Punta Gorda Probate Lawyer

Steady probate counsel for personal representatives across Charlotte County estates.

A loved one has died, and probate decisions cannot wait. Charlotte County runs on the 20th Judicial Circuit, the Restricted Depository, ancillary probate for snowbird decedents, and vessel transfers, which most generic Florida firms get wrong. We carry out that procedure for your family.

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Probate Administration for Punta Gorda Estates and Personal Representatives

The personal representative inherits work in a grief season. The original will needs a deposit within ten days, Charlotte County Justice Center is the venue, and the 20th Judicial Circuit’s first orders shape every step that follows.

Punta Gorda probate is not a generic Florida probate. Ancillary administrations for snowbird decedents, PGI and Burnt Store Isles sales, vessel transfers, and contests sit at the center of the docket.

Hurricane Ian’s Category 4 second landfall near Punta Gorda on September 28, 2022, still affects probate work. Pre-death damage claims in adjustment need a personal representative collection authority during administration.

Charlotte County also runs a Restricted Depository. The 20th Circuit requires real-property sale proceeds during probate and guardianship to be held in an attorney trust or a court-supervised account.

Our role is to carry out that procedure cleanly. Allie R.B. Castellano leads our probate and estate planning practice and works directly with grieving Punta Gorda families.

Proudly Serving Punta Gorda and Our Surrounding Communities Today

Our probate clients sit across the city: Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Isles, Burnt Store Marina, Fishermen’s Village, Pirate Harbor, Seminole Lakes, and Historic Downtown. We also serve families with estates in Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor, Solana, and along the Peace River.

Charlotte County probate filings move through the 20th Judicial Circuit at the Charlotte County Justice Center, 350 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Clerk Roger D. Eaton was sworn in for his third term in January 2025, and Chief Judge J. Frank Porter was reelected for the 2025-27 term. We file here regularly.

Punta Gorda estates often involve out-of-state heirs, PGI canal homes, Burnt Store second homes, registered vessels, Coast Guard-documented boats, Ian claims, and waterfront property disputes.

We are rooted here. Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. has served this region for decades. Allie argued at the Florida Appellate Court and received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award for clients served.

Probate in Punta Gorda starts the day you lose someone. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Allie Castellano.

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Probate Issues That Come Up Often in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda probate often turns on the assets and the personal representative’s authority. A canal home, second residence, vessel, insurance claim, or contested waterfront estate can change the filing and administration from the start.

  • Ancillary probate for PGI or Burnt Store second homes owned by snowbirds.
  • Real-property sales are subject to the 20th Circuit Restricted Depository rules.
  • Vessel transfers through Chapter 327, FWC, or U.S. Coast Guard records.
  • Will contests involving PGI or Burnt Store waterfront estates.
  • Hurricane Ian damage claims collected during administration.
  • Fishermen’s Village condo succession through formal administration.

The estate should be reviewed before anyone assumes it is routine. A PGI canal-home sale may require Restricted Depository planning. A vessel may need title work outside the court file. A snowbird estate may need Florida ancillary probate even when a primary estate is open elsewhere.

Florida Probate Tracks We Handle Here

  • Formal Probate Administration
  • Summary Administration
  • Ancillary Probate Administration
  • Disposition Without Administration
  • Trust Administration
  • Will Contest Litigation
  • Determination of Homestead Status

Most Punta Gorda estates fall into formal, summary, or ancillary administration. Formal probate gives the personal representative full authority. Summary administration may be appropriate for qualifying smaller estates. Ancillary probate is common when a non-Florida decedent owned local real estate.

Other tracks may run alongside the main case. A revocable trust may need administration. A homestead order may be required before transfer. A will contest or beneficiary dispute, can shift a quiet file into litigation.

How to Open a Punta Gorda Probate Case with Our Firm

Bring the death certificate, original will, Florida deeds, vessel titles, account statements, beneficiary information, and a list of known creditors. If there is an open Hurricane Ian claim, bring the insurance and adjuster correspondence.

The first review confirms the probate path and the person who may serve. We look at formal versus summary administration, ancillary probate for snowbird estates, possible bond, creditor issues, and whether the estate includes real property or titled vessels.

If probate is needed, our office files the petition at the Charlotte County Justice Center, deposits the will with Roger D. Eaton’s Clerk’s Office, and requests Letters of Administration.

After the appointment, the administration moves through notice, inventory, creditor period, vessel transfer, Ian claim collection, sale authority where needed, Restricted Depository handling, accounting, distribution, and discharge.

How We Run Your Punta Gorda Probate Case

The first legal task is to establish authority. Until the Letters issue is resolved, the family may not be able to sell property, collect accounts receivable, transfer a vessel, or pursue a pending insurance claim.

The estate is then organized by asset type. A Wisconsin decedent’s PGI canal home, a Burnt Store Marina condo with a vessel, and a contested Fishermen’s Village estate do not move through the same administration steps.

Our office coordinates with the Clerk, the Charlotte County Property Appraiser, the FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard (where applicable), insurers, financial institutions, title parties, and out-of-state probate counsel.

Real-property sale issues are handled early. If a sale may occur during probate, the Restricted Depository requirement is addressed before closing, so proceeds are not delayed after the buyer is ready.

The file closes only after the required work is complete: creditor period, inventory, accounting, claim resolution, transfers, distribution, and discharge of the personal representative.

Representative Probate and Estate Matters

  • Case results

    $1.6 Million

    Will Contest

  • Case results

    $1.175 Million

    Fiduciary Breach

  • Case results

    $300,000

    Trustee Fraud

  • Case results

    $260,000

    Trust Recovery

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case turns on its own facts

Probate in Punta Gorda and Charlotte County, By Numbers

The 20th Judicial Circuit (covering Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties) processes thousands of probate, guardianship, and trust matters each year. Filing fees run $400 for formal administration and $345 for summary under Fla. Stat. §28.241. The Restricted Depository rule governs any real property sale during administration.

