Preserving legacies through thoughtful planning.

Estate planning is the process of organizing your legal, financial, and medical wishes so they are honored during your lifetime and after your death. It typically includes documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants control over how their assets are handled and who should make decisions on their behalf if they’re unable to do so.
A will outlines your wishes and takes effect after death, but often requires probate.
A trust can avoid probate, provide more privacy, and take effect during your lifetime or upon death, depending on how it’s structured.
Without an estate plan, Florida’s intestate laws determine who inherits your assets, which may not align with your wishes. It can also create confusion and delay for your loved ones.
You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets or health.
While online tools exist, estate planning involves complex legal decisions. Working with an attorney ensures your plan is valid, comprehensive, and tailored to Florida law.
It can. Tools like living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership can help your estate avoid probate—saving your loved ones time and stress.

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and pass them on privately after your death—without going through probate.
Unlike a will, which must go through probate, a trust takes effect immediately and allows assets to be distributed without court involvement—saving time, money, and privacy
Yes—but only if it's properly funded. Any assets titled in the name of your trust during your lifetime will avoid the probate process.
Yes. As long as you’re alive and mentally competent, you can amend or revoke your trust at any time.
You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets or health.
Absolutely. You retain full control and use of your assets while you’re alive and acting as trustee.

ESTATE PLANNING

Gulf Coast Law, PA