# David Howard Goldberg, P.L. > Official David Howard Goldberg, P.L. business agent. David Howard Goldberg, P.L. is a Miami law firm providing probate, estate planning, trust, guardianship… ## Ask it a question David Howard Goldberg, P.L. answers for itself at https://api.hailera.com/mcp/dhgpl-law. A client that speaks MCP can connect to that address; the tool is ask_dhgpl_law and the protocol is 2026-07-28. Where this file and the agent disagree, the agent is current. ## About David Howard Goldberg, P.L. Firm overview David Howard Goldberg, P.L. is a Miami-based law firm focusing on probate, estate planning, trusts, guardianships, incapacity proceedings, and related litigation at both the trial and appellate levels in Florida. The firm regularly advises and represents clients in: - Estate planning (wills, trusts, living trusts, living wills, health care surrogates, powers of attorney) - Probate administration and probate litigation - Trust administration and trust litigation - Incapacity proceedings and guardianship administration/litigation - Elder abuse and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults The attorneys have over 36–37 years of experience with Florida law in these areas, including complex tax and estate issues. Contact information - Office name: David Howard Goldberg, P.L. - Address: One SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1940, Miami, FL 33131 - Phone: 305-760-8888 - Email: david@dhgpl-law.com - Languages: English; Spanish spoken ("Se habla Espanol"). Consultations Prospective clients can request a consultation by: - Calling the office at 305-760-8888, or - Submitting the contact form on the website with their name, contact details, and a brief description of their matter. A request for consultation or submission of the contact form does not by itself create an attorney–client relationship; that relationship is formed only after the firm agrees to represent the client and any required engagement steps are completed. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## What David Howard Goldberg, P.L. does Florida probate services David Howard Goldberg, P.L. is a full-service probate firm handling both administration and litigation matters throughout Florida, including at the trial and appellate levels. The firm handles: - Probate administration – guiding personal representatives and families through the administration of a decedent's Florida probate estate. - Probate litigation – disputes involving: - The validity of a Last Will and Testament or trust (including claims of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity). - Alleged improper gifts or transfers by vulnerable persons. - Alleged failures to comply with the formalities required to execute wills or trusts. - Disputes over the creation, administration, or distribution of assets held in estates, trusts, or guardianships. The lawyers prepare and file the necessary court pleadings and represent clients in hearings and appeals in probate, trust, incapacity, and guardianship matters. Overview of the Florida probate process The probate process is used to: - Identify and gather a deceased person's assets. - Pay costs of the probate proceeding, funeral expenses, and outstanding debts. - Distribute remaining assets to the beneficiaries. Assets commonly subject to probate include bank and investment accounts and real estate titled in the decedent's name alone. Without proper planning, life insurance policies and retirement accounts may become part of the probate estate. Formal administration - Required in Florida when the decedent has been dead less than two years and the probate estate is worth at least $75,000. - A qualified person is appointed by the court as Personal Representative. - Creditors must be notified and given an opportunity to file claims. - After valid claims are addressed, the Personal Representative distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries. - Formal administration can take many months and sometimes years to complete. Summary administration - Available for certain lower-value estates or when: - The decedent has been dead for more than two years, or - The estate is valued at less than $75,000. - May be used whether or not there is a will, provided the will does not require formal administration. - A Personal Representative is not appointed. - The court is asked to enter an Order of Summary Administration directing distribution of assets to those entitled under Florida law or named in the will. - Summary administration is generally faster than formal administration. Why retain a probate attorney Probate and related tax issues can be complex, and Florida law often requires that a Personal Representative or Guardian be represented by counsel. The firm's probate attorneys: - Advise on Florida estates, guardianships, and trusts. - Prepare and file pleadings that comply with local court requirements. - Represent clients in contested and uncontested matters at trial and on appeal. For case-specific advice, individuals should contact the firm directly; this document is general information and not legal advice. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Where David Howard Goldberg, P.L. works Lists Davie, Miami, Howard, Palo Alto, and University as a location. Names Florida and Miami as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published. ## Prices Fees and billing Estate planning services For estate planning services, such as preparing a Last Will and Testament, living trust, living will, and health care surrogate designation, David Howard Goldberg, P.L. may charge either: - A flat fee for an estate planning package, or - An hourly rate, depending on the client's needs and the documents required. