Miami Probate Lawyer: Navigating the Complexities of the 11th Circuit

Florida Probate Law Group has helped thousands of families through the probate process on an affordable flat fee basis., and our experienced attorneys bring specialized expertise to the Miami-Dade County market. Managing an estate in Miami – from the luxury high-rises of Brickell and Sunny Isles Beach to the historic neighborhoods of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove – requires a legal team capable of navigating the busiest and most resource-strained court system in Florida.

For a detailed walkthrough of the legal steps involved, read our Complete Guide to Florida Probate and our specific Miami-Dade County Probate Guide. Our firm’s standing is reflected in hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from clients who have seen us successfully clear hurdles that often stall other attorneys for months.

Overcoming the Miami-Dade Bottleneck: Expert Navigation

Miami-Dade County is home to over 2.7 million residents, making the 11th Judicial Circuit one of the largest in the United States. In 2026, the probate system faces significant challenges arising from this massive population and an understaffed court system. Even the Florida Supreme Court, under Administrative Order AOSC25-70, has extended the workgroup on probate reform through 2028 due to the immense burden on circuits like Miami-Dade.

Without the right expertise, cases in Miami can easily fall into a “black hole” of administrative delays. Our firm uses a strategic approach to bypass these challenges:

• Precision with Smart Forms: Miami-Dade requires the use of Probate Smart Forms. Unlike other counties where standard petitions are accepted, Miami judges may refuse to sign orders that do not utilize these interactive, data-coded documents.
• Compliance with Technical Identifiers: Per Administrative Order 22-02, every proposed order must include specific “Docket Index Numbers” or “Motion Identifiers” immediately below the title. This technical requirement is designed to help an overstretched clerk’s office process files, but it frequently results in rejections for attorneys unfamiliar with the 11th Circuit’s specific workflow.
• 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.

Unmatched 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.

100% Remote Probate: No Travel to Miami Required

Given Miami’s traffic and courthouse security, physically handling an estate can be a nightmare. 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 assist with 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 Bertila Soto, on your behalf.

Affordable Flat Fees: Financial Certainty

We eliminate the financial mystery of probate by offering affordable flat-fee pricing for all uncontested probate matters.

Summary Administration

An expedited path under Florida Statute 735.201 for Miami estates where:

• The total value of “non-exempt” assets is under $75,000.
• OR the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.

Formal Administration

The comprehensive process governed by Florida Probate Rule 5.200. This is necessary when a Personal Representative must be officially appointed to manage bank accounts, handle litigation, or clear the title on Miami real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does probate take longer in Miami-Dade than in other counties? The sheer volume of the 11th Circuit means the Clerk of Court, currently led by Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq., handles hundreds of thousands of filings. Understaffing leads to a backlog where even simple petitions can wait weeks for review. Our expertise allows us to skip the line by providing perfectly compliant, “no-questions-asked” filings that can be approved efficiently.

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, providing security for the heirs.

Where do I file the original Will in Miami? Per Florida Statute 732.901, the original Will must be physically delivered to the Clerk at the Miami-Dade Justice Center (20 NW 1st Avenue, 6th Floor) within 10 days of notification of death.

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.