Broward Wills and Trusts Lawyer | Free Case Consultations

In addition to giving you peace of mind, planning ahead provides your family with clarity, stability, and protection when they need it most.

Whether you’re preparing for the expected or the unexpected, establishing a comprehensive estate plan ensures your legacy is preserved and your wishes are met. Fortunately, an experienced Broward wills and trusts lawyer can help.

At The Siegel Law Group, P.A., our Broward estate planning lawyers have helped individuals and families safeguard their future for more than 20 years.

We understand that no two lives—or estates—are the same and take a personalized approach to estate planning that reflects your specific goals, family dynamics, and financial situation.

Schedule your free consultation today.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Everyone

Many people mistakenly believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly. In reality, anyone who wants to ensure that their assets go to the right people, or who has minor children, aging parents, or loved ones with special needs, can benefit from a properly structured estate plan.

Without setting up a will or trust, your estate will be handled according to Florida’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your intentions.

This could result in court involvement, delayed access to assets, family disputes, or even guardianship decisions for your children being made by a judge rather than you.

Thoughtfully prepared wills and trusts can include provisions for:

Distribution of real estate, bank accounts, retirement savings, and investments
Appointment of guardians for minor children
Management of personal property, digital assets, and family heirlooms
Planning for business succession or intellectual property
Naming fiduciaries such as executors, trustees, and health care surrogates
Minimizing estate taxes and avoiding probate

Whether your estate is simple or complex, having a Broward wills and trusts attorney on your side can help ensure you understand your legal options and make confident decisions.

For a free legal consultation with a wills and trusts lawyer serving Broward, call 561-955-8515

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Wills and trusts both help to manage how your affairs are managed after your death or if you become incapacitated. However, there are distinct differences between the two estate planning tools.

Wills Are the Foundation of Your Estate Plan

A will is a legal document that outlines your final wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, the care of your dependents, and other personal matters after your death. In Florida, a valid will must comply with specific legal requirements, including proper signatures and witnesses.

Wills are particularly important for:

Naming a guardian for minor children
Appointing an executor (also called a personal representative) to handle your estate
Directing the distribution of personal and real property
Making charitable gifts or donations
Addressing funeral or burial instructions

While a will offers clarity and control, it still must go through probate—a public, court-supervised process. This is why many individuals also choose to create a trust.

Trusts Help Manage and Protect Assets During Life and After

A trust, often used in conjunction with a will, is a powerful tool for managing your assets while you’re alive and distributing them privately and efficiently after you pass away.

When properly structured and funded, a trust allows your estate to bypass probate, maintain privacy, and provide greater flexibility for your heirs.

Key benefits of creating a trust include:

Avoiding probate: Assets held in a trust typically bypass probate, reducing delays, legal fees, and public scrutiny.
Incapacity planning: Should you become incapacitated, your successor trustee can step in immediately to manage your affairs without the need for court involvement.
Privacy: Unlike wills, which become public records during probate, trusts remain private documents.
Control: You can decide when and how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
Ongoing management: A trust helps provide continuity in asset management throughout your lifetime and beyond.

At The Siegel Law Group, P.A., our Broward wills and trusts attorneys will help you determine the right balance of tools, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, to meet your needs.

Broward Wills and Trusts Lawyer Near Me 561-955-8515

Important Roles in Wills and Trusts

An effective estate plan clearly identifies the individuals and entities who will carry out your wishes. These roles include:

Executor (personal representative): Handles the administration of your estate through probate.
Trustee: Manages the trust’s assets and ensures they are distributed as outlined.
Successor trustee: Steps in if the original trustee becomes unable to serve.
Guardian: Takes custody of your minor children if you pass away before they reach adulthood.
Beneficiaries: The individuals or organizations who will inherit from your estate or trust.

Choosing trustworthy individuals for these roles is essential. Our trusts and wills attorneys in Broward can help guide your decision-making to ensure your estate is managed smoothly and with integrity.

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Updating Your Estate With a Wills and Trusts Attorney in Broward as Your Life Changes

Creating an estate plan isn’t a one–time task. Significant life events often require updates to your will or trust. These events may include:

Marriage or divorce
The birth or adoption of a child
The death of a named beneficiary, guardian, or trustee
Significant changes in assets or property ownership
Moving to a different state
Updates to tax laws or estate planning regulations

Failing to update your plan could result in unintended consequences, such as disinheriting loved ones or assigning roles to people no longer capable or willing to serve.

Our team offers ongoing support and can assist with reviewing and revising your plan as your life evolves.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Understanding Florida’s Probate Process and How to Avoid It

If you pass away without a trust, your estate will likely go through probate, which can be:

Time–consuming: The process typically takes from six months to a year, but can be longer
Expensive: Court and legal fees can reduce your estate’s value
Public: Probate records are accessible to the public
Stressful: Family members may face delays, disputes, or confusion

Creating a trust allows your heirs to avoid many of these burdens and simplifies the transfer of assets. A wills and trusts lawyer in Broward can evaluate your estate and determine how to structure it to minimize or eliminate the need for probate.

Work With a Knowledgeable Wills and Trusts Lawyer Serving Broward

At The Siegel Law Group, P.A., we believe estate planning is critical for preparing for the future. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, our compassionate, knowledgeable legal team is here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

With over two decades of experience and a strong reputation in Broward County, we offer comprehensive estate planning services that include wills, trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and more.

Call or text 561-955-8515 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Wills and Trusts Lawyer in Broward