Wills, Trusts and Estates

Southwest Florida Wills and Trusts Lawyer

Serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Lee County, Naples, Collier County, Port Charlotte, and Charlotte County, FL

When it comes to securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones, having a proper estate plan in place is critical. At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., our Southwest Florida wills and trusts lawyers help individuals and families plan for the future with confidence. Whether you're just beginning the estate planning process or updating an existing plan, our team is here to provide the legal guidance you need.

For a free consultation, contact us online or call 239-500-4878 today!

What Does an Estate Plan Include?

A complete estate plan does more than distribute your property. It also outlines your preferences for healthcare, financial decisions, and guardianship—especially important if you have minor children. Our estate planning attorneys in Southwest Florida can assist with drafting and managing the following legal instruments:

• Last Will and Testament: Directs how your assets should be distributed and names an executor to handle your affairs.
• Revocable Living Trusts: Allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and avoid probate after death.
• Irrevocable Trusts: Useful for asset protection and estate tax reduction.
• Advance Healthcare Directives: Appoint someone to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Gives a trusted individual the authority to manage your finances if you're unable to do so.

Our firm helps ensure these documents are legally valid and fully customized to your individual circumstances.

For a free consultation, contact us online or call 239-500-4878 today!

Benefits of a Trust in Florida

While a will is essential, trusts offer added benefits that may be right for your situation. Trusts can:

• Bypass the probate process entirely, speeding up asset distribution
• Provide ongoing financial management for minor children or family members with special needs
• Shield assets from certain creditors or lawsuits
• Offer privacy, as trusts are not public record like a probated will

Our trusts and estates lawyers in Southwest Florida will help you determine which type of trust best fits your goals—whether it’s a revocable trust, special needs trust, charitable trust, or another structure tailored to your situation.

Tax Planning and Asset Protection

Many families overlook the tax implications of estate transfers. Our estate planning attorneys in Southwest Florida work to structure your estate to reduce estate taxes, capital gains exposure, and other liabilities. We also guide clients on protecting business interests, real estate, and investments from unnecessary taxation or future legal claims.

For a free consultation, contact us online or call 239-500-4878 today!

Helping You Navigate Probate and Estate Administration

If you've recently lost a loved one, our probate lawyers in Southwest Florida can help ease the burden of managing the estate. We provide assistance with filing probate petitions, asset valuations, debt settlements, and final distributions. Whether your loved one left a will or not, we will guide you through Florida’s probate laws with efficiency and clarity.

Why Choose Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.?

Our firm has proudly served Southwest Florida for over 60 years. When you choose our wills and trusts lawyers, you get more than just legal knowledge—you get a committed team focused on protecting what matters most. We offer responsive service, practical advice, and a deep understanding of Florida estate law.

For a free consultation, contact us online or call 239-500-4878 today!

FAQs About Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning in Florida

What happens if I die without a will in Florida?

If you die intestate (without a will), Florida’s intestacy laws will determine who inherits your assets. This typically follows a strict order of relatives, which may not align with your personal wishes.

Can a trust help avoid probate in Florida?

Yes, assets placed in a properly funded trust avoid probate. This helps your beneficiaries gain quicker access to assets and preserves privacy.

Do I need both a will and a trust?

Many people benefit from having both. A will handles assets outside your trust and names guardians for minors, while a trust offers flexibility, privacy, and avoids probate for assets it holds.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of significant property.

What makes a will legally valid in Florida?

In Florida, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or someone directed by them), and witnessed by two people. It does not need to be notarized, though a self-proving affidavit is recommended.