Every probate case in Miami-Dade starts with a petition filed with the clerk of court and a determination of which type of administration applies to the estate. Florida’s probate framework is set by state statute, but procedural details — filing workflows, clerk preferences, and local administrative orders — vary meaningfully from one county to the next. The sections below outline the court that handles probate in Miami-Dade, the administration types that most often apply, and how our firm can help.
If you need guidance on opening, administering, or closing a Miami-Dade County estate, contact Bucelo Diaz Law or call (954) 399-1910 to schedule a free consultation.
Miami-Dade County Probate Court
- Court
- Miami-Dade County Courthouse
- Address
- 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130
- Clerk website
- https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov
- Phone
- (305) 349-7333
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
Key Takeaways — Probate in Miami-Dade County
- Probate is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled. For Miami-Dade County residents, that means filing in the local probate division of the circuit court listed above.
- Florida offers two administration tracks. Summary administration for smaller or older estates, and formal administration for everything else — including most estates involving real property.
- Counsel is typically required in formal administration. Personal representatives owe fiduciary duties that can create personal liability, so most estates benefit from a Miami-Dade County probate attorney.
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Opening a Miami-Dade County estate or unsure whether probate is required? Bucelo Diaz Law helps families and personal representatives across Florida navigate each stage of probate.
How Probate Works in Miami-Dade County
The probate process in Miami-Dade tracks the procedural framework set out in the Florida Probate Code and the Florida Probate Rules. It starts with the filing of a death certificate, original will (if one exists), and a petition describing the estate and proposed personal representative.
Florida law provides for two core administration types — summary administration for estates that meet size or time thresholds, and formal administration for everything else. In addition, ancillary probate may be required in Miami-Dade when a non-resident decedent owned Florida real property or other assets located in the county.
Local filing rules, judicial assignments, and clerk preferences can materially affect how quickly a Miami-Dade probate case progresses. A lawyer who regularly practices in this county will know how motions are calendared, how long letters of administration typically take to issue, and what local forms the clerk expects. Because Florida law requires counsel for personal representatives in formal administration, most estates are not pursued entirely pro se.
A Miami-Dade County probate attorney can help you file correctly the first time, avoid delays, and meet every statutory deadline. Let’s talk about your situation.
Do You Need a Probate Lawyer in Miami-Dade County?
Florida does not require a lawyer for every probate scenario, but formal administration generally cannot be pursued without counsel, and summary administration is rarely handled successfully without legal guidance when real property or multiple beneficiaries are involved. Hiring a Miami-Dade probate attorney is not about adding cost — it is about controlling risk. Personal representatives owe fiduciary duties to creditors and beneficiaries, and missteps can result in personal liability.
Our firm works with families and personal representatives across Miami-Dade to open estates, respond to creditor claims, resolve title issues on real property, prepare inventories and accountings, and distribute assets in compliance with Florida law. If there is a will contest, a dispute over the personal representative, or a question about whether an estate even needs to be opened, we can evaluate the situation and recommend a path forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Probate in Miami-Dade
Where do I file probate in Miami-Dade, Florida?
You file probate in the Florida county where the decedent lived — for Miami-Dade residents, that means the local clerk of court’s probate division. If the decedent lived elsewhere in Florida but owned real property in Miami-Dade, a separate ancillary proceeding may be opened here.
What courthouse handles probate in Miami-Dade?
Probate matters in Miami-Dade are handled at the local circuit court. Courthouse and clerk information is listed above — we recommend confirming current filing hours and submission procedures directly with the clerk’s office before filing.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Miami-Dade?
Florida generally requires an attorney for formal administration. Even in summary administration, most families in Miami-Dade choose to work with probate counsel to ensure filings are accurate and deadlines are met. A consultation can help you decide.
How long does probate take in Miami-Dade?
Timelines vary. A simple summary administration in Miami-Dade may close in a few weeks; a formal administration usually takes at least six months, in part because Florida requires a three-month period for creditors to file claims. Disputes, real-estate issues, or tax complexity can extend the schedule.
Nearby Florida Counties We Serve
Bucelo Diaz Law represents clients in probate matters across every Florida county. Explore nearby jurisdictions, or return to the Florida probate county directory for the full list.
Every Florida probate case turns on local procedure, statutory deadlines, and careful execution. If you’re dealing with an estate in Miami-Dade County, Bucelo Diaz Law is ready to help.