Miami-Dade Probate: Small Estates Simplified

Miami-Dade County residents can simplify estate settlement through specific services offered by the Probate Court. These services address small estates, will deposits, and legal notices called caveats.

For estates valued at $6,000 or less, with no real property and where assets do not exceed funeral expenses, individuals can file a Disposition of Personal Property without Administration. To qualify, the deceased must have been a Miami-Dade resident at death. Required documents include a certified death certificate, an itemized funeral contract, proof of full funeral payment, and documentation of assets. Filing is available in person or by mail, and assets are released only to the party who settled the funeral bill.

Florida law requires the custodian of a will to deposit it with the Clerk of the Court in the deceased's county of residence within 10 days of notification of death. This ensures the will is filed and accessible for estate proceedings.

The court also accepts caveats, which are legal notices filed to halt estate proceedings until a hearing occurs. Heirs, interested parties, or creditors may file a caveat before an estate case opens. The filer receives written notification with case details, including the case number, letters issuance date, and the personal representative and attorney names. The court does not provide caveat forms but offers claim forms after an estate opens. No filing fee applies to caveats or claim forms.