Probate Court for Individuals in Coral Gables

Losing a loved one is devastating. In addition to dealing with the loss, families must handle burial arrangements and the distribution of the deceased’s assets. While the probate process is meant to help families and make sure an estate is distributed fairly, it can be overwhelming for families trying to navigate the legal system on their own.

For Coral Gables residents, the probate court in Miami-Dade County oversees the distribution of a decedent’s assets, payment of debts, and resolution of any disputes concerning the estate. Probate laws are complex, making it essential to work with a knowledgeable probate attorney.

What Is Probate Court?

The primary function of the probate court is to oversee the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. In other words, the court helps to facilitate the legal transfer of assets to beneficiaries and the payment of outstanding debts. Common matters that Coral Gables residents will see handled by probate court include:

• Ensuring a will is valid and legally enforceable
• Assigning a personal representative or executor to manage the estate and distribute assets according to the Last Will & Testament or laws
• Settling debts and taxes

A personal representative managing an estate is required under Florida law to have an attorney, unless they are the sole heir to the estate and there are no other interested parties, such as creditors.

What Cases Are Heard in Probate Court?

For Coral Gables residents, probate court handles a variety of estate-related cases, including:

• Formal administration, required for larger or more complex estates, often involving a full court-supervised probate process
• Summary administration, involving a simplified process available when the estate’s value is less than $75,000 or the decedent has been deceased for over two years
• Trust administration, since probate courts may oversee disputes related to trusts if conflicts arise

What to Expect During the Probate Process

Probate  typically involve several key steps.

Filing the Petition and Notifying Interested Parties

The probate process begins when a petition for administration is filed with the probate court. This process includes making sure beneficiaries, and creditors are notified about the proceedings.

Court Supervision

The court monitors the personal representative’s actions to confirm legal compliance during estate administration.

Asset Distribution and Case Closure

After debts are paid and disputes resolved, the court authorizes asset distribution and formally closes the estate.

In the case of a dispute, the probate court may hold hearings to resolve issues, potentially extending the probate process.

The Importance of Hiring a Probate Attorney

Navigating probate court proceedings in Coral Gables involves strict legal requirements, deadlines, and complex paperwork. An experienced attorney could help you prepare legal documents, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with Florida probate laws. This support can reduce stress and prevent costly legal disputes.

Receive Reliable Probate Court Support in Coral Gables

If you need guidance with probate court proceedings or estate administration, contact Veliz & Associates, P.A. Our skilled estate planning team has years of experience helping Coral Gables families navigate probate matters.. We provide compassionate legal representation tailored to your unique needs, so reach out today to schedule a consultation and move forward with confidence.