Sunrise City probate court records are public court files that show how a person’s estate is settled after death in Sunrise, Florida. Every resident of Sunrise lives in Broward County.
That means all probate cases for Sunrise residents go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The main courthouse sits in Fort Lauderdale. This page covers how to search these records, what types of probate cases exist, the fees you can expect, the court process, and the local help available to families in Sunrise.
Which Court Handles Sunrise Probate Cases
Sunrise sits in the western part of Broward County in southeast Florida. Probate cases for people who lived in Sunrise at the time of their death must be filed in Broward County. There is no separate probate court in Sunrise. The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all filings, and the 17th Judicial Circuit Court handles all hearings and rulings.
Broward County Jurisdiction Rules
Florida probate law requires that a case open in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death. If the person owned property in another state, that state may have a second probate case. For most Sunrise families, only one case is needed. The case opens in Broward County, even if the deceased person had recently moved to Sunrise from another city or state. The clerk’s office uses the address on the death certificate to set the county. This rule prevents two Florida counties from handling the same estate at the same time.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Role
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers only Broward County. It is one of the busiest circuits in Florida due to the size of the county’s population. Probate cases in the 17th Circuit are heard by judges in the Probate Division. Each judge handles a docket of cases and signs orders on petitions filed in that division. The circuit’s website posts judge assignments, hearing schedules, and forms used in probate matters. Sunrise residents can use the circuit’s online docket to see upcoming hearing dates for a specific case.
How to Search Sunrise Probate Court Records Online
Most Sunrise probate court records are open to the public. You can search them from home using the Broward County Clerk’s online portal. The portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. You do not need an account for basic searches. You need to create a free account to view certain documents or buy certified copies online.
Using the Broward Clerk Website
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the main online search tool at browardclerk.org. The site lists a dedicated section for probate case search. You pick the case type, type in the last name of the person whose estate was opened, and click search. The result page shows the case number, the judge assigned, the personal representative named, and the filing dates of key papers. You can click on a case to see a docket list of every document filed. Each document has a date and a short label. Some documents are viewable as scanned images. Others show only the title and a note that the file is confidential.
The clerk’s website is the central hub for all Sunrise City probate court records. It covers case lookup, document copies, and current fee amounts.
Searching by Name and Case Number
Two main search methods exist. The first uses the decedent’s legal name at the time of death. You need the last name. The first name is helpful when many people share the same last name. The system returns every probate case that matches. The second method uses the case number. Florida case numbers follow a fixed pattern. They start with the two-digit year, then the county code, then a sequence number. Broward County uses the letter “C” for circuit civil cases, which includes probate. A 2024 Broward probate case might look like 2024-CP-001234. Knowing the case number brings up the right file right away.
What Records Stay Confidential
Florida law protects some parts of a probate case from public view. The inventory of estate assets is confidential. Accountings filed by the personal representative are also confidential. Federal tax returns filed with the court stay sealed. Mental health records and certain medical files used in a probate case are private. The rest of the file is public. This includes the petition, the will, the order admitting the will, the letters of administration, creditor claims, and the final discharge order. If a paper you want to see is marked confidential, you must ask the court for permission to view it. The clerk cannot give you access without a court order.
Types of Probate Cases in Broward County
Florida law sets three main paths for handling a deceased person’s estate. The right path depends on how much the estate is worth, what kinds of assets it holds, and how long the person has been dead. Sunrise residents use all three paths through the Broward County Clerk.
Formal Administration Cases
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the non-exempt assets of the estate total more than $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The personal representative notifies creditors, gathers assets, pays valid claims, files an inventory, and distributes what remains to the heirs. Formal administration requires at least one court hearing. Most formal cases take six months to a year to close. Some last longer when disputes arise or when assets are hard to sell.
Summary Administration Cases
Summary administration is a simpler process. It applies when the total estate value is $75,000 or less. It also applies when the person has been dead for more than two years, no matter the value. The court does not appoint a personal representative. The petitioner files one petition, a proposed order, and a death certificate. The court signs the order and the assets transfer to the heirs. Summary cases often close in one to three months. They cost less in court fees and legal fees. Summary administration is the most common option for smaller Sunrise estates.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest path. It applies only when the deceased person left no real property, only had debts for funeral and final medical bills, and had total assets under $6,000. The court does not appoint a personal representative. There is no hearing. The clerk signs a simple order that lets the heirs collect the assets and pay the final bills. This path works for very small estates in Sunrise. It is often used when the deceased had only a small bank account and no other assets.
