Wills and Trusts Attorney in Cooper City, FL

In most cases, yes. A revocable living trust handles the assets you transfer into it and avoids probate for those assets. A pour-over will acts as a safety net, directing any assets not already in the trust to be transferred into it after your death. The will also allows you to name guardians for minor children, which a trust cannot do. Together, they create a complete plan that covers all scenarios.

No. Trusts are useful for families at many income levels, especially in Florida where probate can be time-consuming and expensive. If you own a home, have retirement accounts, or want to avoid the public probate process, a trust may be the right choice. Trusts also provide protection during incapacity, allowing a successor trustee to manage your affairs without court intervention if you become unable to do so yourself.

A revocable living trust can be changed or dissolved at any time during your lifetime. You maintain full control over the assets and can update beneficiaries or terms as needed. An irrevocable trust, once established, generally cannot be modified. It offers stronger asset protection and potential tax benefits because the assets are no longer considered part of your estate. The right choice depends on your goals for control, protection, and tax planning.

If you die without a will in Florida, your assets are distributed according to the state's intestacy laws. Your spouse and children receive priority, but the specific distribution may not match your wishes. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends receive nothing under intestacy. The court also appoints a personal representative to manage your estate, which may not be the person you would have chosen. Having a will ensures your preferences are honored.