Estate Planning & Trust Attorney

Core Estate Planning Documents

Last Will and Testament.

Your will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, not Florida’s intestate laws. You can also name guardians for minor children and designate a personal representative to administer your estate. Without a will, the court decides—often with results you wouldn’t have chosen.

Living Will (Advance Directive).

Clearly states your wishes for end-of-life medical care, including life support or feeding tubes, so loved ones and doctors don’t have to make these difficult decisions for you.

Durable Power of Attorney.

This legal document gives someone you trust the ability to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. Without this document, court-appointed guardianship proceedings may be required.

Health Care Surrogate & Advance Directives

Also known as a medical power of attorney, this designates individuals to make medical decisions and outline end-of-life preferences. They reduce uncertainty and provide clarity to family members during critical moments.

Revocable Living Trust.

A revocable trust allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and pass them directly to beneficiaries upon death—avoiding probate. Trusts may provide privacy, continuity of asset management, and structured distribution for beneficiaries. You retain control and can amend or revoke the trust at any time.

Irrevocable Trust.

Used for asset protection, minimizing estate taxes, and Medicaid planning, an irrevocable trust permanently removes assets from your estate—shielding them from creditors and lawsuits.

Special Needs Trust.

Protects the inheritance of a loved one with a disability without affecting their eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. Properly structured, it can provide long-term financial support while preserving public benefits.

Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate).

This Florida-specific deed lets you retain full control of your home during your lifetime and transfer it automatically to a beneficiary at death—without probate.

Why Estate Planning is Important

No one likes to think about death, incapacity, or what happens after we're gone. But putting off these conversations can leave your family with a legal mess, financial stress, and decisions they aren't prepared to make.

Many families assume estate planning is only for the wealthy—or something to deal with later. But the reality is this: without a proper estate plan, the court—not you—decides who inherits your property and who handles your affairs.

While setting up a will or trust does require an upfront investment, it can save your family thousands of dollars in legal fees and months or even years of delays tied up in Florida’s probate court.

A thoughtfully prepared estate plan allows you to:

• Avoid probate and reduce legal and court costs

• Protect your loved ones from disputes, delays, and confusion

• Control who inherits your assets—including your home, bank accounts, and business

• Plan for incapacity with powers of attorney and medical directives

• Appoint a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf

• Minimize taxes and administrative burdens

• Keep your family’s affairs private, rather than in public court records

Begin Your Estate Planning

Thoughtful estate planning provides clarity for your family and protection for your assets.

Provide a brief overview of your situation—including whether you own a business, real estate in multiple states, or have minor children—and we will coordinate a consultation.