Will Deposit Before Probate Opens
Florida Statute 732.901 requires the person who has a will to file it with the clerk within ten days of the testator’s death. This step happens even when no full probate case opens. The clerk stores the will in a sealed envelope as a public record. Anyone can ask to view a will on file. Viewing the will does not start a probate case. It only lets people see what the will says. The personal representative named in the will still must file a separate petition to start the case.
Probate Filing Fees in Broward County
Broward County follows the state fee schedule set by Florida law. Some local fees apply on top of the state amounts. The total cost depends on the type of case and the size of the estate. Always check the current fee schedule on the clerk’s website before filing. Fee amounts change from time to time based on state law or county rules.
Court Filing Costs
Filing a formal administration petition in Broward County costs several hundred dollars. The exact amount includes a base filing fee plus surcharges for the court trust fund and the courthouse improvement fund. Filing a summary administration petition costs less. Filing a disposition without administration costs the least. These fees cover the court review and the basic case setup. They do not include copies, recording, or publication costs.
Attorney and Bond Costs
Florida law sets attorney fees in probate based on a percentage of the estate value. The fee schedule starts at 3% of the first $1 million. The percentage drops as the estate grows larger. The court may allow a lower fee if the work is simple. The court may allow a higher fee if the case has unusual issues. Personal representative fees follow a similar structure. The court may also require a surety bond. The bond premium depends on the estate size and the personal representative’s credit. Smaller estates often skip the bond when the will waives it or when all heirs agree to waive it.
Certified Copy and Publication Fees
You pay a per-page fee for each certified copy of a court document. You also pay a certification fee for each document. Recording fees apply when you record documents with the county such as a deed transferring real property. Personal representatives must publish a notice to creditors in a Broward County newspaper. The publication fee is set by the newspaper. These extra costs add up. Plan for them when budgeting the full cost of probate.
The Probate Process for Sunrise Estates
The probate process for a Sunrise estate follows a set of legal steps. The exact steps depend on the type of case. Formal administration has more steps than summary administration. Knowing the steps helps families plan their time and their money.
Steps in Formal Administration
The first step is filing the will with the clerk if one exists. The second step is filing a petition for administration with the death certificate attached. The petition names the proposed personal representative. The court reviews the petition and signs letters of administration. These letters give the personal representative the legal power to act. The next step is sending notice to known creditors and publishing a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Creditors then have three months from the first publication date to file claims against the estate. The personal representative gathers assets, pays valid claims, and files a confidential inventory with the court. After the creditor period ends, the personal representative files a final accounting and a petition for discharge. The court signs a final order closing the estate.
Steps in Summary Administration
Summary administration takes fewer steps. The petitioner files a single petition that includes a proposed distribution of all assets. The petition lists the heirs, the assets, the debts, and how the assets will pass. The petitioner also files a death certificate. If the person died with a will, the petition includes the will. If the person died without a will, the petition shows the heirs under Florida law. The court reviews the petition. If everything is in order, the court signs an order of summary administration. The heirs then collect the assets based on the order. The process can take a few weeks to a few months.
Timeline Expectations
Most summary administration cases close within one to three months. Most formal administration cases close within six to twelve months. Cases with disputes take longer. Cases that require selling real property also take longer. The creditor claim period runs three months. The personal representative cannot distribute assets until that period ends. Adding time for tax filings and asset sales is common. The court can take weeks to process routine filings. Plan ahead when you need an estate closed by a specific date.
Local Help for Sunrise Probate Matters
Several local resources help Sunrise residents handle probate cases. Some offer free help for people who qualify. Others charge standard fees. Knowing what is available saves time and stress during a difficult period.
Legal Aid Options
Legal Aid Service of Broward County provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. The office is in Fort Lauderdale, about ten miles from Sunrise. The office takes walk-in clients and phone calls during business hours. Legal Aid handles some probate matters. Priority goes to cases involving guardianships, low-income seniors, and families with children. Call the office to check if your probate matter qualifies for help.
