Florida Estate Planning Services & Fees
Protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones with strategic legal foresight. We offer comprehensive estate planning services tailored to your unique goals, ensuring clarity and transparency in every decision.
Core Estate Planning Documents
for Florida Clients
A foundational legal document providing clear instructions on the distribution of your assets and designating guardians for minor children to protect your legacy and intent.
Last Will & Testament
Sophisticated tools designed to avoid the time and expense of probate, maintain privacy for your family, and ensure continuity of asset management in the event of incapacity.
Revocable Living Trusts
Essential planning directives, including Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Surrogate designations, allowing you to appoint trusted agents to oversee your well-being.
Advance Directives
Fee Structure & Transparency
Clear, upfront pricing ensures our clients understand the investment in their estate strategy. Our fixed-fee arrangements provide predictability, while our comprehensive approach ensures no detail is overlooked.
Estate Planning Document Review Session
$500+
Review of client-prepared or DIY documents for legal sufficiency, internal consistency, and Florida law compliance. Ideal for clients who have already drafted documents using online tools and want an attorney review before signing.
Foundational Plan
$1,250 – $2,500
- Last Will and Testament
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Health Care Surrogate
- Living Will
- Guidance on beneficiary designations and simple asset titling to complement your Will
Comprehensive Plan
$3,000 – $6,000+
- Revocable Living Trust
- Funding and Titling Support
- Advanced Asset Protection
- Multi-generational Planning
- Tax Minimization Strategy
Final pricing depends on estate complexity, number of beneficiaries, and asset protection needs — a personalized quote is provided after your initial consultation
Please note that this fee structure is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a binding engagement until a formal attorney-client contract is signed.
How the Estate Planning Process Works
01
Fill Estate Planning Questionnaire: Provide essential background on your assets and loved ones through our secure online portal before we meet.
02
Initial Consultation: We meet to discuss your specific goals, address your concerns, and map out a strategic legal framework.
03
Pick Your Plan: Select the transparent, flat-fee planning package that perfectly aligns with your estate objectives and budget.
04
We Deliver: Our legal team meticulously drafts your custom documents, ensuring they fully comply with Florida probate and trust laws.
05
Signing: We formally execute your plan in a final signing session, providing you with physical originals and secure digital records.
Understanding Your Investment
Estate planning is more than just filling out document forms; it is an investment in the ultimate gift of clarity and security for your loved ones. A strategic approach ensures that your legacy is preserved exactly as you intend, providing a profound sense of peace of mind.
We believe in absolute transparency and long-term value. Every plan is tailored to the unique complexities of your life and financial situation, reflecting a standard of care that prioritizes your family's future.
Estate Planning FAQ
Do I need a trust or just a will?
While a simple will is an important first step, many Florida families choose a revocable living trust to avoid the often costly and lengthy probate process. A trust also keeps your financial affairs private and allows for seamless management of your assets if you ever become incapacitated. We’ll help you analyze your assets to determine if a trust is the right strategic fit for your goals.
How long does estate planning take in Florida?
A thorough estate plan typically takes about three to five weeks from our initial strategy session to the final signing ceremony. We use this time to carefully draft your documents and review them with you to ensure every legal detail is perfect and reflects your exact wishes. This measured approach guarantees that your plan is both legally sound and truly personalized to your family's needs.
What's the difference between a healthcare surrogate and a living will?
In Florida, a healthcare surrogate is a person you appoint to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate them yourself. A living will, on the other hand, is a written legal document that outlines your specific instructions regarding life-prolonging procedures and end-of-life care. Together, these documents ensure your values are respected and that your loved ones aren't left guessing during a crisis.
Does Florida have an estate tax?
One of the benefits of living in Florida is that the state does not have an inheritance or estate tax, allowing you to pass more to your loved ones. However, it's still important to plan for potential federal estate taxes if your estate exceeds the current federal thresholds. Our team focuses on implementing strategies that minimize federal tax exposure while taking full advantage of Florida’s taxpayer-friendly laws.
Do I need an attorney to create an estate plan in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney to create a will or basic estate planning documents in Florida, but doing so carries significant risk. Florida has specific execution requirements, including witness and notarization rules, that, if not followed precisely, can render documents invalid. Online templates and DIY tools cannot account for your unique family dynamics, asset structure, or long-term goals, and errors often go undetected until it is too late to correct them. Working with a Florida estate planning attorney ensures your documents are legally enforceable, internally consistent, and actually accomplish what you intend.
What happens to my trust if I move out of Florida?
A revocable living trust created in Florida generally remains valid if you move to another state, but it may need to be reviewed and updated to ensure it complies with your new state's laws. Certain provisions particularly those governing trustee powers, asset distribution, and healthcare directives — can vary significantly by jurisdiction. If you relocate, it is advisable to have a licensed attorney in your new state review your existing trust and related documents. For clients who move within Florida or relocate out of state, AC LAW recommends a plan review any time there is a significant life or location change.