Boca Raton Probate Court Records

Probate court records for Boca Raton are handled through Palm Beach County and the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. When a Boca Raton resident dies with assets in their name, their estate is filed with the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach. Clerk Joseph Abruzzo's office processes those filings and maintains searchable public records. This page covers how to find records, what types of probate cases exist, what filing fees apply, and where Boca Raton residents can get legal help. The 15th Circuit covers Palm Beach County only, so all Boca Raton probate matters stay within this one court system.

Which County Handles Probate for Boca Raton

Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County. All probate filings for Boca Raton residents go to the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach, which is about 45 miles north of Boca Raton via I-95. Clerk Joseph Abruzzo manages the clerk's office and the probate division. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Palm Beach County only, so there is no confusion about where to file.

The main courthouse in West Palm Beach is the primary location for probate filings. Palm Beach County also has branch courthouses in other parts of the county, but probate matters are generally handled at the main location on N Dixie Hwy. If you are traveling from Boca Raton, plan for traffic on I-95 or US-1 and allow time for courthouse security.

For a full breakdown of Palm Beach County probate procedures, fees, and resources, see the Palm Beach County probate records page. The Boca Raton city website at myboca.us does not handle probate but can confirm city residency and provide local contact information.

How to Search Probate Records

Palm Beach County Clerk Joseph Abruzzo maintains an online case search portal. It is free to use. You can search by the name of the deceased, by the personal representative's name, or by case number. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and the status of the case. Most documents are publicly viewable online. Some financial records, like estate inventories and accountings, are confidential under Florida law and are not accessible to the general public.

To search, go to mypalmbeachclerk.com and navigate to the online records or case search section. Enter the last name of the deceased and refine by case type if the tool allows. Palm Beach County's system is generally well-maintained and covers cases going back many years. Older cases may require a manual search by clerk staff.

For records not available online, call (561) 355-2994 to ask about manual searches. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies, which are often needed for property transfers or closing financial accounts, cost more. Bring the full name of the deceased and any information you have about when they died when you contact the clerk's office.

The Palm Beach County Bar Association also operates a lawyer referral service for residents who need help interpreting records or understanding what a probate case contains. Visit palmbeachbar.org for referral details.

Types of Probate Cases in Palm Beach County

Florida law provides three ways to handle a deceased person's estate. The right method for a Boca Raton estate depends on the total value of probate assets, the nature of those assets, and when the person died. All three types are handled through the Palm Beach County Courthouse.

Formal Administration is the complete probate process. It applies to estates with probate assets over $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative after reviewing the petition and the proposed representative's qualifications. That person then notifies creditors, takes inventory of assets, pays valid debts, and eventually distributes the estate to heirs or named beneficiaries. Florida law gives creditors three months to file claims after the notice is published, which sets a minimum timeline for the process. An attorney is typically required for formal administration unless the personal representative is the sole beneficiary.

Summary Administration is a shorter process. It is available when the estate's total probate assets are $75,000 or less, or when the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative is appointed. The family files a petition that describes the assets and proposed distribution. If the court approves, it enters an order for distribution. This can wrap up in weeks. It costs less in fees and attorney time than a full formal administration.

Disposition Without Administration applies to the simplest situations. If the deceased had no real property and only left behind funds to pay funeral expenses and final medical bills, and the total is under $6,000, a court order can release those funds without a formal probate case. This is the fastest and lowest-cost option when it applies.

Many Boca Raton estates involve complex assets, including real estate, investment accounts, business interests, and trust arrangements. Assets held in a properly funded revocable living trust do not go through probate at all. Jointly held property and accounts with named beneficiaries also pass outside of probate. Knowing what needs to go through the court system and what does not can simplify the process significantly.

Filing Fees in Palm Beach County

Probate filing fees in Palm Beach County follow the Florida state fee schedule. Every county in the state uses the same fee structure, which is based on the gross value of the estate's probate assets.

Estates up to $1,000 pay a filing fee of $235. From $1,001 to $2,500, the fee is $270. Estates between $2,501 and $10,000 pay $300. From $10,001 to $25,000, the fee is $355. Estates from $25,001 to $75,000 pay $405. For estates valued at more than $75,000, the fee is $405 plus $3.00 for every $1,000 over $75,000, capped at the statutory maximum.

Beyond the initial filing fee, expect to pay for newspaper publication of the creditor notice, recording fees when the final judgment is entered, and per-page fees for certified copies of court orders. Attorneys' fees are separate and can be substantial for larger estates. Florida sets statutory guidelines for attorney fees in probate, typically based on a percentage of the estate's value, but parties can also agree to different fee structures.

Check the current fee schedule with the Palm Beach County Clerk before filing. Call (561) 355-2994 or go to mypalmbeachclerk.com to get the most up-to-date information. Fees can change when the legislature acts, so do not rely on old figures.

Wills and Deposit Requirements

Florida law is clear about what happens to a will after someone dies. Anyone who has a will must deposit it with the clerk of the circuit court within 10 days of learning that the person has died. This is required under Florida Statutes section 732.901. For Boca Raton residents, that means filing the will at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach.

Depositing a will is not the same as opening a probate case. It just puts the document on record. The will becomes a public record at that point. Anyone can ask for a copy. The will stays on file whether or not probate is ever opened.

If probate is opened later, the deposited will becomes part of the probate case file. If there is a dispute about whether the will is valid, those challenges are handled through the probate court as well. Will contests in Florida are formal legal proceedings, and both sides generally need legal representation.

The full Florida Probate Code runs through Chapters 731 to 735 of the Florida Statutes. These cover definitions, the probate process, personal representatives, creditor rights, and how the estate is finally closed. The 15th Circuit follows this code along with any local administrative rules issued by the circuit's chief judge.

Legal Resources for Boca Raton Residents

Boca Raton residents have access to legal resources at multiple levels. Whether you need full legal representation or just basic guidance, there are options available.

The Florida Bar's lawyer referral service at floridabar.org connects people with attorneys in Palm Beach County who practice probate law. Many attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. The Bar's site also lets you verify that an attorney is licensed and in good standing in Florida.

The Palm Beach County Bar Association at palmbeachbar.org runs its own referral service for the local legal community. If you need a Boca Raton or Palm Beach County probate attorney specifically, this is a direct local resource.

Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County provides free civil legal services to income-eligible residents. Probate matters involving small estates, surviving spouses, or minor children may qualify for assistance. Visit legalaidpbc.org to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

The 15th Circuit self-help center at the West Palm Beach courthouse provides procedural guidance for unrepresented parties. Staff can explain forms and filing steps but cannot give legal advice. Florida Courts' statewide site at flcourts.gov has downloadable probate forms and plain-language guides for people navigating the process on their own.

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The Boca Raton city website at myboca.us confirms Boca Raton's location in Palm Beach County and provides local government contact information for residents who need documentation during the probate process.

The Boca Raton city site is useful for establishing residency documentation that may be needed when filing a probate petition at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach.

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