Coral Gables Probate Lawyers

The period after a loved one’s passing can be difficult, and the probate process can add to the challenge. The lawyers in our Coral Gables office handle probate cases with precision, clarity, and discretion. Bridgepointe Global Counsel was founded in 2015, and our bilingual attorneys have handled thousands of cases. This includes complex multi-jurisdictional assets that cross international borders.

We treat probate as one part of a broader wealth-management lifecycle. Whether the estate involves U.S. real estate, foreign financial accounts, business interests, or trusts, our work is informed by estate planning, tax planning, asset protection, and succession considerations. Clients often value our long-term approach. We aim to build strategic relationships that go beyond a single estate administration, offering continuity and practical counsel.

Call (786) 882-4122 or contact us online today.

Understanding the Probate Process in Florida 

Probate is the legal process used to distribute a deceased person’s assets, pay debts, and transfer title to heirs or beneficiaries. While procedures vary by county, Florida probate has general steps and timelines that should be understood. Below is a practical roadmap of the typical probate journey…

Initial Assessment and Appointment of a Personal Representative
The probate process begins with filing the decedent’s will (if there is one) and a petition to open probate. If a will names a personal representative (executor), the court typically grants authority to that person. In international cases, foreign executors or beneficiaries may need local representation or documentation translated and apostilled.

Notice to Creditors and Inventorying Assets
The personal representative inventories estate assets and notifies creditors. For estates with foreign assets or accounts, coordination with foreign counsel and financial institutions is often required to obtain valuations, release funds, or handle competing jurisdictional claims. This stage frequently intersects with tax compliance, both domestic and cross-border, so early coordination with tax advisors is prudent.

Continuing Administration: Paying Debts, Taxes, and Expenses
The estate pays valid claims, funeral expenses, and administration costs. Where international tax obligations exist (e.g., foreign inheritance taxes or reporting requirements for U.S. beneficiaries), the process may require additional filings and timing considerations. Integrating probate with domestic and international tax planning often helps minimize surprises for heirs.

Asset Distribution and Title Transfers
Once obligations are addressed, assets are distributed according to the will or state intestacy rules. Real property transfers, corporate share reassignments, or trust funding may require separate filings or trustee actions. For family businesses or global holdings, succession planning and corporate compliance issues are often addressed simultaneously to preserve operational continuity.

Closing the Estate
The personal representative files a final accounting and asks the court to discharge responsibilities. In estates with international elements, obtaining releases or confirming distributions across jurisdictions may extend timelines.

Throughout these stages, our bilingual team approaches each matter with the discretion and long-term perspective that our clients expect, positioning probate within the broader context of succession, asset protection, and cross-border tax planning.