or small estate procedures. Property can sit in legal limbo for decades without action. Family members should file some form of probate to protect assets and clear title. Even summary administration can solve most problems. The court also requires probate to resolve creditor claims properly.
Are probate records free to view?
Basic case dockets are free to view through the clerk’s online portal at browardclerk.org. You do not need an account to search. Viewing documents in person at the courthouse is free for non-certified copies made on your own device or with hand-copying. You can bring a phone or camera to copy documents. Certified copies cost a fee per page plus a certification charge. The clerk’s fee schedule lists exact prices for each service. There is no fee to view public case files in person. You only pay when you need official certified copies for legal use. The fee for a standard certified copy is set by Florida statute. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for all services. Phone orders may have an extra processing fee.
Can out-of-state heirs get copies of probate records?
Out-of-state heirs can order certified copies by mail or online. Mail a written request to the clerk with the case number, the document you need, and a check for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing. The clerk’s mailing address is PO Box 14610, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. Online requests are available for many document types through browardclerk.org. The clerk can mail the certified copies to any U.S. address. International heirs can also request copies, but international shipping costs apply. The processing time for mail requests runs about two to three weeks. Online requests process faster, often within one week. The clerk cannot send copies by fax for legal documents due to authentication rules. All certified copies come with a raised seal for legal proof.