Probate, Trust, and Estate Disputes in South Florida — Representation for Families and Fiduciaries
Trust Counsel, PL is a Coral Gables, Florida trusts and estates law firm that represents beneficiaries, heirs and fiduciaries in probate and trust disputes, advises and represents trustees and personal representatives, and plans for business owners and high-net-worth domestic and foreign families — estate tax, asset protection and business succession.
Who We Are and Who We Help
Trust Counsel, PL is a Coral Gables law firm focused on probate and trust matters, estate planning, and business succession for families and fiduciaries across South Florida. We represent beneficiaries and heirs navigating probate disputes, families in trust conflicts, trustees and personal representatives managing complex estates, and business owners planning for succession and asset protection.
We work with domestic and international families, high-net-worth individuals, and fiduciaries who face the legal and financial complexities that arise when estates are contested, trusts are unclear, or succession plans need to be built or defended. Our practice centers on the disputes, planning, and administration that define these situations—not on quick resolutions or simple transactions.
How We Work With You
Our approach begins with understanding your specific situation. Whether you’re a beneficiary questioning a trustee’s actions, a personal representative administering an estate under pressure, a business owner planning for the next generation, or a family member facing a guardianship matter, we listen first.
We then:
- Assess the legal and financial landscape. We identify the real issues—tax exposure, asset protection gaps, fiduciary duties, or grounds for dispute—and explain them clearly.
- Develop a concrete strategy. Rather than generic advice, we build a plan tailored to your circumstances, timeline, and goals.
- Communicate regularly. You’ll know where things stand, what’s coming next, and why we’re taking the steps we take.
- Handle the work. Whether that’s litigation, trust administration, estate tax planning, or succession planning, we manage the legal and procedural details so you don’t have to.
Trust Counsel’s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, and the firm advises existing trustees and personal representatives on their duties and decisions. We also represent families and individuals in probate and trust disputes, plan estates and business succession, and structure asset protection strategies.
Why Clients Work With Us
Trust Counsel, PL’s only office is in Coral Gables, and we serve families and businesses.
Responsiveness. When a trustee is mismanaging an estate or a beneficiary’s rights are unclear, delays compound the problem.
Complex matters. Probate litigation, trust disputes, estate tax planning, and business succession aren’t simple. We don’t treat them as if they were. We dig into the facts, the law, and the financial implications.
Fiduciary matters. Trust Counsel’s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative. We advise and represent trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries on the duties fiduciaries owe.
We Serve South Florida
We represent clients throughout South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Doral, Kendall, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, and Aventura. Our office is in Coral Gables. We handle matters involving Florida law and Florida courts, and we work with families and businesses with assets and interests across the state and beyond.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between probate litigation and trust litigation?
Probate litigation involves disputes over a will or the administration of an estate through the probate court. Trust litigation involves disputes over a trust—whether the trustee is breaching duties, whether the trust was properly created, or whether a beneficiary’s rights are being violated. Both can be complex and costly, and both require careful legal strategy.
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have a large estate?
An estate plan isn’t just about taxes or wealth. It’s about who makes decisions for you if you can’t, who manages your assets, and who inherits what you leave behind. Even modest estates benefit from a clear plan. Without one, Florida law decides—and the result may not match your wishes.
What does a professional trustee do?
A trustee’s tasks may include managing trust assets, distributing income and principal under the trust terms, keeping records, and filing tax returns, and a trustee owes fiduciary duties to beneficiaries whose scope depends on the governing instrument and applicable Florida law. Depending on the governing instrument and applicable law, a professional trustee may bring impartiality, continuity, and accountability. Trust Counsel’s attorneys can serve individually in this role, and the firm advises corporate and individual trustees on their obligations.
How long does probate take?
The length of Florida probate depends on the estate, and disputes, tax issues, or complex assets can extend the timeline. We can explain what to expect in your situation.
Ready to discuss your situation?
Schedule a free strategy call or call us at (305) 707-7126.
Talk to Trust Counsel, PL.
Our Practice Areas
Trust Counsel, PL, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 802, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to do so.