Lafayette County Probate Guide
3rd Judicial Circuit · Updated January 2026
(386) 294-1600County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in Lafayette County.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingFlorida Department of Health in Lafayette County
Cost:$15/copy
Get:10 copies
Online:Available
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Will or trust documents
Property deeds
Bank/investment statements
Insurance policies
Vehicle titles
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Related Topics
Sources (4)
- https://www.lafayetteclerk.com/
- https://thirdcircuitfl.org/
- Florida Statutes Title XLII (Estates and Trusts)
- Florida Statutes 28.2401 - Service charges and filing fees in probate matters