A Family Law and Estate Planning Law Firm

Estate Planning

I offer clear, affordable, and legally sound estate planning tailored to your unique circumstances, assets, and values.

Estate Planning Attorney in Fruit Cove, Florida

Family Law

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone—it’s about peace of mind today. Whether you’re preparing for the future of your family, planning to avoid probate, or making sure someone you trust can make decisions if you’re incapacitated, having a solid estate plan is essential.

Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and
Legacy Planning for Individuals and Families

Why Estate Planning Matters

Without a legally valid estate plan, Florida law—not your personal wishes—will determine how your property is distributed, who makes decisions on your behalf, and how long it takes for your family to access what you leave behind.

Comprehensive estate planning allows you to:

The goal of guardian advocacy is to empower the individual to live as independently as possible while receiving legal assistance only in areas where it is truly needed—such as medical decisions, financial oversight, or education planning.

Estate Planning Services Offered

Basic Wills (Last Will and Testament)

A Last Will and Testament lets you name beneficiaries, appoint a personal representative (executor), and specify guardianship preferences for minor children.

Even if you have few assets or are planning to use a trust, a will ensures that any property not titled in your trust or controlled by beneficiary designations is distributed according to your wishes.

I help clients:

  • Draft valid Florida wills
  • Make legally enforceable bequests
  • Coordinate wills with existing trusts or insurance policies
  • Avoid common errors that could trigger probate disputes

A Revocable Living Trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows you to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and plan for incapacity.

With a properly funded trust, your assets pass directly to your named beneficiaries without going through the court-supervised probate process. You retain control of the assets during your lifetime and name a successor trustee to manage them after death or incapacity.

I assist clients with:

  • Drafting and tailoring revocable living trusts
  • Appointing successor trustees and contingent beneficiaries
  • Incorporating special provisions for minor children or beneficiaries with disabilities
  • Avoiding unnecessary complexity

A Power of Attorney allows you to authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters—whether it’s paying bills, handling real estate transactions, or managing investments.

Florida law has specific requirements for validity and effectiveness. I help ensure your power of attorney:

  • Complies with Florida’s current legal standards
  • Grants the powers you intend
  • Takes effect immediately or under specified conditions
  • Is accepted by banks, title companies, and other institutions

This document is vital for avoiding court intervention if you ever become incapacitated.

A Healthcare Surrogate Designation appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It also allows your surrogate to access your medical records and speak with your doctors.

This form complements other planning documents and is critical for ensuring that your care aligns with your values.

Due to federal privacy laws, even close family members may be denied access to your medical information without authorization. A HIPAA Waiver allows named individuals to receive your medical information from doctors and hospitals.

We include this document in every comprehensive estate plan to ensure seamless communication and avoid unnecessary delays during emergencies.

A Living Will expresses your preferences regarding life-sustaining medical treatment in the event you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

This document relieves your family from having to make heartbreaking decisions and provides clarity to medical professionals during critical moments.

A Pre-Need Guardian Designation allows you to nominate in advance the person you would want to serve as your guardian if the court ever finds you incapacitated.

Without this designation, the court will choose your guardian—potentially someone you would not prefer.

Creating a trust is only half the process—funding the trust is what ensures its effectiveness. I assist clients with:

  • Transferring bank and brokerage accounts into the trust
  • Coordinating beneficiary designations for life insurance and retirement assets
  • Drafting and recording deeds to transfer real estate into the trust
  • Reviewing asset ownership to identify gaps or inconsistencies

If you have already created a trust but have not transferred your assets into it, we can help you complete this essential step to avoid unnecessary probate.

I offer transparent, flat-fee estate planning packages for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you need a simple will or a full trust-based plan, you will receive personalized service, clear documentation, and the peace of mind that your legal affairs are in order.

I will take the time to explain each document, answer your questions, and ensure your plan reflects your values and goals.

Evening and virtual appointments available

As an estate planning attorney based in Fruit Cove, I am proud to serve clients throughout St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and beyond. I understand the local probate procedures and how to build a plan that works here in Florida—not a generic solution from a national online service.

Estate planning is too important to leave to chance. You deserve a local attorney who listens and provides lasting protection for your loved ones.

Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation

Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an outdated plan, I invite you to schedule a confidential estate planning consultation.

Estate planning is too important to leave to chance.

Serving Fruit Cove, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Duval, and St. Johns Counties
Flexible scheduling | In-person and virtual options available