Quick Answer: Closing a probate case in Manatee County requires completing the creditor claim period, resolving all claims, filing an inventory and final accounting, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and filing a Petition for Discharge with the Manatee County Clerk of Court at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
Before You Begin: Determine the Type of Administration
The first step is determining whether the estate qualifies for summary or formal administration. Summary administration is available for estates valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead) or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. Most larger estates require formal administration.
Formal Administration Checklist for Manatee County
1
Locate the original will
Find the original will and deposit it with the Manatee County Clerk of Court within 10 days of the decedent's death.
Find the original will and deposit it with the Manatee County Clerk of Court within 10 days of the decedent's death.
2
Retain a probate attorney
Florida law requires the personal representative to be represented by a Florida attorney for formal administration (unless sole beneficiary). See: Can You Do Probate Yourself?
Florida law requires the personal representative to be represented by a Florida attorney for formal administration (unless sole beneficiary). See: Can You Do Probate Yourself?
3
File the Petition for Administration
Your attorney files the petition with the Manatee County Clerk of Court at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Include the death certificate, original will, and proposed personal representative information.
Your attorney files the petition with the Manatee County Clerk of Court at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Include the death certificate, original will, and proposed personal representative information.
4
Court appoints the personal representative
The court reviews the petition, appoints the personal representative, and issues Letters of Administration.
The court reviews the petition, appoints the personal representative, and issues Letters of Administration.
5
Publish Notice to Creditors
Publish in a Manatee County newspaper of general circulation. This triggers the mandatory 3-month creditor claim period. Also send direct notice to known creditors.
Publish in a Manatee County newspaper of general circulation. This triggers the mandatory 3-month creditor claim period. Also send direct notice to known creditors.
6
Notify beneficiaries
Send formal notice of administration to all beneficiaries and interested persons named in the will or identified under Florida intestacy law.
Send formal notice of administration to all beneficiaries and interested persons named in the will or identified under Florida intestacy law.
7
File the inventory
The personal representative must file an inventory of all estate assets with the court within 60 days of appointment. Include values for all real property, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal property.
The personal representative must file an inventory of all estate assets with the court within 60 days of appointment. Include values for all real property, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal property.
8
Manage estate finances
Open an estate bank account, collect income, pay valid debts, and manage estate property during the administration period.
Open an estate bank account, collect income, pay valid debts, and manage estate property during the administration period.
9
Resolve creditor claims
Review all creditor claims filed during the 3-month period. Pay valid claims, object to invalid ones. This step cannot be skipped or shortened.
Review all creditor claims filed during the 3-month period. Pay valid claims, object to invalid ones. This step cannot be skipped or shortened.
10
File tax returns
File the decedent's final income tax return and any required estate tax returns. Obtain tax clearance if applicable.
File the decedent's final income tax return and any required estate tax returns. Obtain tax clearance if applicable.
11
Prepare the final accounting
Compile a complete accounting of all estate income, expenses, distributions, and remaining assets. This document is filed with the court.
Compile a complete accounting of all estate income, expenses, distributions, and remaining assets. This document is filed with the court.
12
Distribute remaining assets
After all debts are paid, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries per the will or Florida intestacy law. Obtain signed receipts from each beneficiary.
After all debts are paid, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries per the will or Florida intestacy law. Obtain signed receipts from each beneficiary.
13
File Petition for Discharge
File the final accounting, receipts from beneficiaries, and Petition for Discharge with the Manatee County Clerk. The court reviews and formally discharges the personal representative.
File the final accounting, receipts from beneficiaries, and Petition for Discharge with the Manatee County Clerk. The court reviews and formally discharges the personal representative.
✓
Estate is closed
The court enters an Order of Discharge and the probate case is officially closed in Manatee County.
The court enters an Order of Discharge and the probate case is officially closed in Manatee County.
Summary Administration Checklist
For qualifying estates, summary administration is simpler:
- Gather all asset information and beneficiary signatures
- File a Petition for Summary Administration with the Manatee County Clerk
- Court reviews and issues an Order of Summary Administration
- Use the court order to transfer assets to beneficiaries
Summary administration typically takes 1 to 3 months.
Manatee County-Specific Notes
- Filing location: 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
- Clerk phone: (941) 749-1800
- Local newspaper for Notice to Creditors: The Bradenton Herald or other qualified Manatee County publications
- Barnes Walker office: 3119 Manatee Avenue West (less than 2 miles from the courthouse)
For the statewide version of this checklist: Florida Probate Checklist.
Need help with probate in Manatee County? Contact our probate team or call (941) 778-7721.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Every estate is different. Contact a Florida probate attorney for guidance specific to your situation.