Filing probate in Seminole County involves determining which packets are required and where to submit them.
The Seminole County Clerk’s Office takes care of all probate filings, and you can grab the packets online or in person, with pretty straightforward instructions about documents and fees.
Understanding where to file, when the office is open, and how e-filing works can make the whole thing less stressful.
If you want to avoid driving over, Seminole County’s e-filing for probate cases is a real time-saver.
The Clerk’s Office in Sanford, Florida, opens on weekdays, and you can call them if you get stuck on anything probate-related.
Selecting the right packet for your probate case is the first hurdle, but it matters a great deal.
This guide also clears up the difference between e-recording and e-filing. People often confuse those two, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Seminole County has several official probate packets, each tailored to a different case type.
These packets come with step-by-step forms and instructions, so you don’t have to guess your way through the probate process.
Attorneys use them, but so do people handling things on their own.
Some of the main packets include:
Each packet has the forms you’ll need for filing with the circuit court. The court expects you to use these, so everything’s done right.
To get the official packets, just head to the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s probate page. They’re PDFs, so you can download and print them easily.
Helpful links:
| Packet Type | Description | Access Link |
| Petition for Administration | Used to start the full probate process | Probate Packets – Seminole Clerk |
| Summary Administration With Will | For fast probate if there’s a valid will | Summary Administration Packet |
| Disposition of Personal Property | Allows transfer of certain personal property without full probate | Disposition Packet |
These resources get updated to match Florida’s probate laws and local rules. Using the right packet saves time and helps you avoid mistakes that can slow down the process.
You’ll file probate documents at the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The main office sits at 301 N. Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
This is where all probate filings go. The clerk’s office runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ensure you file during those hours to avoid having your documents get stuck in limbo. Bring your filing fee—they won’t start your case without it.
Bring all original documents and copies, too. The clerk assigns you a file number and logs everything once you submit it.
For more information, visit the Seminole County Clerk’s website, which provides details about probate services and the filing process. They’re pretty helpful if you call or ask in person.
Filing in person means you get a receipt right away, and you can ask the staff about any weird requirements or what to do next. If you’re not sure, check out the Seminole County probate filing info online.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Seminole County lets you e-file probate cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. You can upload your documents from home or the office, which is great if you’d rather not stand in line at the courthouse.
Both attorneys and regular individuals use the portal. You can submit things like petitions for administration and other probate forms.
The portal tracks your case paperwork and keeps it secure. When you file, you’ll pay the fees online—what you pay depends on your case type.
If you run into trouble, the Florida Association of Court Clerks’ Services Group can help. The Seminole County Clerk’s office also offers resources and can provide answers to probate questions.
Here’s what you do for e-filing probate in Seminole County:
Need more help? The Seminole County Clerk’s probate self-help page and its instructional videos walk you through the forms and process. E-filing really does make things smoother.
For official access and support, go to the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or the Seminole Clerk’s e-file case page.
e-Recording means you send legal documents electronically to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. You’ll mostly use it for deeds, mortgages, and liens. It saves a trip to the courthouse and usually gets processed in a day or two—sometimes three.
Probate filing is different. You’re submitting court documents to initiate or continue a probate case. You must pay a fee, and the clerk assigns a file number to your case.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | e-Recording | Probate Filing |
| Purpose | Recording property-related documents | Starting or managing probate cases |
| Submission Method | Online through the e-Recording system | In person or via probate e-filing |
| Processing Time | 1 to 3 days | Variable, depends on court workload |
| Fees | May apply | Required by the clerk |
| Common Users | Title companies, attorneys | Personal representatives, attorneys |
Both use electronic systems, but they serve totally different purposes. Probate filing is primarily concerned with estate administration, whereas e-Recording pertains to property records.
For more about e-Recording, check the Seminole County clerk’s e-Recording page. For probate filing, the Seminole County probate site has instructions.
The packet you need depends on the estate and whether a will exists.
If there’s a will, grab the Petition for Administration (Testate) packet. That one starts formal probate and names a personal representative.
No will? Use the Petition for Administration (Intestate) packet. It also initiates formal probate, but the rules for dividing assets differ.
If the estate is small or pretty straightforward, you can use the Summary Administration packet. This one’s faster and skips some steps. There are separate forms for estates with or without a will under summary administration.
Other packets cover situations like:
Each packet outlines the steps to take and the necessary forms. Picking the right one depends on the estate’s size, complexity, and whether there’s a valid will.
