Wills & Trusts Attorney in Miami

Guidance for Difficult Wills & Trusts Issues in Miami, FL

When a loved one passes away or loses capacity, questions about a will or trust can quickly turn into stress and conflict. You might be worried that documents were changed late in life, that a trustee is not being honest, or that you are being treated unfairly in connection with a Florida estate that involves Miami assets.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we focus our practice on probate, trust, and estate litigation throughout Florida. We help executors, personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, and heirs understand their rights, evaluate their options, and take action when something about a will or trust does not seem right. We offer a free initial consultation so you can talk with our team and get clarity before deciding what to do next.

Since 2002, we have guided families through complicated estate disputes in Florida. Call (954) 764-7273 or request a free consultation about your will and trust matter in Miami. No pressure, just straightforward legal guidance about your options.

Why Families Trust Our Firm for Wills & Trusts

When you choose a wills and trusts attorney Miami families rely on, you are placing your loved one’s legacy and your own financial future in that firm’s hands. Experience and focus matter in this area of law because probate, trust, and estate litigation in Florida has its own procedures, deadlines, and strategies. 

Choose our firm because of our:

• Extensive experience: Since 2002, our attorneys have represented more than 5,000 clients in estate-related disputes throughout Florida.
• Proven results: We have recovered more than $230 million in verdicts and settlements in probate, trust, and estate litigation matters.
• Recognized leadership: Founding partner Adrian P. Thomas holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been recognized among Florida's Legal Elite. He has also been recognized by publications such as Forbes Florida and American Lawyer. 

Our attorneys bring diverse backgrounds that include estate planning, uncontested probate, law enforcement experience, and extensive courtroom practice. This mix helps us evaluate issues like elder exploitation, financial abuse, and breach of fiduciary duty with a practical eye. We listen closely, explain your options in clear language, and tailor our strategy to your family’s circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Common Wills & Trusts Disputes

Many people find our firm because something about a will or trust does not feel right. In Florida, including estates connected to Miami-Dade County, it is common for disputes to arise after a parent, grandparent, or other relative updates documents late in life or leaves one family member in control of substantial assets. 

Some frequent issues we see in will and trust cases include:

• Questions about capacity or undue influence related to a Florida will
• Late-life changes that sharply reduce certain family members’ inheritances
• Multiple wills, handwritten changes, or documents that appear inconsistent
• Trustees who delay distributions or ignore reasonable requests for information
• Suspected misuse, diversion, or waste of estate or trust assets
• Evidence of elder exploitation or financial abuse before death

Our attorneys draw on their litigation experience and, in some matters, prior law enforcement backgrounds to identify patterns that may suggest exploitation or misconduct. We assess documents, communications, and financial records with care, and we explain whether Florida law gives you potential claims as a beneficiary, heir, or fiduciary. If your situation involves property or proceedings in Miami, we consider how practice in the courts serving Miami-Dade estates may affect your options.

What to Do About a Disputed Will

Once you suspect that something is wrong with a will that governs a Florida estate, time becomes important. Florida law can set short deadlines for filing objections or contests once probate has begun, including cases filed in the probate division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court for Miami-Dade County. Waiting too long can limit your ability to challenge the document or the person serving as a personal representative.

Helpful first steps if you question a Florida will include:

• Gathering estate documents: Collect copies of the current will and any earlier versions you can locate.
• Documenting your concerns: Write down observations of cognitive decline, isolation, or possible undue influence while they are still fresh in your memory.
• Preserving evidence: Save emails, text messages, letters, and notes that may show changes in relationships or estate planning.
• Responding to court notices: Notify our team promptly if you receive probate documents from Miami-Dade County or another Florida court.
• Seeking legal guidance before taking action: Speak with a Miami wills and trusts lawyer before signing estate documents or making informal agreements with family members.

A wills and trusts lawyer in Miami can review the documents, explain Florida’s standards for capacity and undue influence, and discuss the potential risks and benefits of pursuing litigation. At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we use the free initial consultation to listen carefully, answer your questions, and outline possible next steps so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

How We Handle Trust & Probate Cases in Miami

When you contact our firm about a will, trust, or probate dispute involving a Florida estate, our goal is to give you a clear picture of what to expect. 

Our approach includes:

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Contest a Will in Florida?

You can typically contest a will after it is filed for probate, and Florida law sets specific deadlines that often begin when you receive formal notice. The exact timing depends on the type of administration and court orders. We review your documents and explain the applicable time limits for your situation.

What Are the Signs of Undue Influence Over a Will?

Signs can include sudden changes in beneficiaries, isolation from long-time family or friends, a caretaker arranging legal appointments, or a new person controlling access to finances. No single fact is decisive. We look at the overall pattern and advise whether Florida law may support a claim of undue influence.

What If the Trustee Refuses to Share Information?

Beneficiaries usually have the right to reasonable information about trust assets and administration. If a trustee ignores requests, delays accountings, or gives inconsistent answers, that may signal a problem. We can review the trust, send formal requests when appropriate, and pursue court relief if a trustee fails to meet legal duties.

Can You Help If I Live Outside Florida?

Yes. Many of our clients live in other states but must deal with a Florida estate or trust, including matters tied to Miami-Dade County. We communicate by phone and electronic documents, and we appear in Florida courts on your behalf, so you usually do not need to travel for every step.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Started?

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your will or trust issue and to review any documents you have. During that meeting, we explain potential fee structures and what factors typically affect total cost, such as the complexity of the dispute and whether litigation in Florida courts becomes necessary.

Protect Your Family's Future With a Trusted Miami Estate Planning Professional

Call our office at (954) 764-7273 now to schedule your confidential estate planning consultation. Our Miami wills and trusts attorney can guide you.