Punta Gorda’s demographic and asset profile drives that volume. More than half of city residents are 65 or older, and the median age sits above 66, well above Florida’s statewide average. The median home value is over $518,000, concentrated along PGI and Burnt Store Isles canals, and snowbird descendants leave Florida real estate that needs ancillary cleanup every season.

The post-Ian period has produced an additional probate-asset claim layer, with personal representatives still collecting on pre-death damage claims in adjustment and navigating insurance proceeds during Charlotte County administration.

Sources: Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court; Fla. Stat. §28.241; U.S. Census ACS 2024; 20th Judicial Circuit Probate Division.

Statistics 2022

Formal Filing Fee

$400

Residents Age 65+

50%

Median Home Value

$518K+

What Punta Gorda Families Say

My highest recommendation and gratitude to the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. Their generous reliability and core knowledge is truly valuable. Complex legal issues are strategically and efficiently handled. Communication was always prompt, and always my needs were a priority. Competency in cost-benefit analysis resulted in my receiving appropriate compensation. During the procedure, I experienced the highest ethical standards. This firm is truly superior in all regards.

The whole firm fought like hell for me and my family in Court. I highly recommend them.

Our experience with Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. is very positive. They handled all the unexpected annoyances – the E-mails, letters and phone calls that resulted from a relatively minor accident. We are satisfied with our result.

“Drake, Amiee and Nancy were very instrumental in helping me get through a very difficult time in my life. They were very warm and responsive to all my needs at any time. I would highly recommend this team of professionals in any legal matters.

I would highly recommend Drake Buckman to represent myself and any of my loved ones. From the initial contact, Drake always had my best interest, health and welfare as a priority. His friendly, personable manner gave me comfort and confidence from the start of my legal pursuit. Drake Buckman was thorough the entire duration of my case achieving success on my behalf

I found Amiee Buckman to be very attentive, thorough, professional, and very prompt in responding to my needs. I was impressed with not only her professionalism and expertise, but also with her sincerity and honesty. I would highly recommend Amiee Buckman and the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. to anyone that needed services in the area of law.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. has provided outstanding legal representation for us in the area of Estate Planning and Elder Care. Helped us through a difficult situation with a loved one that resulted in a successful outcome.

I am a client of the Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. law firm which I use for all my corporate and personal matters. Amiee has a personal hands on approach with attention to details and emphasis on communication. It is with great confidence I recommend her and the entire staff at this firm.

Drake is a conscientious person and a knowledgeable attorney. He’s a great counselor to have working for you. His costs are reasonable; and he will tell you the truth whether that’s what you want to hear or not. He’s experienced in writing Wills and setting up trusts and estates. I highly recommend him.

Mr. Buckman is a highly-skilled Professional who expedited my case efficiently and effectively. He was ethical, knowledgeable, patient and thorough from start to finish. I could not have asked for anything more!

Need to open probate in Punta Gorda? Speak with Allie before filings, bond, or property issues delay the estate.

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  • Formal or Summary Administration?

  • Is Ancillary Probate Needed?

  • Is There a Contest or PR Issue?

  • Are There Vessel, Creditor, or Homestead Issues?

Meet Allie R.B. Castellano

Allie R.B. Castellano leads probate matters at Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. She has argued before the Florida Appellate Court in matters involving the right to direct an estate plan and received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Award.

Her work with personal representatives is practical: file the petition, address bond, secure Letters, notify creditors, collect assets, resolve title or vessel issues, and move the estate toward discharge.

For Punta Gorda estates, Allie often handles ancillary probate, waterfront real property, Restricted Depository issues, vessel transfers, Ian claim collection, homestead orders, and beneficiary disputes.

Allie R.B. Castellano, Sarasota estate planning attorney, outside a Sarasota courthouse building

Allie R.B. Castellano

Partner

Probate done right is a quiet hand on the procedure while the family handles the loss.

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Our Practice Areas

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Revocable Living Trust

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Durable Power of Attorney

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Power of Attorney

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Business Lawyer

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Simple Will

Property deeds and transfers icon

Property Deeds and Transfers

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Succession Planning

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Estate Planning

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Probate

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Beneficiary Rights

Punta Gorda Probate FAQs

Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?

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Where do I file probate for a Punta Gorda estate?

Charlotte County probate filings are filed at the Charlotte County Justice Center, 350 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. The case is filed through Roger D. Eaton’s Clerk of the Circuit Court office and handled within the 20th Judicial Circuit. The original will should be deposited with the Clerk within 10 days after learning of the death.

Does Charlotte County require a bond on the personal representative?

Often, yes, unless the will waives the bond or interested parties agree to waive it. Bond depends on estate value, the personal representative’s residency, and court requirements. Out-of-state personal representatives may face closer bond review.

What is the 20th Circuit Restricted Depository for a probate real-estate sale?

When real property is sold during probate or guardianship, sale proceeds may need to be held in an attorney trust account or a court-supervised Restricted Depository. Funds are not released directly to the personal representative without proper authority.

How long does a Punta Gorda probate take for a PGI home?

Formal administration often takes six to twelve months. A PGI canal-home estate with a sale, Restricted Depository issue, vessel transfer, will contest, or ancillary probate issue can take longer. Summary administration may close faster when the estate qualifies.

Can the personal representative collect on a pending Hurricane Ian damage claim?

Yes. Once Letters of Administration are issued, the personal representative can pursue a pre-death Hurricane Ian property-damage claim, communicate with the carrier, collect proceeds, and account for them as estate assets.