We offer a full suite of estate planning tools and strategies tailored to your specific goals, including:
1. Revocable Living Trust
A revocable trust allows you to manage and protect your assets during your lifetime while avoiding probate upon death. You can change or revoke the trust at any time.
Benefits include:
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Avoiding probate court delays and costs
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Maintaining privacy of your estate
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Providing for incapacity planning
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Seamless asset distribution to beneficiaries
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2. Last Will and Testament
Your will outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death and names a personal representative to administer your estate. It also allows you to:
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Appoint guardians for minor children
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Specify gifts or charitable donations
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Coordinate with trusts for a complete plan
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Note: Wills in Florida must go through probate, which makes combining a will with a trust or Lady Bird Deed a popular approach.
3. Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (POA) grants someone you trust the legal authority to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This can include:
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Managing bank accounts
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Paying bills and taxes
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Buying or selling property
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Without a POA, loved ones may have to petition for guardianship, which can be costly and time-consuming.
4. Living Will
A living will outlines your wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatments if you're unable to communicate. It can address:
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Use of feeding tubes
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Resuscitation orders (DNR)
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End-of-life pain management
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This document reduces the burden on family members during emotionally difficult times.
5. Healthcare Surrogate Designation
A healthcare surrogate is someone you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to. This document is vital even for young adults and ensures your preferences are respected.
6. Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)
A Lady Bird Deed allows you to retain control of your property during your lifetime while naming a beneficiary to automatically receive the property upon your death—without probate. This unique Florida tool offers:
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Medicaid planning advantages
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Retention of homestead protections
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Flexibility to sell or mortgage the property
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7. Tax Planning Strategies
Smart estate planning can also reduce or eliminate estate taxes, capital gains, and income tax burdens for your beneficiaries. We help clients:
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Utilize the federal estate tax exemption efficiently
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Implement gifting strategies
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Set up irrevocable trusts when appropriate
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Coordinate IRA and retirement plan beneficiaries
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While Florida has no state estate tax, federal estate tax may still apply, especially in high net-worth situations.
Why Choose Gold Legacy Law for Florida Estate Planning?
Decades of Experience: Our attorneys understand Florida-specific laws and updates.
Personalized Approach: Every client receives a tailored plan—not a template.
Flat Fees Available: Transparent pricing for peace of mind.
Full-Service Support: From simple wills to advanced trust-based planning and tax mitigation.