Clerk of Court
J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq.
Official filings and court records
Official sourceStaff review draft · Not indexed
Florida Probate Guide · Eighth Judicial Circuit
Alachua County Probate Court Guide2026 EDITION
Probate matters for Alachua County are handled through Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville. This guide brings the court location, current probate contacts, proposed-order process, and filing information into one place for local and out-of-state families.
Court details last reviewed August 28, 2026
Court information
Where is probate filed in Alachua County?
Probate filings go through the county Clerk of Court and are assigned within the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Check the Clerk’s current instructions before mailing documents or visiting in person.
Check the official court sourceAlachua County Family and Civil Justice Center
- Address
- 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
- Public counter hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; confirm holiday closures before visiting.
- Probate contact
- 352-374-3636
Current assignments
Who handles probate matters in Alachua County?
Judicial assignments and staff contacts can change. These names were checked against official court sources on August 28, 2026.
Probate Judge
Hon. William E. Davis
Alachua probate and guardianship assignment
Official sourceGeneral Magistrate
Katherine L. Floyd
Circuit-wide referred probate matters other than Alachua pro se probate
Official sourceGeneral Magistrate — Alachua Pro Se Probate
Mikel Bradley
Referred probate matters involving self-represented parties
Official sourceProbate Case Manager
Sydney Denney
probate@circuit8.org · 352-264-6991; email is preferred
Official sourceLocal procedure
What local probate rules apply?
The Eighth Judicial Circuit publishes probate procedures and filing checklists. Court staff ask that probate questions go to the Probate Case Manager rather than directly to the circuit judge’s office, with the full case number in the email subject line.
Proposed-order checklist
- 1File the underlying motion and supporting documents so the Clerk can docket and image them.
- 2Confirm that required notice periods have expired and interested parties were properly served.
- 3Review the circuit’s probate checklist; submitting the completed checklist can expedite review.
- 4Submit the proposed order in Microsoft Word format to probate@circuit8.org or through the e-portal.
- 5Include a certificate of service with each recipient’s e-service or mailing address.
- 6Allow at least 14 days for review before following up with the Probate Case Manager.
Are probate hearings remote?
Hearing format and access instructions depend on the assigned judicial officer and the type of matter. Confirm the current setting and any remote-access instructions with the Probate Case Manager; do not rely on a general meeting link.
Can Lauren handle the case remotely?
Many uncontested probate tasks can be handled through electronic filing, phone, email, and remote meetings. Whether a hearing is remote or requires attendance is controlled by the court and the assigned division. Lauren can review the estate and explain what the family should expect before filing.
Process overview
How does a Alachua County probate move forward?
The exact path depends on the estate and the court’s orders. This overview shows the common sequence for a matter filed in the Eighth Judicial Circuit; it is not a filing checklist or a promise of timing.
- 01
Open the estate
File the petition, original will when applicable, death certificate, and required supporting documents.
- 02
Court review
The Clerk processes the filing and the assigned division reviews petitions, checklists, and proposed orders.
- 03
Administer assets
Address notices, creditors, inventory, taxes, property, and distributions required for the selected process.
- 04
Distribute and close
After court requirements are met, distribute the remaining assets and complete the steps needed to close.
2026Threshold
Florida Summary Administration may be available when the estate subject to administration, less exempt property, does not exceed $150,000 or the decedent has been dead for more than two years, subject to the other requirements of Florida Statute § 735.201.
Court costs
What does probate cost in Alachua County?
Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees. Lauren reviews the estate before confirming the legal scope and whether flat-fee representation is available.
These amounts come from the filing-fee schedule currently posted by the Clerk. Confirm the amount before filing because statutory and payment-processing charges can change.
Clerk servicePosted fee
Formal or ancillary administration$400
Summary administration — estate under $1,000$235
Summary administration — estate $1,000 or more$345
Caveat or notice of trust$41
Disposition without administration$231
Straight answers
Alachua County probate FAQ
Where do I file probate in Alachua County?
Alachua County probate matters are filed with the Alachua County Clerk of Court and handled through the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The Family and Civil Justice Center is at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville.
Who should receive questions about an Alachua probate case?
The Eighth Judicial Circuit directs probate inquiries to the Probate Case Manager at probate@circuit8.org or 352-264-6991. Include the full case number and remember that court staff cannot give legal advice.
How are proposed probate orders submitted in Alachua County?
The circuit’s published procedure calls for proposed orders in Microsoft Word format by email to the probate case manager or through the e-portal, after the related filings are docketed and required notice periods have run.
Can an Alachua County probate be handled remotely?
Often, much of an uncontested administration can be managed electronically. The court decides whether a particular hearing is remote or in person, so the case setting must be checked individually.
What estates qualify for Florida Summary Administration in 2026?
Under Florida Statute § 735.201, Summary Administration may be available when the Florida estate subject to administration, less exempt property, does not exceed $150,000 or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years, subject to the statute’s other requirements.
Clear next steps after a difficult loss.
Call for a free 15-minute consultation about a Alachua County probate. Lauren Richardson Law serves families throughout Florida, including people managing an estate from another state.
Verification record
Official sources
Last checked August 28, 2026
- Alachua County Clerk of Court contact information
- Alachua County Clerk of Court fee and service charge schedule
- Eighth Judicial Circuit probate judicial practices and procedures
- Eighth Judicial Circuit probate forms, procedures, and checklists
- Eighth Judicial Circuit — Judge William E. Davis
- Eighth Judicial Circuit judicial assignments effective August 24, 2026
- Florida Statutes § 735.201 — Summary administration
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Court assignments, procedures, fees, and hearing formats can change. Confirm current requirements with the Clerk and assigned division before acting.