How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Washington County, Florida?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Washington County.
We found 7 estate law firms serving Washington County. Washington County is part of the Emerald Coast (Northwest Florida) region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Florida uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Washington County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Florida uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate attorneys — the percentages are a starting point that can be negotiated, especially for simple estates. Washington County firms typically follow the schedule for routine work and negotiate on complex matters.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Emerald Coast (Northwest Florida) Firms
Law Office of J.W. Batton, PA
Solo
680 Brown Street
Chipley, FL 32428
Phone:
(850) 249-0783jwbattonlaw.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsReal Estate Litigation
Stone & Sutton, P.A.
FirmEst. 1985
837 Grace Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone:
(850) 785-7272stonesuttonlaw.com →
Elder LawEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationCivil Litigation
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Florida.
Florida Probate Law Group
FirmEst. 2014
201 SE 2nd Ave, Suite 210
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone:
(352) 354-2654floridaprobatelawgroup.com →
Probate AdministrationTrust AdministrationEstate PlanningProbate Litigation
Gierach and Gierach, P.A.
FirmEst. 1986
1201 S. Orlando Avenue, Suite 460
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone:
(407) 598-8013gierachlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWill ContestsProbate LitigationGuardianshipAsset ProtectionTax Planning
Free Consult
Lauren Richardson Law, PLLC
Solo
507 NW 60th Street, Suite D
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone:
(352) 204-2224laurenrichardsonlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust Administration
Merhar Law
Firm
5950 NW 1st Place, Suite 120
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone:
(352) 562-0626merharlaw.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationGuardianshipTrust AdministrationMediation
Free Consult
MTM Probate
Firm
5121 S Lakeland Dr., Suite 2
Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone:
(863) 250-2990mtmprobate.com →
Probate AdministrationTrust Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Florida self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
Florida uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate. Typical Washington County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: May 2026.
Clerk of Circuit Court
Washington County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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