Our Editorial Process

How we ensure the accuracy and reliability of probate information on settledestate.com

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Probate is a legal process with real consequences. Incorrect information can lead to missed deadlines, unnecessary expenses, or legal complications. That's why we take accuracy seriously. Our goal is to provide the most reliable, comprehensive, and up-to-date probate information available.

How We Research

1. Primary Sources First

We prioritize information from official government sources:

  • Florida Statutes and court rules
  • County clerk of court websites
  • Official court fee schedules
  • Florida Courts Self-Help resources
  • Judicial circuit administrative orders

2. County-by-County Verification

Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk of court and potential local variations. For each county, we:

  • Review the official clerk of court website
  • Verify contact information and hours
  • Confirm filing fees from official fee schedules
  • Note any county-specific procedures or requirements
  • Document all sources for transparency

3. Cross-Reference and Validate

We cross-reference information across multiple sources to ensure consistency. When sources conflict, we prioritize official statutory requirements and note any discrepancies.

Data Quality Standards

We categorize our county data by quality level:

H

High Quality

Manually researched and verified from official county sources. Includes county-specific details, direct links, and verified contact information.

M

Medium Quality

Based on statewide statutory requirements with basic county contact information. Verified but may lack county-specific details.

L

Low Quality

Standard statutory information only. Basic contact details from Florida Clerks Association. Enhanced verification in progress.

Keeping Information Current

Probate fees, court procedures, and contact information can change. We maintain accuracy through:

  • Last Updated Dates: Every page shows when it was last verified
  • Source Citations: Links to official sources for verification
  • Quarterly Reviews: Regular checks of fee schedules and procedures
  • User Feedback: We welcome reports of outdated information

What We Don't Do

  • ✕We do not provide legal advice or attorney recommendations
  • ✕We do not guarantee outcomes or case results
  • ✕We do not review or prepare legal documents
  • ✕We do not represent users in any legal capacity

Our Sources

We rely on authoritative sources including:

  • Florida Statutes, Title XLII (Estates and Trusts)
  • Florida Probate Rules
  • Florida Courts Self-Help Center
  • Florida Clerks Association
  • Individual County Clerk of Court websites
  • Judicial Circuit Court websites and administrative orders

Help Us Stay Accurate

If you notice outdated or incorrect information on our website, please let us know. We appreciate feedback from users, attorneys, and court staff that helps us maintain the most accurate probate resource possible.

When reporting an issue, please include:

  • The specific page or information in question
  • What you believe is incorrect
  • The correct information (if known)
  • A source for the correct information (if available)

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