Estate Attorneys in Miami, Florida

We are a boutique law firm focused on estate law in Miami and South Florida. When you call us at 786-522-1411 during business hours, you are connected directly to the lead attorney, Albert Goodwin. Never to an associate or to an assistant. When you hire our firm, Albert Goodwin handles your case directly, with associates in supporting roles.

We have a track record of outstanding results and excellent reviews.

We practice all three main areas of estate law, which are (1) estate planning, (2) probate and (3) estate litigation. Estate planning means making a will or a trust. Probate means dealing with property of a person who died. And estate litigation encompasses all disagreements involving estates.

We also practice areas of law closely adjacent to estates. These less common practice areas are guardianship of incapacitated adults, partition of real property and appeals from the Probate Division of the Circuit Court.

Here is a closer look at each of our areas of practice.

Our Practice Areas

Estate Litigation

When estate disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we provide strong litigation representation to protect your rights and interests. Estate litigation involves complex legal issues and high emotions, requiring attorneys who understand both the technical aspects of Florida estate law and the sensitivity needed when families are in conflict.

Our litigation team has successfully handled estate disputes involving millions of dollars in assets, helping clients achieve favorable outcomes in court when necessary. We handle all types of estate litigation matters:

• Will contests - representing people challenging or defending wills under Florida Statutes § 733.109
• Trust contests - fighting disputes over trust validity and management under the Florida Trust Code
• Trust litigation - disputes over trust interpretation, management, and distributions
• Contested accountings - challenging or defending financial reports and fee requests
• Undue influence claims - proving improper pressure was used to change estate plans
• Breach of fiduciary duty - holding personal representatives and trustees accountable for misconduct
• Recovery of missing assets - investigating and recovering estate property

Estate Planning

As estate planning attorneys, we help you protect your assets and make sure your wishes are followed. Estate planning isn't just about writing a will -- it's about creating a plan that saves on taxes, avoids delays, and gives clear instructions to your loved ones when they need them most.

Our team works with you to understand your family situation, finances, and goals. We then create solutions that work for your needs today and in the future. Our estate planning services include:

• Creating strong wills that clearly express your wishes and reduce family disputes
• Setting up revocable and irrevocable trusts to avoid probate and protect assets
• Florida homestead protection planning to maximize the constitutional protections unique to Florida
• Special needs planning to make sure disabled family members receive care without losing government benefits
• Medicaid planning to protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits

We also set up durable powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions and designation of health care surrogates, making sure someone you trust can act for you if you become unable to make decisions. Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your family's future is secure and your wishes will be honored.

Probate

When someone passes away, their estate often needs to go through probate court. In Florida, this process is handled by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. Probate validates the will, appoints a personal representative, and oversees the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. Probate can seem overwhelming, but we guide personal representatives and families through each step to make the process as smooth as possible.

Our team has handled hundreds of probate cases, helping personal representatives fulfill their duties properly while protecting beneficiaries' interests. We handle all aspects of uncontested probate administration to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Our probate services include:

• Formal administration - guiding personal representatives through the entire probate process
• Summary administration - streamlined proceedings for smaller estates under $75,000
• Disposition without administration - for estates consisting solely of exempt property

Whether you're a personal representative learning your responsibilities or a beneficiary wanting to understand the process, we provide the guidance and legal support needed to navigate Florida's probate court requirements successfully. Our goal is to complete the probate process efficiently while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Estate Accounting

Estate accounting is a critical aspect of estate administration that requires meticulous attention to detail and thorough knowledge of Florida's legal requirements. Personal representatives must provide detailed financial reports to the court and beneficiaries, documenting all estate transactions and distributions.

Our accounting services help ensure compliance with court requirements while protecting the interests of both fiduciaries and beneficiaries. We provide comprehensive accounting services including:

• Preparing formal accountings - creating detailed financial reports for court submission
• Reviewing and analyzing accountings - examining financial reports for accuracy and completeness
• Filing accounting objections - challenging questionable transactions and excessive fees
• Beneficiary representation - protecting beneficiary rights in accounting proceedings

Whether you're a personal representative who needs help preparing an accounting or a beneficiary who questions financial reports, we provide the expertise needed to ensure accurate, complete, and legally compliant estate accounting that protects everyone's interests.

