Probate & Estate Planning

We take the guesswork out of the Estate Planning process.  With the frequent changes in laws and statutes, it is hard to know if your estate planning documents are going to be valid and effective.  It is important to seek the advice of a skilled and experienced attorney to ensure your property is distributed in the manner you intended.  Have you made a “do it yourself” Will?  Have you recently moved to Florida?  Do you own property in a state other than Florida?  Do you think you don’t need a Will?  Is your existing Will several years old?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, come see us for a free Estate Planning consultation.

Wills

A Will is a written declaration of a person’s intended distribution of property after death.  We make the process of drafting a Will simple with our experience, knowledge and understanding of the ever changing Florida Statutes.  We advise clients regarding avoidance of probate, Will contests and litigation and help you understand the role of the Personal Representative so that you may make the best choice.

Trusts

A Trust differs from a Will in that a Trust allows you to control the distribution of property during your lifetime and after death.  Trusts transfer legal title of property to your beneficiaries and avoid probate.  A Trust can also help you minimize tax liability.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act on your behalf.  There are different types of Power of Attorney and we can advise you as whether or not you need one, who is qualified to be your attorney-in-fact and what type of Power of Attorney is right for you.

Living Wills

A Living Will is a document, separate from a Will that expresses a person’s wish to be allowed to die a natural death and not be kept alive by artificial means.  It relieves your family members from the responsibility of making the decision, alleviates guilt on their part, and protects the physician and health care institution from personal liability if they refrain, as requested, from using certain medical treatments. 

We also offer advice and representation regarding Probate and Trust Administration.  If you have recently lost a loved one and are not sure what to do next, call us to schedule a consultation. 

Probate

Probate is a general term for the process of administering a decedent’s estate to heirs or other beneficiaries according to the terms of the Will or by statute if no Will exists.  We represent Personal Representatives and beneficiaries during estate administration.  We provide advice and guidance for Personal Representatives to administer the decedent’s estate pursuant to Florida law as well as beneficiaries who have an interest in the estate.

Trust Administration

A Trust is a legal instrument that transfers legal title of property to another party.  The grantor of a Trust appoints someone who will administer the Trust according to the terms set forth therein.  A Trustee has many responsibilities that can sometimes be very complex.  We represent Trustees and help guide them through the process of administering a trust.