Union County Probate Court Records

Union County probate court records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court in Lake Butler, Florida. The 8th Judicial Circuit handles all probate cases for Union County residents, including estate administration, will filings, guardianship records, and trust matters. Despite being one of Florida's smallest counties by population, Union County follows the same probate statutes and procedures as every other county in the state. This guide covers how to search probate records, reach the clerk's office, and understand the filing process under Florida law.

Union County Clerk of Circuit Court

The Clerk of Circuit Court is the official keeper of all probate records in Union County. Every will, petition, inventory, and court order related to an estate goes through this office. The clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse in Lake Butler, the county seat.

The Florida Courts statewide clerk directory lists contact details for all 67 county clerks in Florida, including Union County.

This directory is useful if you need to locate clerks in neighboring counties or file ancillary probate in multiple Florida jurisdictions.

How to Search Probate Records

Probate case records in Union County are public. You can access them in person at the courthouse, by phone, or by mail. Case index information may also be available through the clerk's online portal at unionclerk.com.

To search in person, go to 55 W Main St in Lake Butler during business hours. Bring the full name of the deceased or the case number if you have it. Staff can pull up filings and let you review them at the counter. Certified copies run about $2 per page plus a $1 certification fee.

For mail requests, write to the clerk at the address above. Include the name of the deceased, approximate date of death, and a check for any copy fees. The clerk will confirm the exact amount if needed before processing your request.

Florida law does not allow courts to post actual probate documents on public websites. Case docket information may be available online, but document images are only accessible through the clerk's office directly.

Types of Probate Cases

Florida law recognizes several types of probate proceedings. The right one depends on the estate's value, its complexity, and how long ago the person died.

Formal Administration is required for estates over $75,000 or any estate that needs a court-appointed personal representative. The process is governed by Chapter 733, Florida Statutes. It involves filing a petition, appointing a personal representative, notifying creditors, and getting court approval before assets are distributed. An attorney is required unless the personal rep is also the only beneficiary.

Summary Administration is available for estates valued at $75,000 or less, or any estate where the person has been dead for two or more years. It is simpler and faster than formal administration, governed by Chapter 735, Florida Statutes. No personal representative is appointed; the court issues a direct order to the beneficiaries.

Disposition Without Administration applies when the only assets are personal property needed to pay final expenses like funeral costs or medical bills, and the total value does not exceed $6,000. No court petition is typically required.

Ancillary Administration applies when someone who lived in another state dies owning real property in Union County. A separate Florida probate case is needed to handle that property.

Filing Fees and Costs

Filing fees in Union County follow Florida's statewide schedule. For formal administration, the fee is around $235 for smaller estates and increases based on total estate value. Summary administration petitions carry a lower fee, typically in the $200 to $235 range.

Certified document copies cost $2 per page plus $1 for the certification seal. If you need multiple certified copies of letters of administration, plan to pay for each set. Call the clerk's office at (386) 496-3711 for the current fee schedule.

Attorney fees in formal administration cases are governed by Section 733.6171, Florida Statutes, which sets out a schedule based on the estate's value. Personal representatives may also be entitled to compensation from the estate.

The Probate Process in Union County

When a Union County resident dies, anyone holding an original will must deposit it with the clerk's office within 10 days of learning of the death. This is required by Section 732.901, Florida Statutes. Depositing the will does not open a probate case; it just preserves the document.

To open a case, the personal representative or an interested party files a petition. In formal administration, the court issues letters of administration, giving the personal rep authority to act on behalf of the estate. Creditors get notice and time to file claims. Once debts are settled, the remaining assets go to the beneficiaries.

Most probate records are open to the public. Inventories and accountings are confidential under Florida law, and judges can seal other documents for good cause. The full Florida Probate Code covers Chapters 731 through 735, available at flsenate.gov.

Legal Resources

The 8th Judicial Circuit Court serves Union, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, and Levy counties. Self-help resources are available at www.jud8.flcourts.org. The Florida Courts statewide self-help center is at www.floridacourts.gov.

Three Districts Legal Services provides civil legal aid to low-income residents in the region. To find a licensed probate attorney, contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 342-8011. The Florida Bar also maintains a directory of certified circuit civil and estate planning attorneys.

For guardianship matters that arise during probate, Chapter 744 of the Florida Statutes governs that process. All statutes are available for free at flsenate.gov.

Cities in Union County

Union County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated probate records page. Lake Butler is the county seat and the location of the clerk's office where all Union County probate cases are filed.

Nearby Counties