How Do I File Probate in Clay County, Florida?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
If you're handling probate yourself in Clay County, Florida, you can file at the Clerk of Circuit Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Filings here are routed through the Probate / Mental Health / Guardianship. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Clay County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court is realistic for your situation.
Self-represented filing is permitted for proceedings that do not require formal administration: small estate / summary administration (per Fla. Stat. 735.301; not available when real property is part of the estate) and disposition of personal property without administration. The clerk provides 24/7 online access to required forms but cannot give legal or procedural advice.
Get the Clay County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Clay County Self-Filing Assessment.
Clay County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Other Requirements
Low Bono Program for probate matters
The Clay County Clerk's Office Low Bono Program offers low-cost in-person or online/remote meetings with licensed attorneys for Family Law, Probate, and Domestic Violence cases.
SourceIn-Person Filing
The Clerk of Circuit Court is located at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Phone: 904-284-6302. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Clerk of Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Clerk of Circuit Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Clay County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($395). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Clay County uses the standard Florida probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Florida permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Clerk of Circuit Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Florida self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Clerk of Circuit Court in Clay County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Clerk of Circuit Court
Clay County
825 N. Orange Avenue
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone:
904-284-6302Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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