You can see the complete list of packets and their uses on the Seminole County Clerk’s website.
Probate filings always start with the right packet and a fee paid to the circuit court clerk. For more, check out Seminole County’s official probate packet page.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
First, you need to get the right probate packet for Seminole County. These packets have all the forms you’ll use to start probate.
You can find them online or just swing by the Seminole County Clerk’s office and pick one up.
Next, fill out the forms. They’ll ask for information about the deceased person, their heirs, personal representatives, and the value of the estate. Try to be accurate—mistakes can cause delays, and nobody wants that hassle.
After you’ve finished the forms, gather up all the required documents. Typically, this includes the death certificate, any wills, and any other documents specified in the packet instructions. Double-check the checklist in the packet so you don’t miss anything obvious.
Now, you’re ready to file. You can submit everything to the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court in person or use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal if you prefer to do things online.
Don’t forget—there’s a filing fee, and you’ll need to pay it when you submit everything.
| Step | Action | Notes |
| 1. Get Packet | Download or pick up from the clerk | Find detailed probate packets online |
| 2. Fill Forms | Complete with accurate info | Include decedent and estate details |
| 3. Gather Docs | Collect required papers | Death certificate, will, etc. |
| 4. Submit Forms | File in person or e-file online | Pay the filing fee with the submission |
If you run into trouble with e-filing or have technical questions, you can reach out to the Florida Association of Court Clerks’ Services Group. They’ll help with things like password resets or case questions, which is honestly a relief.
The Seminole County Probate Court and Clerk’s Office open their doors Monday through Friday. They run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
This schedule provides individuals with a window to handle probate filings and related matters during the workweek. You won’t find them open on weekends or public holidays, though.
It’s a good idea to double-check the current holiday schedule before planning a visit. Unexpected closures can mess with filing deadlines or limit your access to services.
If you need help, just call the Probate Department. Dial (407) 665-4300 to reach staff ready to discuss probate packets, filing fees, or court hours.
The Probate Clerk can answer questions about the paperwork you’ll need for estate administration. They’ll also walk you through e-filing options, which honestly beats waiting in line.
Most probate filings happen at the Criminal Justice Center. That’s where you’ll find the Clerk’s Office.
It’s always a good idea to confirm the exact office address before you go. Saves you from any annoying delays.
For the complete holiday list, office locations, and the latest updates on hours, check the Seminole County Clerk of Court’s official hours and holidays page. You’ll also find contact details and other info there.
Whether you’re filing a summary, formal, or disposition probate, Conte Mollenhauer Law provides step-by-step support for Seminole County cases. Ensure accuracy and peace of mind—contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Where do I file probate cases in Seminole County?
Probate filings in Seminole County are submitted at the Probate Department, Juvenile Justice Center, 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773, or online via Florida’s E-Filing Portal.
What probate packets are available in Seminole County?
The Clerk provides packets for summary administration (with/without will), formal administration (testate/intestate), and disposition of personal property without administration, each with step-by-step forms.
What are the hours for the Seminole County Probate Department?
The Clerk’s counters generally operate Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, excluding county holidays. Always confirm on the Hours & Holidays page before visiting.
Can I e-file probate cases in Seminole County?
Answer: Yes. All probate cases can be filed online through Florida’s statewide E-Filing Portal. Self-represented individuals must register, notarize forms, and upload documents electronically.
What’s the difference between e-filing and e-recording?
E-filing is for probate case documents submitted to the court. E-recording is used for recording official records, such as deeds or certified court orders, with the Clerk’s Official Records office.
What documents are required with a probate packet?
Typical requirements include a certified death certificate, the will (if applicable), notices to creditors, inventories, receipts for funeral/medical expenses, and notarized forms provided in the packet.
How much are Seminole County probate filing fees?
Fees vary by case type: summary administration (approximately $231–$250) and formal administration (approximately $400–$500 filing fee plus additional costs). Confirm the latest fee schedule with the Clerk.
Latest Post
September 19 2025
Seminole County Probate: Summary vs. Formal (Eligibility, Steps, Fees)
When someone passes away in Seminole County, Florida, their estate usually lands in probate...
September 19 2025
In Seminole County, Florida, some small estates qualify for the disposition of personal property...
September 19 2025
Seminole Probate Packets & Where to File Addresses, Hours, e-Filing, and e-Recording Guide
Filing probate in Seminole County involves determining which packets are required and where to...
