When someone dies, certain assets may need to go through probate before they can be distributed to beneficiaries or heirs. Probate administration is used to identify and gather probate assets, address valid creditor claims, and distribute the remaining property according to a valid will or, when there is no controlling will, Florida intestacy law.
If the deceased person was domiciled in Palm Beach County at the time of death, venue for the probate proceeding is generally in Palm Beach County. Probate matters in Palm Beach County are handled by the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Florida Statute § 733.101 makes the decedent’s county of domicile the normal venue for probate of a will and issuance of letters.
In most Florida probate administrations, the personal representative must be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in Florida. One limited exception applies when the personal representative remains the sole interested person in the estate. Because probate proceedings can involve court filings, creditor issues, asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and strict procedural requirements, working with an experienced Palm Beach County probate attorney can help ensure the estate is administered properly.
Key Takeaways
- Probate matters in Palm Beach County are handled by the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
- The main Probate and Guardianship office is located at the Palm Beach County Main Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway, 3rd Floor, Room 3.2300, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
- Probate venue is generally based on where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death, not which city within Palm Beach County they lived in.
- In most Florida probate administrations, the personal representative must be represented by a Florida attorney, subject to a limited exception when the personal representative remains the sole interested person.
- Palm Beach County also has North County and South County courthouse locations that may handle certain probate-related matters, so parties should confirm the correct location for their case before appearing in person.
- Florida summary administration may be available when the estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, does not exceed $150,000, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
Probate Division Overview
In Palm Beach County, probate matters are handled by the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The division handles matters involving the validity and execution of wills, trusts, guardianships, incapacity proceedings, Baker Act matters, Marchman Act matters, and certain other involuntary commitment proceedings.
The court provides probate checklists, forms, online services, local procedures, and other resources to help attorneys, fiduciaries, and interested parties understand filing requirements and court procedures. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit currently provides approved checklists for matters including formal administration, summary administration, homestead determinations, guardianships, and related probate proceedings.
Please Note: Court procedures, filing requirements, forms, and judicial assignments may change. If you need assistance with a probate matter in Palm Beach County, an experienced probate attorney can help you understand the applicable requirements and represent you throughout the administration or litigation process.
Palm Beach County Probate Court Location
Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida
Probate matters in Palm Beach County are handled through the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains its main Probate Department at:
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway
3rd Floor, Room 3.2300
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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For probate purposes, the important question is generally whether Palm Beach County is the proper venue for the estate, not which city within Palm Beach County the decedent lived in. A decedent domiciled in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or another Palm Beach County municipality would generally have the estate proceeding handled through the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit rather than through a separate municipal probate court.
One Palm Beach-specific nuance: the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit also uses North County and South County courthouse locations for certain matters, so parties should confirm the courthouse and division assigned to their particular case before appearing in person.
Probate Judges
Below is information on the judges currently assigned to the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in Palm Beach County. Judicial assignments may change over time.
Please Note: This information is publicly available through the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit’s official website. Readers should confirm the current judicial assignment for a particular case through the court’s official records.
As of September 2026, the Probate Division judges are:
Charles E. Burton – Administrative Judge, Division IZ
Samantha Schosberg Feuer – Circuit Judge, Division IA
Types of Probate Administration in Palm Beach County
Florida generally recognizes two primary forms of probate administration: formal administration and summary administration. There is also a more limited procedure known as disposition of personal property without administration.
Formal administration is the standard probate process and is commonly used when an estate does not qualify for a simplified procedure or when the circumstances require appointment of a personal representative.
Summary administration is a simplified probate procedure that may be available when the value of the estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, does not exceed $150,000, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years. Florida increased the threshold from $75,000 to $150,000 in 2026 under Florida Statute § 735.201.
Disposition of personal property without administration is available only in limited circumstances involving certain qualifying personal property and small estates.
Palm Beach County Probate Court FAQ
Q. Where is Probate Done?
Probate proceedings are generally filed in the Florida county where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death. If the decedent was domiciled in Palm Beach County, the probate proceeding is generally handled through the Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller performs administrative functions related to probate cases, such as accepting filings and maintaining court records, while the probate proceeding itself is handled by the Circuit Court.
Q. What Issues Are Handled in Palm Beach County Probate Court?
The Probate Division handles matters including:
- Formal probate administration
- Summary administration
- Disposition of personal property without administration
- Trust matters and trust disputes
- Guardianship proceedings
- Incapacity proceedings
- Certain mental health proceedings
- Certain substance abuse proceedings under the Marchman Act
Q. What Are the Palm Beach County Probate Court’s Hours?
Palm Beach County Clerk courthouse locations are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding designated holidays. Court schedules and office hours can change, so visitors should confirm current hours before going to the courthouse.
Q. Where Is the Main Probate Office Located?
The Clerk’s main Probate and Guardianship office is located at:
Palm Beach County Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway
3rd Floor, Room 3.2300
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Q. Are Probate Services Available at Other Palm Beach County Courthouses? Yes. The Clerk also lists probate services at branch courthouse locations, including the North County Courthouse in Palm Beach Gardens and the South County Courthouse in Delray Beach. Parties should confirm which location is appropriate for their particular filing or court matter before appearing in person.
Speak With a Palm Beach County Probate Attorney
Di Pietro Partners represents clients in probate, trust, and estate matters throughout Florida, including probate administration, contested wills, trust disputes, fiduciary issues, and other estate-related litigation.
Our firm represents beneficiaries, personal representatives, trustees, heirs, and other interested parties in Palm Beach County probate matters, including out-of-state clients who need assistance with a Florida estate or probate proceeding.
Whether you need help administering an estate, contesting a will, resolving a trust dispute, or addressing another probate issue, our attorneys can help you understand your options and protect your interests.
Contact Di Pietro Partners today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Palm Beach County probate attorney.