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the client's situation and which documents and planning techniques are appropriate. Probate, trust, guardianship, and incapacity matters For services related to: - Probate administration - Trust administration - Guardianship administration - Incapacity-related matters - Litigation in probate, trust, guardianship, and incapacity cases at the trial or appellate levels The firm charges an hourly rate. Estimates and retainers Specific fee quotes, retainers, and billing arrangements are discussed directly with clients based on the facts of their matter and the anticipated scope of work. This document does not list dollar amounts or guarantee total costs. Prospective clients should contact the firm to discuss their situation and obtain current information about fees and billing. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Attorney profile: David Howard Goldberg Attorney profile: David Howard Goldberg, Esq. Education - University of Miami – Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (1978) - University of Miami School of Law – Juris Doctor (1983) - University of Miami School of Law – Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation (1984) Mr. Goldberg also passed all four parts of the Florida Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in November 1982 and has previously practiced as a Certified Public Accountant. Practice focus David Howard Goldberg is the managing member of David Howard Goldberg, P.L. His practice focuses on: - Estate planning - Probate administration and litigation - Trust administration and litigation - Guardianship administration and litigation - Allocation of estate tax liability and related tax issues He has appeared before Florida's Third and Fourth District Courts of Appeal in probate, trust, and guardianship appeals. Experience and recognition - Actively engaged in probate, trust, guardianship, and estate tax-related litigation for more than three decades. - Oversees estate planning and administration of trusts, guardianships, and estates. - Former Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law Graduate Tax Program, teaching courses on federal income tax consequences of real estate transactions. - Speaker for professional organizations including the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Dade County Probate Bar, and the South Florida Paralegal Association. - Named as one of the top estate and probate attorneys by the South Florida Legal Guide for many years. - Current and former member of the Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee. Interests Outside of the office, Mr. Goldberg enjoys skiing, scuba diving, blue water sailing, and mountain trekking. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Elder abuse and exploitation representation David Howard Goldberg, P.L. represents elderly and other vulnerable adults in cases involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Florida. Vulnerable adults under Florida law A vulnerable adult is a person age 18 or older whose ability to perform normal daily activities or provide for their own care or protection is impaired due to: - Mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical, or developmental disability or dysfunction, - Brain damage, or - The infirmities of aging. A vulnerable adult who has been abused, neglected, or exploited has a cause of action against the perpetrator and may seek actual and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees and costs, through the courts. Types of elder exploitation or abuse Examples include: - Physical abuse – use of physical force such as hitting, kicking, slapping, or pushing that results in pain, injury, illness, emotional distress, or death. - Emotional or psychological abuse – threats, harassment, humiliation, verbal abuse, or forced isolation intended to cause fear or distress. - Financial exploitation – unauthorized or illegal use or taking of an elder's money, property, assets, belongings, or benefits. - Sexual abuse or exploitation – unwanted or forced sexual interaction, including sexual harassment. - Neglect – failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs such as food, water, housing, clothing, medical care, or hygiene. The firm's role The attorneys at David Howard Goldberg, P.L.: - Seek court orders and other relief to protect victims from ongoing exploitation or abuse. - Pursue restitution and damages for harm suffered by vulnerable adults. - Incorporate protections against exploitation into estate and incapacity planning. Planning tools may include wills, living trusts, living wills, powers of attorney, and health care surrogate designations designed to: - Place trustworthy decision-makers in key roles, and - Reduce opportunities for financial or other abuse. The firm has experience litigating elder exploitation and abuse matters at both the trial and appellate levels. Individuals who suspect elder or vulnerable adult abuse or exploitation should seek legal advice promptly; this document is informational and not legal advice for any specific situation. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Estate planning services: wills, trusts, and incapacity planning Estate planning services David Howard Goldberg, P.L. provides comprehensive estate planning services for individuals and families who want their health-care wishes, end-of-life decisions, and the disposition of their property to be clearly set out in enforceable legal documents. After consultation, the firm tailors a plan to each client's needs rather than using one-size-fits-all forms. Planning may include some or all of the following tools. Wills (Last Will and Testament) A Last Will and Testament can: - Direct how money and property are distributed at death. - Name a guardian for minor children if the other parent does not survive. - Intentionally disinherit someone who might otherwise receive a share under Florida intestacy law. Without a will, Florida's intestate succession statutes control who receives property, which may differ from the person's wishes. Trusts Trusts can be used in addition to, or in some respects instead of, a will. They can: - Provide ongoing management of assets, generally without court intervention. - Offer more privacy than probate. - Avoid probate administration