Coral Gables Probate Lawyer: Expert Estate Administration in “The City Beautiful”

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis since 2014. Settling an estate in Coral Gables – from the Mediterranean-style estates of Old Cutler Road and the waterfront residences of Gables Estates to the charming historic homes near the Biltmore Hotel – requires an elite legal team capable of navigating the resource-strained and highly technical probate system of Miami-Dade County. Our firm’s commitment to efficiency and transparency is backed by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from families who have seen us successfully clear the hurdles that often stall other attorneys for months.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Miami-Dade County Probate Guide.

Flat Fees vs. Percentage-Based Fees: Huge Savings for Large Estates

In Coral Gables, where estate values often reach into the millions, the way your attorney charges for their services can mean a difference of tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars for your family.

Under Florida Statute 733.6171, the “presumed reasonable” attorney’s fee for a Florida probate estate is a percentage of the estate’s value. For a $1,000,000 estate, the statutory fee is $30,000. For a $10,000,000 estate, that fee can exceed $150,000.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we reject the percentage-based model. We believe families should not be penalized because their loved one was successful. By offering affordable flat fees ($3,500.00 to $7,000.00)for uncontested probate matters, we provide:

• Massive Savings: We save families in high-value communities like Snapper Creek and Hammock Oaks more than 90% compared to traditional percentage-based firms, while often delivering faster and more predictable results than those firms.
• Predictability: You will know exactly what the legal costs are on day one, with no “extraordinary service” surprises later.
• Value-First Service: We believe the cost of the work should reflect the actual labor performed, not the size of the bank account.

Strategic Litigation Experience: Protecting Your Legacy

Our background in high-stakes litigation ensures your uncontested case is “litigation-proof.” Founding partner Charles “Cary” David has spent over a decade litigating multi-million dollar disputes, including the Bo Diddley trust litigation and numerous complex probate battles in South Florida. This experience allows us to identify “red flags”—such as aggressive medical creditors or vague Will provisions—early enough to prevent them from turning into costly delays.

Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s background as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, we understand the bench’s expectations. We prepare “judge-ready” petitions that move quickly despite the system’s understaffing, protecting your inheritance from being eaten away by months of administrative stalling.

Overcoming the Miami-Dade Bottleneck: Expert Navigation

Miami-Dade County is home to over 2.7 million residents, and the 11th Judicial Circuit is frequently understaffed. In 2026, the probate system faces significant delays that can cause simple cases to languish for months. Our firm uses a strategic approach to bypass these challenges:

• Smart Form Precision: Miami-Dade requires the use of Probate Smart Forms. Judges may refuse to sign orders that do not utilize these interactive, data-coded documents.
• Compliance with AO 22-02: Per Administrative Order 22-02, every proposed order must include specific “Docket Index Numbers” or “Motion Identifiers” immediately below the title. Failure to follow this technical requirement results in immediate rejection.
• Checklist Mastery: We utilize mandatory checklists (such as CC-04 for Formal and CC-07 for Summary) to ensure every required e-filing docket number is perfectly cited, allowing overworked judicial assistants to approve your case with confidence.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel Required

Managing an estate for a Coral Gables resident shouldn’t require you to battle Miami traffic. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model that allows you to manage everything from your home.

1. Virtual Consultations: Connect with our team via secure video conferencing.
2. Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature.
3. Physical Document Management: We manage the physical deposit of the original Will and death certificates at the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center at 20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128.
4. Virtual Representation: We handle all appearances before the Miami-Dade Probate Judges, including Administrative Judge Yvonne Colodny and Associate Administrative Judge Maria de Jesus Santovenia, on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Coral Gables estate? In Florida, “exempt” assets do not count toward the $75,000 threshold for Summary Administration. This includes a protected Florida Homestead property (regardless of its value), household furnishings, and up to two motor vehicles. “Non-exempt” assets usually include bank accounts held only in the decedent’s name and non-homestead real estate. Learn more from the Florida Bar’s Consumer Pamphlet.

What is a “Restricted Depository” in Miami? To protect cash assets in an understaffed system, Miami judges often require funds to be held in a Restricted Depository under Florida Statute 69.031. This account protects the assets by requiring a court order for any withdrawal.

Where do I file the original Will for a Coral Gables resident? Per Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be physically delivered to the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court within 10 days of notification of death.

Secure Your Family’s Gables Legacy

At Florida Probate Law Group, we treat your family’s legacy with the respect it deserves. We handle the technicalities of the Miami-Dade court system so you can focus on your family.