Celeste Hardee Muir getting close-up look at harm caused by foreclosure, mortgage fraud epidemics
For more than two decades, Celeste Hardee Muir has served on the bench in Miami, first as a County Court judge, then as a Circuit Court judge. She's served for the past 3½ years in the Probate Division, handling estate matters.
The housing crisis has complicated the field lately, she says, with foreclosures impeding the execution of wills and wreaking other havoc. "Until the real estate in Miami turns over quickly and at fair prices, it is going to affect divorce court, fraud, the criminal cases and the probate court," she says.
Judge Muir is involved in ironing out such issues not only in her professional capacity, but also as a member of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Mortgage Fraud Task Force. She hopes to take her experiences there back to other judges, as well as attorneys, to promote awareness and education.
Judge Muir has long been active in the community, serving for years with the YMCA and most recently with organizations such as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. She was interviewed in the historic Dade County Courthouse by Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky.
This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today. |
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