Wills and Trusts Clearwater: Build a Solid Basic Estate Plan
Wills and Why You Need One
Put Your Wishes in Writing—Clearly and Legally
A will names who receives your assets, who manages your estate, and who cares for minor children. Without one,
Florida law decides the default path, which may not reflect promises you’ve made to family members. Castagna Law Firm, P.A. drafts clear wills for Clearwater families—from Sand Key to Belleair—so gifts, keepsakes, and specific instructions are honored. If you’ve told a grandchild they’ll inherit a classic car or heirloom china, a well-crafted will helps make that promise real.
Trusts for Probate Avoidance
Revocable Living Trusts: Privacy, Control, and Smoother Transitions
A revocable living trust can reduce court involvement, provide continuity if you’re incapacitated, and keep personal details private. You can change or revoke it during your lifetime, and name a successor trustee to step in when needed. Many Clearwater families choose a trust-based plan to avoid the delays and costs often associated with probate—especially helpful for blended families, multiple properties, or loved ones who live outside Florida.
Other Common Trusts (At A Glance)
When Special Circumstances Call for Special Tools
Depending on your goals, we may discuss
special needs provisions, testamentary trusts for minor children, or insurance-focused strategies. The right structure depends on your family makeup, assets, and comfort level with trustee duties.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
Planning for Life’s What-Ifs
Basic estate planning covers more than inheritance. A
durable power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to handle financial matters if you can’t. A healthcare surrogate designation and living will guide medical decisions and relieve families of guesswork. Clearwater clients often find these documents as valuable as a will or trust because they work when you’re alive and need help most.
Coordinating Your Estate Plan
Make Every Piece Work Together
Beneficiary designations on bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance should match your overall plan—especially in blended families and second marriages. Castagna Law Firm, P.A. helps align deeds, titles, and designations so your will or trust isn’t unintentionally overridden. We also recommend periodic reviews after life changes—moving to a new home in Countryside, welcoming a grandchild, selling a business, or buying a condo near Clearwater Beach.
Wills & Trusts in Florida: Quick Answers
Clear, Practical Guidance
FAQ – Wills & Trusts in Florida
Will my out-of-state will work in Florida?
Many wills created elsewhere can still be valid in Florida, but our state has strict rules about witnesses and homestead property. If your will doesn’t meet these requirements, it could create delays or even litigation during probate. Updating your documents to Florida standards ensures your wishes are honored without unnecessary conflict. It’s a simple step that can save your family time, money, and stress.
How much does a will or trust cost?
The cost depends on the type of plan you need—basic wills are often straightforward, while living trusts or more complex estate strategies require additional drafting. At Castagna Law Firm, P.A., we provide transparent pricing after a short consultation so you understand exactly what’s included. Because every family is different, we don’t offer cookie-cutter packages. Instead, we tailor each plan to match your situation, goals, and budget.
What assets should go into my living trust?
Commonly, real estate, bank accounts, and investment accounts are retitled into a trust so they avoid probate. Other items, like retirement accounts or life insurance, may work better with a beneficiary designation. The key is making sure everything coordinates so your trust actually functions when it’s needed. We’ll guide you step by step to avoid the gaps that can cause court involvement.
Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes—a will acts as a “safety net” for any assets that don’t make it into your trust. It can also name guardians for minor children, which a trust cannot do. Without a will, assets left outside your trust may be distributed by Florida’s intestacy laws, not your wishes. A coordinated plan uses both documents to cover all bases.
How do powers of attorney fit into my estate plan?
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle finances if you become incapacitated, while healthcare directives name who can make medical decisions. These documents prevent the need for guardianship proceedings in court. When combined with a will and trust, they form a complete estate plan that covers both incapacity and death. We’ll help you draft them so your family is protected no matter what happens.
Get Started on Your Estate Plan
Your Next Step is Simple
If you’re comparing “will attorney Clearwater” or “living trust Clearwater Florida,” schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss whether a will-based or trust-based plan fits your situation and map a clear path forward with documents you can rely on.