Lakeland firm on South Lakeland Drive handling probate for Polk County and statewide. Files summary, formal, and ancillary administration -- preparing the petition from documents clients email in -- and handles will contests, intestate succession, and estate and trust litigation. Matthew T. Morrison leads the probate department.
Lakeland is in Polk County.
Probate in Polk County
Probate Court Record
Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
Polk County · 10th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Polk County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Polk County? →Settling an estate in Polk County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Florida
Free Florida forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Florida.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Florida
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Florida: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Florida.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Florida happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeFla. Stat. § 736.0101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysFla. Stat. §§ 736.0813, 736.1008, 736.10081Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
In Florida, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Fla. Stat. § 736.0708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
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How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Florida: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysFla. Prob. R. 5.340; Fla. Stat. § 733.604Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsFla. Stat. §§ 733.2121, 733.702 (later of 3 months from first publication or 30 days from service on a served creditor), 733.703, 733.705, 733.707, 733.710Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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