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A Reliable Trust Attorney Clearwater FL Residents Count On

If you want to protect your assets and provide for your family, creating a trust can be a smart move. At Smith Will & Trust, our experienced trust attorneys in Clearwater, FL, help individuals and families create secure plans for the future. Whether you’re new to estate planning or revisiting an old plan, we guide you through every step.

Trusts can do more than a will alone. They offer control, privacy, and protection, both now and later. With our help, you’ll build a plan that works for you and those you love most.

What Is a Trust and Why Do I Need One?

A trust is a legal arrangement that lets you transfer your assets to someone else to manage on behalf of your beneficiaries. You can use a trust to distribute your assets now or after you pass away. Our trust attorneys in Clearwater, FL, help you choose the right type (revocable or irrevocable) based on your needs.

Trusts can reduce estate taxes, avoid probate, and offer better protection for minor children or family members with special needs.

A person holding a notebook that says trust & estate planning

How a Trust Helps You and Your Family

Trusts provide a flexible way to manage your estate. With the right trust, you can:

  • Control when and how heirs receive assets
  • Avoid probate and maintain privacy
  • Protect your assets from creditors or lawsuits
  • Support a loved one with special needs without affecting benefits

When crafted correctly, a trust gives you peace of mind and greater control over your legacy.

Common Signs You May Need a Trust

  • You own a home or business
  • You have children or grandchildren
  • You want to avoid probate court
  • You need to protect a family member’s inheritance

If any of these apply, our Clearwater trust attorneys can help you create a custom plan that covers everything.

How We Solve These Legal Challenges

Our legal team takes the guesswork out of trust creation. Here’s what we do for you:

  • Recommend the correct type of trust for your situation
  • Draft clear, legally sound trust documents
  • Help transfer assets into the trust properly
  • Review and update the trust as your life changes

We believe trust planning should be simple, understandable, and effective.

An elderly couple discussing their estate with an estate planning attorney in Central Florida

Contact Our Clearwater Trust Attorneys Today

Ready to take control of your future? Smith Will & Trust is here to help you create a trust that protects your assets and your family. Call us at 727-424-1464 or visit our Pinellas Park office at 6210 44th St. N, #21, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 to set up your appointment. You can also fill out our quick online form to schedule your consultation.

Additional Legal Services You May Need

Estate Planning

  • We help create full estate plans, including wills, POAs, and more
  • Ensure your property and family are protected
  • It avoids confusion and delays later on

Will Drafting

  • Custom legal wills with clear beneficiary instructions
  • Guardianship options included
  • Prevents family disputes and ensures your wishes are followed

Probate Assistance

  • Help your family navigate Florida’s probate process
  • We handle the paperwork and court filings
  • Speeds up the process and reduces stress

Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning

  • Plan ahead for healthcare needs without losing your assets
  • Protect your home and savings from nursing home costs
  • Avoid last-minute crisis planning
Hands holding model of a house together, representative of an estate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after death and often requires probate. A trust can take effect during your lifetime and helps avoid probate entirely.

Q2: Can I make a trust without a lawyer?
You can try, but DIY trusts often miss key legal steps. A trust attorney ensures your documents are valid and your wishes are appropriately carried out.

Q3: How does a trust avoid probate?
Assets placed in a trust are no longer part of your estate. This allows them to be passed directly to your beneficiaries without the need for court involvement.

Q4: Do I need a trust if I don’t have a large estate?
Even small estates benefit from trusts. Trusts help manage care for children, reduce conflict, and provide clear instructions after your death.