Estate Planning Florida – Wills, Trusts & Power of Attorney
Clear, Florida-Specific Estate Plans That Actually Work
Your estate plan should be simple, practical, and legally sound. At Smith Will & Trust, our Florida estate planning and trust services help families create wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives that actually work when life happens.
Proudly serving Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and SouthShore, we provide clear, Florida-specific guidance, not just documents for a binder.
What You Really Need in a Florida Estate Plan
A complete Florida estate plan goes far beyond a will. Our team ensures each document meets Florida’s strict legal requirements and reflects your goals.
Will
In estate planning, a last will & testament names guardians for minor children, appoints a personal representative, and directs how any “leftover” assets are distributed.
Revocable Living Trust
In estate planning, a revocable living trust keeps most assets out of probate, adds disability management while you’re alive, and ensures private, efficient transfers after death.
Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney in estate planning lets a trusted person manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Because Florida enforces strict signing and witnessing requirements, this document is one of the most important parts of any well-built estate plan.
Health Care Surrogate & Living Will
Covers medical decision-making and end-of-life preferences.
HIPAA Release
Gives your loved ones access to medical information when they need it most.
Beneficiary Designations & Deeds
Ensures your estate plan is properly “funded” so assets pass as intended.
Florida law sets strict execution rules—two witnesses are required, and a notary is strongly recommended. We prepare and supervise every signing so your documents are valid and enforceable.
For detailed statutory guidance, visit the
Florida Probate Code (Chapter 732, Florida Statutes)
Will vs. Trust – The Plain-English Difference
A will-only estate plan often leads to Florida probate, a public court process that can cost up to three percent of your estate’s value. A revocable trust helps you avoid probate, maintain privacy, and include built-in disability planning as part of a complete estate planning strategy.
Our attorneys explain each option in plain English so you can choose what best fits your family, privacy goals, and multi-state property needs.
Learn how a revocable or irrevocable trust integrates with your overall estate planning process.
How We Build Your Florida Estate Plan
We take the guesswork out of the process:
Listen First :
We start by understanding your family, assets, and priorities.
Design in Plain English :
We present clear options and make recommendations, explaining trade-offs in everyday language.
Draft & Execute :
Your documents are drafted and signed under proper Florida formalities.
Fund the Trust:
We help retitle assets, update beneficiaries, and record deeds so your trust actually works.
Keep It Current:
Life changes, and so should your estate plan. We offer reviews every 3–5 years or after major events.
Planning for Real-Life Situations
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Blended Families: Balancing fairness while preventing future conflict.
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Special-Needs Beneficiaries: Setting up supplemental needs trusts that preserve benefits.
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Business Owners: Coordinating business law, succession planning, and powers of attorney for continuity and control.
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Florida Homestead Property: Navigating homestead restrictions, rental property titling, and second homes.
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Snowbirds & Multi-State Assets: Aligning your Florida estate plan with out-of-state property and tax rules.
Who We Help
We represent parents, retirees, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and snowbirds seeking Florida estate planning that’s clear and enforceable. Whether your estate is simple or complex, our goal is peace of mind. An estate plan that truly works when life changes.
Why Trust Smith Will & Trust?
Your documents are reviewed and executed by licensed Florida attorneys. Christian Edward Smith (Bar #1039145) is listed with The Florida Bar at our Tampa office and personally oversees each estate plan. Our goal is to make sure your wishes are carried out the first time without court battles, delays, or unnecessary expenses.
Preparing for Your First Consultation
Bring:
- A rough list of assets (homes, accounts, businesses)
- Copies of any old wills or trusts
- Names of guardians, personal representatives, and trustees
- Your top three goals (e.g., avoid probate, protect a beneficiary, provide for charity)
This information allows us to design a tailored estate plan quickly and efficiently.
Areas We Serve
Smith Will & Trust is dedicated to serving the greater Tampa area, including Brandon, Riverview, and SouthShore, with trusted estate planning, probate, and trust administration services delivered with integrity and care.
- Smith Will & Trust: 4830 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 600, Tampa, FL 3360
FAQs
Do I need a trust if I own a Florida home?
Often yes—funding a revocable trust can avoid probate, speed transfers, and provide disability management.
What makes a Florida will valid?
Florida law requires two witnesses and, ideally, a self-proving affidavit. We supervise the entire process to ensure compliance.
What’s the difference between a durable POA and a health care surrogate?
A durable POA covers financial and legal matters and must be signed with witnesses and a notary. A health care surrogate handles medical decisions and requires two witnesses.
How often should I update my plan?
After any major life change—marriage, divorce, birth, death, or new assets—or at least every 3–5 years to keep your plan current.
Ready to Get Started?
Protect your family, avoid probate, and make sure your wishes are followed.