Florida Estate Planning Attorney
Secure your family’s future with a comprehensive estate plan designed around your goals, values, and Florida law. At De Paz Law, we help families across Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area create wills, trusts, and protective documents that preserve assets, reduce court involvement, and provide lasting peace of mind.
Proper estate planning ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your family avoids unnecessary costs, delays, and conflict — all while keeping sensitive matters out of government control whenever possible.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning is about far more than paperwork — it’s about saving your family time, money, and stress when it matters most.
Without a plan, Florida law and the probate court step in to make decisions for your family. Probate can be expensive, time-consuming, and public, and the larger the estate, the longer and more costly the process becomes. Thoughtful planning helps
you:
- Save substantial time and money by minimizing or avoiding probate
- Keep the government and court system out of your family’s private affairs
- Reduce the risk of disputes, confusion, and infighting among loved ones
- Protect minor children and dependent family members
- Ensure assets pass efficiently and according to your wishes
- Preserve family relationships while preserving wealth
A well-structured estate plan provides both
financial efficiency and
emotional clarity, giving your family guidance instead of uncertainty.
What's Included in an Estate Plan
We design estate plans tailored to your family, your assets, and Florida law. Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
Last Will and Testament
Direct how your assets are distributed and name guardians for minor children. A will is essential even when a trust is part of the plan.
Revocable Living Trust
Avoid probate, maintain privacy, and manage assets during life and after death. A properly funded trust can significantly reduce delays, expenses, and court involvement.
Powers of Attorney
Authorize trusted individuals to manage financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated.
Advance Health Care Directives
Document your medical wishes and appoint a healthcare surrogate to make decisions on your behalf.
Deeds & Asset Transfers
We prepare and record deeds and asset assignments to ensure property is titled correctly and aligned with your plan.
Trust Funding Memorandums & Assignment of Assets
A trust only works if it’s properly funded. We guide clients through transferring assets into the trust to avoid unintended gaps.
Business Succession Planning
For business owners, we help structure ownership transitions and continuity plans to protect both family and enterprise.
Each component works together to provide
control, protection, and predictability.
Florida-Specific Guidance
Florida estate planning involves unique legal rules that can dramatically impact outcomes if handled incorrectly. At De Paz Law, we ensure your plan accounts for:
Strict requirements for valid wills and trusts
Strategies to reduce probate costs and timelines
Because we practice exclusively in
Florida estate and trust law, your plan is precise, compliant, and built for real-world application — not generic templates.
Our Process
Estate planning should feel clear, organized, and personal — not overwhelming.
Our process includes:
Initial Consultation
We discuss your family, assets, goals, and concerns — including probate avoidance, tax exposure, long-term care, and business planning.
Customized Plan Design
We design wills, trusts, and supporting documents tailored to your situation and fully compliant with Florida law.
Secure Review & Signing
Drafts are reviewed through our secure client portal, with flexible in-person or remote signing options.
Why Choose De Paz Law
Clients choose De Paz Law for estate planning because our attorneys dedicate their entire practice to this area of law - offering deep knowledge and a personal approach that general practitioners can't match.
Our advantages include:
- Exclusive focus on estate planning, trusts, and probate
- 10+ years of Florida estate law experience
- Recognized Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2020–2023)
- Secure client portal and modern e-signature tools
- Direct attorney access and clear communication
- Coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and family professionals
- Service throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and the Tampa Bay region
- Bilingual support for English- and Spanish-speaking families (hablamos español)
We design plans that work
in real life, not just on paper.
FAQs
What happens if I die without a will in Florida?
The court will decide how your assets are distributed under Florida's intestacy laws. This often leads to delays, increased costs, and outcomes you may not have chosen.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Major life changes - marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, or significant financial changes - are good times to review and update your plan.
Can estate planning really save money?
Yes. Probate costs increase with estate size and complexity. Trust-based planning often saves families significant time and expense.
Can an estate plan prevent family disputes?
Clear instructions and proper planning reduce ambiguity — one of the biggest causes of family conflict after a death.
Do I need an attorney to create a will or trust in Florida?
Florida’s requirements are strict. An attorney ensures your documents are valid, enforceable, and aligned with your goals.
Protect what matters most — and protect your family from unnecessary cost, conflict, and court involvement.
Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive trust-based plan, we're here to guide you with clarity and care.