What is the deadline to file a claim against Stephen L. Russell's estate?

File by the later of three months after first publication (May 8, 2026) or 30 days after you are served a copy; otherwise within three months of first publication.

Who is the personal representative for the estate?

Margaret Cole Richards Russell, with address 23810 Tuscany Way, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

Where is the probate case filed?

Lee County Circuit Court, Probate Division, 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, case no. 26-CP-1165.

What happens if I file a claim after the deadline?

Late claims will be forever barred and cannot be enforced against the estate.

May 8, 2026 Probate: 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No.: 26-CP-1165 IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN LESLIE RUSSELL AKA STEPHEN L. RUSSELL Deceased. The administration of the Estate of STEPHEN LESLIE RUSSELL, also known as STEPHEN L. RUSSELL, deceased, whose date of death was March 17, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Lee County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representatives attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedents Estate, on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedents Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the Decedents death by the Decedent or the Decedents surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: May 8, 2026. MARGARET COLE RICHARDS RUSSELL Personal Representative 23810 Tuscany Way Bonita Springs, FL 34134 ALAN F. HILFIKER Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0206040 Dentons Cohen & Grigsby P.C. 9110 Strada Place, Suite 6200 Naples, FL 34108 Telephone: (239) 390-1900 Email: alan.hilfiker@dentons.com Secondary: Justine.sickles@dentons.com May 8, 15, 2026 26-01699L

Probate — 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL (26-CP-1165)

What to do next

Frequently asked questions

Legal terms in this notice

Related Notices

Notice to creditors for the estate of Nicola D. Opdycke (d. April 9, 2026) advises creditors to file claims in Collier County Probate Court by specified deadlines or have claims barred. Personal representative and attorney contact information are provided.

This is a notice to creditors in the probate of Molly Brown (died March 2, 2026) in Lee County, FL. Creditors and others with claims must file by the specified statutory deadlines or their claims will be barred.

This is a probate notice for the estate of Michael Allen Hochstetler, who died April 1, 2026. Creditors and others with claims must file by statutory deadlines beginning from the first publication date of May 15, 2026, or risk being barred.

Notice that the probate of Marie Theresa Zengel (died November 8, 2024) is open in Lee County. Creditors must file claims by statutory deadlines or be forever barred from recovery against the estate.

This is a probate notice for the estate of Sharon Berkman Jones, who died January 13, 2026. Creditors and others with claims must file within statutory deadlines or their claims will be barred.

Notice that the probate administration for Barbara Ann Villano (d. Feb 8, 2026) is open in Lee County. Creditors must file claims by specified deadlines or be barred from recovery against the estate.

This is a probate notice for the estate of Linda W. Owen (d. Jan 31, 2026) informing creditors to file claims within statutory deadlines. Claims not timely filed will be barred under Florida law, and the first publication date is May 15, 2026.

Notice of administration for the estate of Joseph Nicastro (died January 28, 2026) filed in Lee County Probate Court. Creditors must timely file claims by statutory deadlines or risk being forever barred from recovery.

This notice opens probate for the estate of Lawrence R. Lipman (died March 22, 2026) in Lee County. Creditors must file claims within specified statutory deadlines or lose the right to payment from the estate.

The Florida Department of Children and Families filed to terminate Jacqueline Stacy’s parental rights to minor W.C. (born 1/13/2017). An advisory hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Lee County Justice Center; failure to appear may forfeit parental rights.

See also

Other auctions near Fort Myers(43)→

This property's history