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Comprehensive Estate Planning for the SouthShore of Hillsborough County

The Southshore of Hillsborough County, including Apollo Beach, Ruskin, and Sun City Center, blend waterfront homes, established neighborhoods, and active retirement communities. At Smith Will and Trust, we provide comprehensive SouthShore estate planning designed around your real-life goals, whether that means protecting a Florida homestead, managing rental property, or making transitions easier for adult children.

Our attorneys create customized wills, revocable trusts, and charitable trusts that coordinate seamlessly with your powers of attorney and beneficiary designations. We also guide families through Florida probate and trust litigation when needed, helping trustees and personal representatives navigate each step with confidence and clarity.

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Our services for Southshore Estate Planning & Trust

Wills & Powers of Attorney

Our SouthShore estate planning attorneys draft Florida-compliant wills to name guardians, direct assets, and appoint personal representatives. We also prepare durable powers of attorney so someone you trust can manage finances if you become unable to do so. We serve clients across Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and the SouthShore area.

Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts

Our revocable living trusts streamline administration and help avoid probate when funded correctly. Irrevocable trusts support long-term goals such as asset protection, charitable giving, and legacy planning. Clients throughout Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa Bay’s SouthShore rely on us to align each trust with Florida law.

Probate & Trust Administration

We guide personal representatives and trustees through petitions, notices, accountings, and distributions under Florida’s Probate Code. Our checklists keep families in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and SouthShore organized and on track from start to finish.

Trust Dispute Resolution

When a trustee fails to communicate or breaches fiduciary duties, our SouthShore estate planning team acts quickly. We compel accountings, enforce obligations, and, when necessary, seek trustee removal to protect beneficiaries’ interests throughout Hillsborough County.

Business & Real Estate Planning

From homestead deeds to LLC ownership transfers, we help clients in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and SouthShore align property and business interests with their estate plans, reducing risk and avoiding costly surprises.

Maintenance & Review Programs

We offer ongoing maintenance and periodic reviews for clients across SouthShore, Tampa, Brandon, and Riverview so your plan remains current through life changes, business updates, or major family events.

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Why South Shores Families Choose Smith Will & Trust

Florida-Specific Legal Knowledge

Our documents are drafted to match Florida statutes and Hillsborough County clerk practices.

Correct Signing & Witnessing

We arrange witnesses, notaries, and affidavits so your documents hold up if ever challenged.

Plain-English Process

You get clear summaries, checklists, and next steps to make planning stress-free.

Local & Virtual Meetings

Meet in person at our Tampa office or virtually from Apollo Beach, Ruskin, or Sun City Center.

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Focused Service for Apollo Beach, Ruskin & Sun City Center

Apollo Beach (Waterfront & Growing Communities):

As part of our SouthShore estate planning services, we help Apollo Beach families protect waterfront homes and second properties through proper titling for homestead and creditor protection. Our team coordinates deeds, HOA documents, and trust funding to keep closings and future sales smooth and compliant.

Ruskin (Residential & Agricultural Planning):

Our SouthShore estate planning attorneys work with Ruskin families who own farmland, rental properties, or small businesses. We design plans that address multi-generational ownership, buy-sell terms, and business succession to preserve both assets and family harmony.

Sun City Center (Retiree & Senior Planning):

In Sun City Center, SouthShore estate planning often focuses on incapacity protection and ease of management for adult children. We prepare durable powers of attorney, health care surrogates, and living wills so trusted decision-makers can act without court involvement or delay.

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Contact Our SouthShore Estate Planning Team

If you live in SouthShore, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Riverview, or Brandon, you can meet with Smith Will and Trust locally or by secure virtual appointment. Our SouthShore estate planning services cover wills, revocable trusts, charitable trusts, powers of attorney, and Florida probate. Tell us whether you are protecting a homestead, planning for a loved one with special needs, or getting organized for retirement, and we will build a plan around it.

  • Tampa Office:
    4830 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: (727) 424-1464Schedule Your Consultation
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Couldn't be happier with Mr. Smith and his staff. Communication was spot on since the first consultation up until we signed our trust. Highly recommend his services. Affordable rates for all the work they do.

LeoFt. Myers, FL
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Christian was extremely knowledge about the different types of investment advising retirement, tax and estate planning. You get excellent personal attention where you can ask questions.

ChristineTampa, FL
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Christian Smith was very polite, respectful, along with his personal testimony give him an extra edge that anyone who needs a Trust should do so.

DinaTampa, FL
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Attorney, Christian Smith, exceeded my expectations with his patience and generosity of his time in explaining the different types of Wills and Trusts to tailor my will to my specific needs. Thank you, Christian.

AliceClearwater, Florida
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Christian was very helpful and professional in making sure my legal affairs were in order. He answered all of my concerns and was a down to earth person.

MidgeBrandon, Florida
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Mr. Young did an exceptional job with my case and brought it to the best possible resolution I could have expected. I would recommend him highly and encourage everyone I know to use his services.

ScottApopka, Florida
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The words that come to mind when we look back on our experience are integrity, professional, knowledgeable, prompt, and flexible. He was able to draw up a service agreement that was fair.

JoanieApopka, Florida
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Youngs Law Firm and his staff did a wonderful job handling my probate case. I definitely recommend his firm if you should need assistance with any probate/estate matters. I am very pleased with his work.

AngelaOrlando, Florida
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Mr. Young went above and beyond helping me understand a rather difficult situation. He is very calm, patient and understanding which is so refreshing when looking for a lawyer. His fees are more than fair.

TaylorOrlando, FL
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Very affordable, you know what you're paying upfront. Christian is very professional, patient, really listens to you and assists when asked for advice.

ChristineTampa, FL
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This attorney is the real deal! You can tell from the minute that you step into his office that he really cares about his clients. I hired him to help me with a legal matter and I have not regretted this decision.

RachelOrlando, FL
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Attorney Smith handled probate on my mothers estate. I could not be more pleased with his attention to detail and his persistence in having the case finalized. In addition his staff was extremely helpful and on the ball.

CharlesOrlando, FL

FAQs

Do you handle homestead titling for waterfront property?

Yes. We prepare and record Florida-compliant deeds and confirm spousal joinder requirements to protect homestead rights.

Can you meet virtually if we live in Sun City Center?

Absolutely. We regularly meet with South Shores clients by secure video or phone for convenience.

How long does probate take in Hillsborough County?

Many cases take 6–12 months depending on creditor periods and court timelines. We keep you updated at every step.

What if a trustee is not responding?

Florida law allows beneficiaries to compel accountings and, in serious cases, seek trustee suspension or removal. We can file quickly to protect assets.