Partition Actions

When family members or co-owners cannot agree on what to do with inherited or jointly owned real estate, a partition action may be the only way to resolve the dispute. These cases often arise after a parent passes away and siblings inherit a house together, or when co-owners of property have a falling out.

Florida adopted the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, which provides additional protections when inherited property is involved. We handle all aspects of partition matters, including filing and defending partition lawsuits, negotiating buyouts between co-owners, guiding clients through court-ordered sales, and recovering contributions made toward taxes, mortgage, and maintenance. Whether you want to force a sale or defend against one, we provide strategic guidance to protect your property interests.

Appeals

When a probate court decision goes against you in an estate matter, an appeal may be your best option to correct the outcome. Appellate practice requires a different skill set than trial work -- it focuses on legal arguments, written briefs, and persuading a panel of judges that the lower court made an error.

We handle appeals in Florida's District Courts of Appeal, representing both appellants seeking to overturn unfavorable decisions and appellees defending favorable rulings. Our appellate work includes brief writing, record preparation, oral argument, and emergency motions such as stays and motions for rehearing. Appellate deadlines are strict, so if you received an unfavorable decision, contact us promptly to protect your right to seek review.

Guardianship

When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions about their health, finances, or living situation, a guardianship proceeding may be necessary to protect them. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 744, we represent families seeking to establish guardianship for incapacitated adults, as well as individuals and families defending against guardianship petitions that are excessive or unjustified.

Our work includes preparing guardianship petitions supported by medical evidence and examining committee reports, representing clients at hearings, advising appointed guardians on their ongoing duties, and counseling families on less restrictive alternatives such as durable powers of attorney or voluntary guardianship when appropriate. Whether you need to obtain guardianship or oppose one, we provide compassionate and effective representation.

Why Choose Us as Your Estate Attorneys

With many estate attorneys practicing in South Florida, what sets our law firm apart? Here are key reasons to choose our attorneys as your trusted advisors and advocates for estate matters:

Extensive Experience

Our firm has been practicing estate law since 2008. We closely track updates to Florida statutes and federal laws impacting estates. We also study recent court decisions from Florida's District Courts of Appeal shaping the interpretation and application of laws in this field. This depth of experience allows us to provide timely, savvy counsel.

Proven Record of Success

Our track record of favorable case results speaks for itself. We have secured millions of dollars for clients, protected assets from unjust claims, and successfully contested and defended estates. Please ask us for case examples specific to your situation.

Command of Florida Probate Courts

We leverage intricate knowledge of local Probate Division rules, precedents set by prior estate disputes, and Miami-Dade-specific procedures. This allows for better case assessments, forecasting, argument positioning attuned to local judges, and overall guidance aligned with court expectations.

Compassionate and Customized Guidance

Every client's personal dynamics, interpersonal issues, and asset complexity differ, requiring tailored legal strategies. We invest time upfront identifying variables key to optimal outcomes. Our advice provides a customized roadmap reflecting the distinct circumstances around each estate.

Estate matters can feel overwhelming. We aim to simplify processes that may seem full of red tape and confusion. With seasoned expertise guiding you through will contests, probate filings, property transfers, and estate disputes, we bring order and clarity.

Our record shows we help clients protect inheritances, minimize family tensions, resolve asset distribution, and transfer wealth smoothly between generations. You can rely on us for counsel as compassionate as the task demands during difficult times.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We are located in Coral Gables, Miami. We cover Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. You can contact us by phone at 786-522-1411 or by email at [email protected] to discuss your estate needs in full confidentiality. Our goal is to gain an understanding of your unique situation, family dynamics, and intentions in order to provide trusted advice tailored specifically to you.