Located in the Pinellas County Justice Center in Clearwater, the Pinellas County Probate Court primarily handles the administration of estates after an individual passes away. This is required by Florida law regardless of whether or not the decedent had a will. The majority of probate cases in Pinellas County are handled by the probate division of the 6th Judicial Circuit Court Florida.
In addition to the administration of estates, this court handles other types of cases including guardianship and mental health. Per Florida law, an attorney is required to be present at probate hearings due to the often complicated and confusing nature of these cases. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in Pinellas County Probate Law (954) 712-3070
Probate Court Overview
As previously mentioned, most probate related matters are handled through the Pinellas County Probate Court, which is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida. In addition to probate and estate administration, this court also handles cases related to guardianships and mental health. These processes are explained below.
Probate and Estate Administration – The handling of the estate of a deceased individual, which includes any property and/or assets the decedent may have had. Per Florida law the estate of a decedent is required to go through a probate court, regardless of whether or not a will exists.
Guardianships – Guardianships are appointed by the court for those who are unable to make decisions for themselves, such as the mentally handicapped, those not mentally stable and minors under 18. Guardians are monitored by the court to ensure that individuals under their guardianship are properly treated and cared for.
Mental Health – In Florida, mental health cases and involuntary commitment to mental health facilities are covered by the Florida’s Mental Health Act, also known as the Baker Act. In these types of cases the court employs a magistrate to hear petitions for involuntary commitment. There are approximately 2,000 of these petitions filed annually, with subsequent hearings being conducted on the majority of these cases.
For more information, please visit the following link:
http://www.jud6.org/GeneralPublic/GuardianshipForms/Overview.htm
Pinellas County Probate Court Location
Pinellas County is one of four counties (Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Hernando) that make up the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Area. Pinellas County has a population of just under one million and consists of 24 municipalities, the largest of which are: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park and Dunedin. If a person resided in one of these municipalities or anywhere within Pinellas County at the time of their death, the Pinellas County Probate Court will be responsible for the administration of their estate. The Pinellas County Probate Court is located at the address listed below:
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street N
Clearwater, FL 33762
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