Florida Estate Planning Attorney
Thoughtful estate planning is one of the most important gifts you can give to your family. It's about ensuring your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are cared for. At Fitenko Law, we help you create a comprehensive legal strategy to secure your legacy and provide peace of mind for the future.
Planning for Every Stage of Life
Effective estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of age or wealth. We provide personalized counsel to a wide range of clients.
Families with Young Children:
We help you nominate guardians for your minor children and establish trusts to ensure their financial well-being is managed responsibly.
Business Owners and Professionals:
We create strategies to protect your business assets, manage succession, and integrate your professional life into your overall estate plan.
Retirees and New Florida Residents:
We assist you in updating your existing plans to comply with Florida law, leveraging the state's unique benefits like the Homestead Exemption to maximize asset protection.
Our Core Estate Planning Services
Wills (Last Will and Testament)
Drafting clear and legally sound wills that direct how your property will be distributed, and who will be in charge of your estate.
Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable)
Creating various types of trusts to help you avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and provide for beneficiaries with special needs.
Durable Power of Attorney
Appointing a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs in the event you become unable to do so yourself due to incapacity.
Health Care Directives
Drafting Health Care Surrogate designations and Living Wills to ensure your medical wishes are respected if you cannot communicate them.
Probate Administration
Guiding executors and families through the court-supervised probate process with efficiency and compassion after a loved one has passed away.
Homestead Law Counsel
Advising on how to properly declare and maintain your Florida Homestead to secure its powerful creditor protection and tax benefits.
Why Choose Fitenko Law for Your Estate Planning?
A Compassionate, Educational Approach
We understand that discussing these topics can be difficult. We take the time to educate you on your options in a clear and sensitive manner, empowering you to make the best decisions for your family.
A Holistic Perspective
Your estate plan does not exist in a vacuum. We consider its interaction with your real estate holdings and immigration status to create a truly integrated and effective strategy that protects you from all angles.
Building a Lasting Relationship
An estate plan should evolve as your life changes. We strive to be your lifelong legal counsel, available to review and update your plan after major life events like marriage, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I die without a will in Florida?
If you pass away without a will (intestate), Florida state law will determine how your assets are distributed among your legal heirs. This process can be lengthy, public, and may not align with your actual wishes. A will ensures you control the distribution.
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will is a document that takes effect after your death and typically must go through the probate court process. A living trust can manage your assets during your lifetime and after death, often allowing your estate to avoid the time and expense of probate.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It's a good practice to review your estate plan every 3-5 years, or after any major life event, such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a spouse, or a significant change in your financial situation.
Secure Your Legacy, Protect Your Future
Take the most important step in providing for your loved ones. Contact Fitenko Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building your personalized estate plan.