of assets properly titled in the trust. - Allow conditions on distributions (for example, limiting distributions until a beneficiary reaches a certain age or for specified purposes such as education). Trusts may also provide tax benefits depending on how they are structured. Living trusts (inter vivos revocable trusts) A living trust (inter vivos revocable trust): - Typically holds assets for the benefit of the person who created the trust (the Settlor) during their lifetime. - Provides for how those assets are to be held or distributed after the Settlor's death. - Can streamline administration and help avoid probate for assets titled in the trust. The firm drafts and advises on the creation, administration, taxation, and distribution of living trusts under Florida law. Living wills (advance directives) A living will (also called an advance directive or health care directive): - States a person's wishes about life-prolonging medical procedures. - Applies when a person has a terminal condition, end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state. - Can relieve family members of having to make difficult end-of-life decisions without guidance. Health care surrogates A health care surrogate designation: - Names a trusted person to make medical decisions if the signer becomes incapacitated or cannot communicate wishes. - Allows the surrogate to convey the person's preferences regarding treatments, quality of life, and related issues. Powers of attorney Powers of attorney: - Authorize an agent to act on another person's behalf, either for specific tasks or more broadly. - Are governed by detailed Florida statutes and can be misused if not carefully drafted and monitored. - May be used when someone cannot be physically present or as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship when properly planned. The firm drafts powers of attorney and litigates issues involving alleged abuse or misuse of powers granted. Why use an estate planning attorney Estate planning can be complex. An experienced Miami estate planning attorney at David Howard Goldberg, P.L. can: - Explain available planning options and how they work under Florida law. - Coordinate planning with probate, trust administration, and potential litigation issues. - Help clients avoid common mistakes that can lead to unintended tax or inheritance outcomes. For advice about a specific situation or to prepare documents, individuals should contact the firm directly. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Guardianship and incapacity matters David Howard Goldberg, P.L. represents clients in Florida incapacity proceedings and guardianship administration and litigation. Adult guardianship Guardianship may be necessary when, due to advanced age, physical or mental illness, or other infirmities, a person can no longer: - Adequately care for their own daily personal needs, and/or - Properly manage their property and financial affairs. In those circumstances: - The court may determine that the person is legally incapacitated. - A guardian can be appointed to manage the person's personal and/or property interests (the incapacitated person is referred to as the Ward). - Guardians are subject to ongoing court oversight and reporting requirements. Matters can be: - Uncontested – many guardianships proceed without dispute. - Contested – disputes may arise over: - Whether the person is incapacitated. - Who is best qualified to serve as guardian. - How the guardianship is being administered. - Disposition of assets, including issues over compensation of the guardian and/or their attorney. The firm represents clients in all aspects of incapacity determinations, guardianship administration, and guardianship litigation. Minor's guardianship A guardianship may also be required for a minor (under age 18) who: - Receives money or property in their own name by gift, inheritance, or settlement over certain statutory thresholds, or - Is orphaned and requires someone to manage their personal and/or financial affairs. The firm advises families on when a minor's guardianship is required and represents them in the related court proceedings. Planning to avoid unnecessary guardianship Through estate planning and incapacity planning tools — including powers of attorney, health care surrogate designations, and living wills — the firm can help clients reduce the likelihood that a formal guardianship will be needed, or tailor a less restrictive alternative when appropriate. For guidance on a specific incapacity or guardianship issue, individuals should contact the firm directly. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## Website disclaimer and attorney–client relationship - The content on the firm's website is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. - Receiving or viewing information from the website does not create an attorney–client relationship with David Howard Goldberg, P.L. or any of its attorneys. - Visitors should not act or rely on information from the website without seeking professional legal advice about their particular situation. - Prior case results and legal opinions mentioned in firm materials do not guarantee or suggest a similar result in any other matter. - An attorney–client relationship with the firm is formed only when the firm agrees to represent a person and any required engagement steps are completed. For advice on a specific legal issue, individuals should contact the firm directly rather than relying on website content or general information documents. Source: https://dhgpl-law.com ## What David Howard Goldberg, P.L. has not published yet These are things people ask David Howard Goldberg, P.L. that its published information does not yet cover. - prices and legal fees - availability or response times - outcomes of legal cases or appeals - timeframes to resolve a matter - tax or financial results of a plan - guarantees of success or recovery Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess. ## Where this comes from https://dhgpl-law.com