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Michelle N. Shupe-Abbas, Esq.

Founding Partner – Fort Lauderdale Attorney

As the founding partner of the firm, Michelle brings a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and a personal touch to every case. With over 25 years of legal expertise, she has helped countless individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with care and professionalism.

Why Work with Michelle?

Experienced Litigator: Michelle has conducted hundreds of non-jury trials throughout Florida, making her highly familiar with court systems statewide. She fights for her clients when necessary, while seeking to obtain a favorable outcome without over-litigating a case.
Comprehensive Legal Expertise: Her practice includes estate planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianship.
Proven Success: Michelle has successfully argued several appeals and represented clients in highly litigated probate and trust disputes.
Compassionate Representation: Michelle has represented hundreds of clients in creating, managing, and administering their estates. She helps families at one of the most difficult times of their lives with kindness and compassion during the probate process.

Michelle is more than just an attorney—she’s a dedicated advocate for her clients. She understands that legal issues can be stressful and overwhelming, and she takes pride in providing compassionate, clear, and knowledgeable guidance.

Who Michelle Is

A native of South Carolina, Michelle relocated to Florida after completing law school as she became “addicted to the sunshine.” She has been married to her husband for over 20 years and is the mom to an awesome son, whom she simply adores. Michelle loves to travel, often making time outdoors to hike a local trail when visiting a new place. She loves to listen to live music and enjoys reading as well as playing the occasional game.

Career Background

A graduate of the University of South Carolina (B.S.), St. Thomas University School of Law (J.D., cum laude), and New York University School of Law (LL.M. in Taxation), Michelle’s legal journey began in 2001 as a litigator. Over the years, she’s handled a wide range of cases, from complex litigation to estate planning matters.

Michelle managed restaurants for over a decade before becoming a lawyer. Her background in business management, coupled with her legal expertise, has enabled her to successfully manage a large legal team and handle an impressive volume of cases during her career—experience that few attorneys can match.

Speaking Engagements

You will often find Michelle speaking to groups on probate, guardianship, and estate planning. Her mission is to keep people out of guardianships and to help families create a tailored estate plan designed to avoid probate and protect their assets. Michelle also seeks to educate her clients and the community so they understand their legal documents and what is required to ensure the plan is according to her clients' wishes and needs.

Click to learn more about her speaking engagements.

Professional Licenses

Florida Bar
Florida Real Estate Sales Associate
Notary Public, State of Florida
Title Agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company (former)
United States District Court, Northern District of Florida
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Professional Involvement

In addition to her legal work, Michelle is actively involved in several professional organizations.

Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (2017 – 2018)
American Bar Association
BNI Leaders (Business Network International) Leadership Team
Broward County Bar Association, Member
Estate Planning Council of Broward County (2018 – present)
Florida State Guardianship Association (2025 - present)
Keiser University, Legal Studies Program, Advisory Board Member (2010 – 2015)
Miami-Dade Bar Association, Member
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Member (2017 – 2018)
National Association of Professional Women (2013 – 2014)
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, Member 1998-current, past Justice (President) (2000-2001) and Vice Justice (Vice President) (1999-2000) of Mentschikoff Chapter
Probate & Guardianship Committee of the Miami-Dade Bar Association
Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Member (2001 – present)
Real Property Section of the Broward County Bar Association, Member (2016 – present)
South Broward Bar Association (2023 – present)
Wills, Trusts & Estates Section of the Broward County Bar Association, Member (2016 – present)

Community Involvement

Michelle enjoys working with community initiatives and charities in service to others. Some of the organizations she currently or has worked with in the past include:

Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center
Cypress Bay High School Band Parents Association
Evolving Mind Project, Member Board of Executives (2025 - current)
Habitat for Humanity
Keiser University Legal Studies Program, Advisory Board (2011 – 2015)
Make a Wish, Southern Florida
Project Change
Relay for Life, Team Leader
Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Team Leader
Yes Indeed, non-profit organization, Member Board of Directors (2012 – 2015)

Recognition and Awards

Michelle’s dedication and hard work have earned her numerous accolades as the recipient of several prestigious local and national awards.

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2018
America’s Most Honored Lawyers Top 1%, The American Registry, 2020
America’s Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry, 2018
AV Preeminent Highest Rated Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, 2018
Avvo.com, Client’s Choice Award
Expertise.com, Best Probate Lawyers of Fort Lauderdale, 2022
Giver’s Gain Award, BNI Leaders Chapter, 2019
Judicial Edition – AV Preeminent Highest Rated Lawyers, 2020
Named one of South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Lawyers in South Florida, 2020
Outstanding Service Award, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Mentischikoff Chapter, 2001

Testimonials

Margo J

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional service provided by Michelle and her team at Shupe Legal in assisting with my mother’s will. As someone who is from out of country and needing to find an estate lawyer in a timely manner, I could not have been happier I chose Shupe Legal.
From our very first consultation, Michelle demonstrated a deep understanding of probate law and a genuine care for my mothers situation. We were only in the USA for a few days and she went above and beyond to help us with our needs. Everyone was wonderful to us. We went in the office as strangers and by the time we left I felt like I was leaving friends.
Thank you again, Michelle and the Shupe Legal team — you’ve made a potentially stressful situation much easier to handle, and I’m forever grateful!

Mary Kate Speed

Shupe Legal is a fantastic resource for anyone looking for estate planning or probate guidance in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Michelle is approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely focused on helping families protect what their moat valuable assets. It’s clear she truly cares about her clients and their peace of mind. Highly recommend!

Doug Rohan (Rohan Law)

I have known Michelle for years and she truly cares about her clients. It is rare today to find a professional who is competent, but also understands. Too often by the time layers get enough experience to be good, they also harden their hearts over the day to day fighting and aggravations that they have to endure. Michelle and her team remain compassionate and committed to the cause of their clients.

Christine Matus

Shupe Legal brings a level of professionalism and clarity to Florida probate law that’s genuinely impressive. Their team is knowledgeable, efficient, and consistently client-focused. I’ve observed their work in the field and have great respect for their approach—always thorough, responsive, and grounded in real care for the families they serve. Probate matters can be complex and emotional, and Shupe Legal handles them with a steady, respectful hand. They’re a valuable asset to anyone navigating this process.

Azfar Abbas

Very professional probate and estate planning attorneys. I highly recommend them. They did my will and trust and I couldn’t be happier.

Luann Myers

Very professional and knowledgeable regarding my estate planning and trust preparation. I felt completely comfortable with their suggestions and assistance with the entire process.

Margaret Coviello

I spoke with Michelle today at shupe law firm and she was absolutely amazing. She answered all of my questions and gave me some options as far as referrals and the best way to move forward. She is very knowledgeable and experienced in her line of work. I will definitely give her a call for any estate planning needed in my upcoming future. I highly recommend her. Thank you, Michele!

Hope Spangler

Caring, compassionate and easy to work with lawyers you can trust with your estate planning & probate.

Michelle Bartolic

Michelle is compassionate and knowledgeable. She truly cares about her clients and protecting their legacy. Whether it's guidance through the planning phase or following the death of a loved one, Shupe Legal is the place to go.

Nicole Kinne

It was a pleasure to have Michelle Shupe-Abbas help my husband and I complete our Trust. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all of our questions!