Pompano Beach City probate court records are filed and kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Every estate, will, and guardianship case from a Pompano Beach resident goes through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court system.
This page explains how to look up these records, what they show, and what steps you need to follow to get copies or file new documents.
Where Pompano Beach Probate Records Are Filed
Pompano Beach does not have its own probate court. All probate cases from this city are handled at the county level through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The clerk stores every petition, will, inventory, and court order linked to local estates. The main office sits about ten miles south of Pompano Beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for all probate matters in the county. The current clerk is Brenda Forman. Her office accepts new filings, stores old case files, and gives the public access to court records. You can visit the office, call, or use the online portal to reach the records you need.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brenda Forman |
| Address | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | www.browardclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
17th Judicial Circuit Authority
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Broward County only. Judges in this circuit hear every probate case filed in the county, including those from Pompano Beach. The circuit court portal lists case types, judge assignments, and hearing schedules. You can use this portal to check the status of a pending case or look at past rulings.
Official website: https://www.17th.flcourts.org
How to Search Probate Records Online
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search tool for probate court records. You can use it from any computer or phone with internet access. The tool lets you search by the name of the person who died, the case number, or the date the case was filed. Most case data is open to the public without an account.
Using the Broward Clerk Portal
The Broward Clerk website at browardclerk.org is the main starting point for all online record searches. Click on the court records link and choose probate as the case type. The system pulls up matching cases based on the details you type in. You can then view the case summary, party list, and filing history for free.
Official website: https://www.browardclerk.org
What You Can See in Online Records
Online probate records show the case number, the name of the person who died, the personal representative, and the attorney on record. You can also see hearing dates, document filing dates, and the final court order. The system lists every paper filed in the case, even if the full text is sealed from public view.
What Is Sealed From Public View
Florida law under Chapter 733 keeps certain probate records private. Inventories, accountings, and some financial forms are sealed. You will see that a document was filed, but you may not be able to read the contents. Only people with a direct legal interest, such as heirs, beneficiaries, or creditors, can ask the court to open these sealed files.
Types of Probate Cases Filed From Pompano Beach
Florida law offers several paths for handling a deceased person’s estate. The right path depends on the size of the estate, the type of assets, and how long ago the person died. Pompano Beach residents follow the same rules as everyone else in Broward County.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the estate is worth more than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. A judge appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The representative must notify creditors, file an inventory, and prepare a final accounting. This process often takes six months to over a year to finish. Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration unless the person is filing their own estate as a pro se petitioner.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a faster, simpler path. It works for estates worth $75,000 or less, or for any size estate if the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative is appointed. The court reviews a petition and issues an order to distribute assets. Many families in Pompano Beach use this path for smaller estates.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest option. It applies when the deceased had no real property and the only assets are not enough to cover final medical bills and funeral costs. The clerk issues a letter that lets a bank or other party release funds to pay these final expenses. This is often used to settle a small bank account held by a deceased Pompano Beach resident.
Guardianship Cases
Guardianship cases are also filed in the probate division. These cover situations where a Pompano Beach resident is declared unable to manage their own affairs due to age, illness, or disability. The court appoints a guardian to handle finances, healthcare, or both. Most guardianship records are public, but certain medical details filed with the case stay sealed.
Will Deposit Filings
Under Florida Statute 732.901, a will must be deposited with the clerk within ten days of learning about a death. Depositing a will does not open a probate case. It places the original document in the court’s safe custody. Anyone with a legal interest can later petition to have the will admitted to probate.
Filing Fees and Certified Copy Costs
The fees for probate filings are set by Florida state law and collected by the Broward County Clerk. The exact amount depends on the size of the estate and the type of service you need. The clerk’s office can give you a current fee quote before you file anything.
Case Opening Fees
The fee to open a probate case in Broward County ranges from about $235 for very small estates to several hundred dollars for larger ones. The fee follows a sliding scale based on the estimated value of the estate. Filing a summary administration petition costs less than a formal administration petition because the court workload is lower.
Certified and Exemplified Copies
Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. If you need a copy mailed to you, add the cost of postage and an envelope. Exemplified copies, which carry the full court seal for use in other states or countries, cost a bit more. Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to confirm the current cost before sending payment.
Fee Waivers for Low-Income Petitioners
If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can ask the court to waive them. File an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status at the clerk’s office. A judge will review your income and assets. If you qualify, the court will either waive the fees or let you pay them later. This option is open for guardianship and formal administration cases.
How to Request Records by Mail or In Person
Not every record is available online. For full copies of older files, certified documents, or sealed records that you have a right to see, you may need to visit the clerk’s office or send a written request. The process is simple once you know what details to include.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Broward County Clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Records Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have. Staff can pull the file for you and make copies on the spot. You pay the copy fees at the time of service.
Mail Request Process
To request records by mail, send a written letter to the clerk’s office. Include the full name of the deceased, the case number if you have it, the approximate year of death, and your contact details. State which documents you need. Enclose a check or money order for the copy fees plus return postage. The clerk will mail the copies back to you once payment clears.
Phone and Email Inquiries
You can call the clerk’s main line at (954) 831-6565 for basic questions about case status, fees, or office hours. The clerk’s website also has contact forms for specific probate questions. Phone staff can confirm whether a case exists and whether it is open or closed, but they cannot give legal advice or pull sealed records over the phone.
Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Property Owners
Many out-of-state residents own condos, vacation homes, or other real estate in Pompano Beach. When one of these owners dies, the Florida property must go through Florida probate even if the main estate is handled in another state. This is called ancillary probate.
