Miami Beach & Fisher Island Probate Lawyer: Elite Estate Administration in the 11th Circuit

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis since 2014. Navigating an estate in Miami Beach or Fisher Island – from the iconic Art Deco residences of South of Fifth and the luxury estates of Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands to the ultra-exclusive beachfront sanctuaries of Fisher Island – requires a firm that specializes in high-value asset protection within the resource-strained 11th Judicial Circuit. Our firm’s efficiency in this challenging market is backed by hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from clients who have seen us successfully clear the hurdles that often stall other South Florida 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 Fees: Unparalleled Savings for Luxury Estates

In the high-stakes real estate markets of Fisher Island and Miami Beach, the traditional way Florida attorneys bill can be predatory. Under Florida Statute 733.6171, lawyers are permitted to charge a “presumed reasonable” fee based on a percentage of the estate’s value – often 3%.

For a $5,000,000 Fisher Island condo, a percentage-based firm might charge $150,000 for a routine probate. At Florida Probate Law Group, we reject this model. By offering affordable statewide flat fees ($3,500.00 to $7,000.00) for uncontested probate matters (regardless of the value of the property) . We provide:

Direct Inheritance Protection: Our flat fees equal huge savings for large estates, ensuring that the wealth built in towers like Palazzo del Sol or Apogee stays with the heirs, not the law firm.
Financial Predictability: You receive all-inclusive pricing upfront. There are no “percentage surprises” or hourly billing for every email regarding high-value asset transfers.
Large Estate Expertise: We handle the administrative complexity of luxury island estates and our fee structure represents a fraction of what traditional firms demand.

Strategic Litigation Experience: Protecting Your Island Legacy

The key to a smooth uncontested probate in Miami is having a lawyer who has won the most complex contested battles. Founding partner Charles “Cary” David has extensive experience in high-stakes litigation, notably representing eighteen family members in the multi-million dollar Bo Diddley trust litigation. Cary has also managed numerous multi-million dollar probate disputes across Florida, involving high-value residential and commercial interests.

This litigation background allows us to protect Miami Beach families by:

Litigation-Proofing the File: We have seen exactly how “simple” estates turn into multi-year legal battles. We use this knowledge to draft petitions so precise that they limit the opportunity for challenges from disgruntled relatives or aggressive creditors.
Avoiding Pitfalls: We identify “red flags” early, such as vague Will provisions or complex “non-exempt” asset definitions, preventing them from turning into costly delays.

Combined with founding partner R. Nadine David’s background as a former Probate Court Staff Attorney, we offer a perspective that combines “behind-the-bench” procedural knowledge with “front-line” litigation toughness.

Navigating the Miami-Dade Bottleneck: 2026 Expert Coordination

Miami-Dade County is home to the busiest and most understaffed court system in Florida. In 2026, the probate system faces significant administrative delays that can cause simple cases to languish for months. Our expertise allows us to navigate these challenging dynamics in the 11th Judicial Circuit through strict adherence to local mandates:

Smart Form Precision: We utilize mandatory Miami-Dade 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, all proposed orders must include specific “Docket Index Numbers” beneath the title. Failure to follow this technical requirement results in immediate rejection by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court.
Judicial Familiarity: We understand the exact expectations of the Miami Beach probate judges, including Administrative Judge Yvonne Colodny and Associate Administrative Judge Maria de Jesus Santovenia. Our filings are prepared to be “no-questions-asked” approvals.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel to Miami Required

Miami Beach property owners often have heirs living in New York, South America, or Europe. We have pioneered a 100% Remote Probate model that allows you to manage everything from your home.

Virtual Consultations: Connect with our team via secure video conferencing.
Digital Signature Integration: Execute all necessary petitions and oaths via secure electronic signature, compliant with Florida’s 2026 digital standards.
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.
Virtual Representation: We handle all appearances before the 11th Circuit bench, so you never have to deal with Miami traffic or courthouse security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as a “non-exempt” asset in a Miami Beach 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 multi-million dollar 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 the 11th Circuit? 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, providing security for the heirs.

Where do I file the original Will for a Fisher Island 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. Our firm manages this secure physical filing for our clients.

Secure Your Family’s Miami 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.

Client Reviews

I was very happy with her response to my questions and concerns about Florida probate. I am in Ohio and was not familiar with the process but they cleared everything up for me and made me feel comfortable going through the probate process with my loved ones will.

Roger

Honest and straight forward assessment of complex case. My case span both federal and state issues, as well as civil case of fraud which maybe criminal fraud. He told me what he could do, what his limits of scope were and what my best/safest position should be and gave me an outline of how to get...

S. Todd

The world of probate can be fairly daunting for one who has little to no experience. Between trying to figure out what to file and when to file, there is also the where. I was quite relieved to have Nadine and Cary to guide me through the court process.

Michael O.

I highly recommend using this law group for your Florida probate needs, and in particular, Charles David. He explained clearly what my 91 year old aunt would need to do in order to sell property that was in hers and her late husband's name.

Patti T.

Florida probate law group,was very helpful in answering the many questions that I had concerning my situation their input was very appreciated thank you.

Shirley M.

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