Estate Litigation Attorney in Coral Gables
Will Contests, Personal Representative Disputes, & Cross-Border Estate Claims
Estate litigation covers legal disputes that arise during the administration of a deceased person’s estate: challenges to a will’s validity, conflicts over how a personal representative is managing the estate, and disagreements among heirs or beneficiaries over distribution. For high-net-worth families whose assets, heirs, or fiduciaries span Latin America, the Caribbean, or Central America, these disputes carry an added layer of complexity that calls for more than a standard probate approach.
At Bridgepointe Global Counsel, we treat estate litigation as part of a broader wealth and succession picture. Our background in estate planning, trusts and wills, asset protection, and both domestic and international tax strategy means we evaluate every dispute with that full context in mind. Founded in 2015, we’ve guided clients through thousands of complex estate and tax matters, and we work fully remotely in both English and Spanish.
If you’re facing a contested estate or suspect misconduct in an estate you’re involved in, we offer free consultations and can connect with clients anywhere. Call us today at (786) 289-9515 to discuss your situation.
Estate Disputes We Handle
We represent clients on both sides of an estate dispute, whether challenging conduct or documents or defending against those challenges. Our background in estate planning and cross-border tax strategy directly informs how we analyze and pursue these matters.
Will Contests
Under Florida Statute § 732.5165, a will is void if its execution was procured by fraud, duress, mistake, or undue influence. A will may also be challenged on the grounds that the person who signed it lacked testamentary capacity at the time of execution. Interested parties may file a formal petition to initiate a hearing. We handle both the challenge and the defense of wills through this process.
Personal Representative Misconduct
Florida Statute § 733.602 establishes that a personal representative is a fiduciary who must act in the best interests of all interested persons, including beneficiaries and creditors. When that duty is breached, remedies can include removal of the personal representative, surcharge proceedings, or civil claims. We also defend personal representatives who are meeting their obligations and facing unfounded challenges.
Estate Administration Disputes
Not every conflict centers on a will’s validity. Disputes over asset distribution, interpretation of will provisions, creditor priority, and intestate succession when no valid will exists are all within our scope. For estates with assets held across multiple countries, asserting or defending rights may require coordinating across jurisdictions.
Our Trust Litigation practice addresses trustee breach of fiduciary duty, trust contests, and related trust-specific disputes separately. If your matter involves a trust rather than a will or estate administration, that page covers the applicable process in detail.
Why a Cross-Border Perspective Matters in Estate Litigation
Estates involving foreign assets, beneficiaries located outside the U.S., or personal representatives in another country introduce procedural and jurisdictional complexity that standard probate practice doesn’t always account for. When beneficiaries carry reporting obligations in multiple countries, the tax consequences of estate distributions become a live issue during litigation, not an afterthought.
Saidin M. Hernandez founded Bridgepointe Global Counsel to serve this client profile. Since 2015, we’ve built our practice around high-net-worth individuals and families with cross-border financial lives, drawing on knowledge of domestic and international tax strategy, asset protection, and succession planning. Because we communicate fluently in English and Spanish, we can engage directly with parties, documents, and counsel across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central America without the friction that language barriers introduce in contested matters. Our fully remote model means international heirs, beneficiaries, or personal representatives don’t need to travel to participate.
Start with a Free Consultation
Estate disputes move on procedural timelines. The sooner you understand your rights and options, the better positioned you may be to protect them. We offer free initial consultations, work fully remotely, and communicate in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re in Coral Gables or working with an estate that spans multiple countries, Bridgepointe Global Counsel can help you assess the matter. Call (786) 289-9515 to speak with our team.
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How Florida Estate Litigation Proceeds
Estate disputes involving Florida wills and estates are heard in the probate division of the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, part of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit. The Florida Probate Code governs the procedures, including notice requirements and limitation periods that determine whether a claim can still be brought at all. Timely action matters: certain objections to accountings or will admissions must be raised within defined windows after formal notice is received.
A typical contested matter moves through several stages: filing a petition or complaint, serving all interested persons, a discovery phase where documents and testimony are gathered, court-mandated mediation, and, if the dispute remains unresolved, a bench trial before the probate judge. Florida courts generally require mediation before scheduling a trial date, which creates a structured opportunity to pursue a negotiated resolution without the cost and uncertainty of a full hearing.
What to Gather Before Your First Consultation
Coming to an initial consultation prepared shortens the time it takes to assess your situation and identify your options. Before you meet with an estate litigation lawyer, gather what you have available.
Documents to collect before your consultation:
- The will and any codicils (amendments to the will)
- Court filings related to the probate proceeding
- Inventories and accountings provided by the personal representative
- Written communications about the estate, including emails or letters from the personal representative or other heirs
Two actions carry particular risk before you obtain legal advice. Signing waivers or informal agreements related to the estate can limit your ability to raise claims or defenses later. Reaching side agreements with other heirs outside the formal process can close off the same options. If specific transactions, decisions, or communications are raising concern, document what you recall with approximate dates. That record strengthens the foundation for any subsequent legal strategy.
Early legal involvement benefits both sides of a dispute. Heirs and beneficiaries gain a clear picture of their rights and the deadlines that apply. Personal representatives can confirm whether they’re meeting their statutory fiduciary duties before a challenge is filed. In either position, the earlier an estate litigation attorney reviews the matter, the more options may remain on the table.
“To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Protecting Wealth. Advising Generations.
International & Bilingual Expertise
Bridgepointe specializes in cross-border legal and tax matters, offering services in both English and Spanish to clients across the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.
Personalized, White-Glove Service
Clients receive dedicated, one-on-one attention with an emphasis on discretion, trust, and tailored strategies that reflect their unique goals.
Comprehensive Wealth & Business Solutions
The firm provides an integrated suite of services—from estate planning and asset protection to international tax and corporate compliance—designed for clients with complex, global needs.
Family & Legacy-Focused Approach
Bridgepointe’s mission centers on protecting wealth, preserving legacies, and giving families lasting confidence for generations to come.
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