Lawyer Referral Services
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call the service to get the name of a probate attorney near Sunrise. The service charges a small fee for the first consultation. The Florida Bar also runs a Find a Lawyer tool at floridabar.org. The tool lets you search for probate attorneys in Broward County. Each attorney profile shows the attorney’s contact details, practice areas, and bar admission date. Many Sunrise probate attorneys offer free first consultations to review your case.
Self-Help Court Resources
The 17th Judicial Circuit offers self-help resources for people who want to handle simple probate matters without an attorney. The self-help office is in the Broward County Courthouse. The office has printed instructions and sample forms. Staff can answer basic questions about forms and procedures. The office cannot give legal advice. Staff can point you to the right form and explain how to fill it out. Self-help works best for summary administration cases with no disputes and no real property in other states.
Broward County Courthouse Details and Map
The Broward County Courthouse handles every Sunrise probate filing. The courthouse sits at 201 Southeast 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number for the clerk’s probate section is (954) 831-6565. The clerk’s official website is browardclerk.org. You can file documents in person at the clerk’s office, by mail for some document types, or through the online portal.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Building Name | Broward County Courthouse |
| Street Address | 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Clerk Main Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Official Website | browardclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Court Division | Probate Division |
| Distance from Sunrise | About 10 miles southeast |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Sunrise residents ask the same questions when a loved one passes away. The answers below cover the most common issues. Each answer gives you clear facts you can use right away. If your situation is more complex, talk to a probate attorney in Broward County.
Where do I file a probate case for a Sunrise resident?
You file the case with the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can file in person, by mail for certain documents, or through the online portal at browardclerk.org. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court hears all probate matters for Broward County, which includes Sunrise. Florida law requires the case to open in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death. For a Sunrise resident, that county is always Broward.
How do I look up a probate case in Sunrise?
Use the Broward County Clerk’s online case search at browardclerk.org. Pick the probate case type, type in the last name of the person whose estate you want to see, and click search. The result page shows the case number, the judge, the personal representative, and the filing dates. You can also search by case number. Florida case numbers follow a pattern of two-digit year, county code, and sequence number. You do not need to pay to run a basic search. You need a free account to download certain documents.
Are all probate records in Broward County public?
Most probate records are public. The petition, the will, the letters of administration, creditor claims, and the final discharge order are all open to the public. Some records are confidential under Florida law. The inventory of estate assets is confidential. Accountings filed by the personal representative are confidential. Federal tax returns filed with the court stay sealed. Medical and mental health records used in a probate case are private. The clerk cannot give you access to confidential files without a court order.
What is the difference between formal and summary administration?
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the estate value is more than $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative. The process includes creditor notice, inventory, and a final accounting. Formal cases take six months to a year to close. Summary administration is simpler. It applies when the estate value is $75,000 or less, or when the person has been dead for more than two years. The court does not appoint a personal representative. Summary cases often close in one to three months.
How much does it cost to open a probate case in Broward County?
Filing fees vary based on the case type. Formal administration costs several hundred dollars. Summary administration costs less. Disposition without administration costs the least. On top of filing fees, you pay for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of creditor notice. Attorney fees in Florida probate follow a set percentage of the estate value. The schedule starts at 3% of the first $1 million. A surety bond may also be required. The clerk’s website lists current fees.
Can I handle a Sunrise probate case without an attorney?
Yes, for simple cases. Disposition without administration is the easiest. Summary administration is also possible without an attorney for estates without disputes. The 17th Judicial Circuit’s self-help office can guide you on forms and procedures. The office cannot give legal advice. For formal administration, estates with disputes, or estates with real property in other states, hiring a probate attorney is a smart move. Mistakes in probate can cost the estate money and delay the case for months.
How long does probate take for a Sunrise estate?
Summary administration cases often close in one to three months. Formal administration cases take six months to a year on average. Cases with disputes or hard-to-sell assets take longer. The three-month creditor claim period is a fixed part of formal administration. Tax filings, asset sales, and court scheduling add more time. Plan ahead when the estate has bills that need quick payment or heirs who need assets by a certain date.