Welbaum Guernsey - Miami, FL

Nine Decades of Exceptional Legal Representation in South Florida

With an institutional history dating back to 1930, Welbaum Guernsey stands among the most venerable and distinguished law firms in South Florida. Operating from its Miami offices on North Kendall Drive, this prestigious boutique firm pairs the sophisticated trial acumen typically found in massive institutional firms with the agility, personalized attention, and cost efficiency of a specialized boutique. Governed by the timeless philosophy of serving as advocates first and business people second, the firm is anchored by seasoned partners Robert A. Hingston and Robert J. Black. Clients seeking to hire a lawyer for high-stakes commercial disputes, intricate construction claims, or sensitive domestic proceedings benefit from nearly a century of cumulative legal craftsmanship and unwavering ethical integrity.

Construction Litigation, Surety Bonds, and Lien Law

Since its founding, Welbaum Guernsey has remained a recognized benchmark in Florida construction jurisprudence and commercial surety litigation. The firm represents property owners, commercial developers, prime contractors, trade subcontractors, sureties, and insurers through all phases of building disputes. Partner Robert A. Hingston, a veteran arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association National Panel of Arbitrators since 1982 and an AV Preeminent rated litigator, leads the construction practice. The legal team resolves complex matters involving Florida Chapter 713 construction liens, fraudulent lien defenses, public and private payment bonds, performance bonds, project delay claims, differing site conditions, and construction defect litigation. Whether negotiating early resolutions through structured mediation or advocating in state and federal courts, the firm defends client interests with unmatched technical precision.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate and Contract Advocacy

Real estate transactions and development projects in the dynamic South Florida marketplace require sound transactional insight and assertive contract enforcement. Welbaum Guernsey assists businesses, investors, and homeowners in navigating commercial real estate purchases, commercial leases, title defects, boundary disputes, and breach of contract litigation. The attorneys draft, review, and negotiate bespoke vendor agreements, partnership covenants, and developer contracts, proactively identifying regulatory and contractual vulnerabilities to prevent costly future disputes.

Estate Planning, Trusts, and Guardianship Administration

Protecting family assets and planning for future generations demands personalized testamentary strategies. Welbaum Guernsey assists individuals, business owners, and retirees in crafting comprehensive estate planning frameworks under Florida law. The firm structures customized last wills and testaments, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives designed to preserve family wealth, mitigate tax liabilities, and avoid probate complications. Furthermore, the attorneys establish court-supervised guardianships to protect the welfare and assets of incapacitated seniors, vulnerable adults, and special needs beneficiaries.

Probate Administration and Estate Litigation

When a family member passes away, navigating the Florida probate court system requires knowledgeable administration. Partner Robert J. Black, who has practiced continuously in Miami-Dade County for decades, leads the probate practice, guiding personal representatives through summary and formal probate administration. The firm manages estate inventory filings, creditor notices, estate debt settlements, and final asset distributions. When inheritance disputes erupt between beneficiaries or executors, Welbaum Guernsey vigorously handles probate litigation, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty allegations, trust accounting challenges, and claims of undue influence.

Family Law and Marital Dissolution Solutions

Recognizing the diverse legal needs of its long-standing clients, Welbaum Guernsey maintains an experienced family law department handling contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. The firm provides strategic counsel regarding equitable property distribution, valuation of closely held family businesses, alimony determinations, child custody arrangements, timesharing schedules, and statutory child support. The attorneys also draft enforceable prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to safeguard premarital property and simplify future asset division. Clients seeking to find an attorney for comprehensive legal support can contact Welbaum Guernsey to schedule a formal consultation.