When Florida Probate Is Required
Real property located in Florida must be transferred through a Florida court, even if the deceased lived in another state. The personal representative named in the home state’s probate case can file an ancillary petition in Broward County. The court will issue a Florida order that allows the property to be sold, transferred, or distributed to heirs.
How Out-of-State Estates Are Handled
The ancillary process in Broward County is often shorter than a full probate because the home state has already settled the main estate. You still need to file a petition, pay the filing fee, and provide a certified copy of the home state probate order. Many families hire a Florida probate attorney to handle the ancillary filing on their behalf.
Legal Help and Self-Service Resources
Broward County has several free and low-cost legal resources for people dealing with probate matters. These services can help you fill out forms, understand your rights, or find a qualified attorney.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. They handle probate and guardianship cases for people who meet their income limits. Call their office ahead of time to see if you qualify for help. Their website is legalaidbroward.org.
Broward County Bar Association Referrals
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that can connect you with a probate attorney. Many local probate lawyers offer a free or low-cost first meeting. You can use the referral service to find a lawyer who handles cases in your part of the county.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center at flcourts.gov has court-approved forms and plain-language guides for summary administration and other probate processes. These are the same forms used in every Florida courthouse. The guides explain each step in simple terms and are a good starting point if you plan to file without an attorney.
City of Pompano Beach Resources
The City of Pompano Beach website provides contact details for local government services, though the city itself does not handle probate cases. You can use the city site to confirm addresses, look up local ordinances, or find links to county and state agencies that work on estate matters.
Official website: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov
Pompano Beach Probate Process Steps
The probate process follows a set order under Florida law. While the exact timeline varies by case, every Pompano Beach estate moves through the same basic stages when it goes through formal administration.
Filing the Initial Petition
The process starts when someone files a petition with the Broward County Clerk. The petition names the deceased, lists the heirs, and asks the court to open a probate case. A judge reviews the petition and issues letters of administration. These letters give the personal representative legal power to act for the estate.
Notifying Creditors and Beneficiaries
Once appointed, the personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper for two weeks in a row. Known creditors also get direct notice. Creditors then have 90 days to file a claim, or 30 days from the date they received direct notice, whichever is longer. Claims filed after the deadline are barred unless the court allows an extension.
Gathering Assets and Paying Debts
The personal representative collects all estate assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. Valid debts and taxes are paid from these assets. The representative also files an inventory with the court that lists every asset and its value at the time of death.
Final Accounting and Case Closure
After debts and taxes are paid, the personal representative prepares a final accounting. This document shows all money that came in and went out of the estate. Once all interested parties approve, the court issues a final order of discharge. This order closes the case and releases the personal representative from further duty.
Summary Administration Path
For summary administration, the process is much shorter. The petitioner files a single petition that lists the assets, the heirs, and how the assets should be divided. The court reviews the petition and issues an order. There is no personal representative, no creditor notice period, and no final accounting in summary administration.
Contact Details and Office Hours
The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all probate records for Pompano Beach residents. You can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main address is 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. The website is www.browardclerk.org. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court portal at www.17th.flcourts.org also has case lookup tools and court calendar data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Pompano Beach City probate court records. These cover search methods, fees, and access rules. If you need legal advice, contact a licensed probate attorney in Broward County.
Can I search Pompano Beach probate records for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk offers a free online search tool at browardclerk.org. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. The basic case data is open to the public at no cost. Viewing documents through the online portal is also free, though printing or downloading certain files may carry a small per-page fee. Certified copies always cost extra because the clerk must verify and stamp each page.
What probate records are sealed in Broward County?
Under Florida Statute Chapter 733, certain probate records stay sealed from public view. These include the inventory of estate assets, accountings that show money in and out, and certain financial forms. You will see that a document was filed, but the contents remain private. Heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and other parties with a direct legal interest can ask the court to open these sealed files for review.
How long does probate take for a Pompano Beach estate?
The timeline depends on the type of probate. Summary administration cases often close in two to three months. Disposition without administration can finish in a few weeks. Formal administration typically takes six months to over a year, especially if there are disputes among heirs, creditor claims, or real estate that must be sold. The court cannot speed up the mandatory creditor notice period of 90 days for formal cases.
Do I need an attorney to file probate in Pompano Beach?
Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration unless you are handling your own estate as a pro se petitioner, which is rare and not recommended. For summary administration and disposition without administration, an attorney is not required by law, but the court recommends one because the forms and legal rules can be tricky. A simple mistake can delay your case or lead to personal liability for the personal representative.
Can I get probate records from another state filed in Broward County?
Yes. If the deceased lived in another state but owned real property in Pompano Beach or elsewhere in Broward County, the personal representative from the home state can file an ancillary probate petition in Broward County. You will need a certified copy of the home state probate order and other supporting documents. The Broward court will issue a Florida order that allows the local property to be sold, transferred, or distributed.
What is the difference between formal and summary administration?
Formal administration applies to estates worth more than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. It requires a personal representative, creditor notice, an inventory, and a final accounting. Summary administration applies to smaller estates or any estate where the person died more than two years ago. It skips the personal representative step and uses a single petition and court order to distribute assets.
Where do I find old probate case files from the 1990s or earlier?
Older probate case files are stored at the Broward County Records Center. Many of these files have been scanned and added to the online portal, but some are still in physical storage. You can ask the clerk’s office to search for a specific case by name and year. If the file is in physical storage, the clerk can pull it for review or copy it for a fee. Plan ahead because older files may take a few days to locate.