Living Trust Attorneys For Revocable Trusts In Florida
The Role Of Trusts In Estate Planning
A trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for beneficiaries and is managed by a trustee. Working with a trust lawyer that works throughout Orlando, Maitland, and beyond, you can use trusts to organize property, streamline transfers, and support loved ones without extra court steps. Properties can be in multiple counties and even other states. For many families,
estate planning with a revocable living trust helps avoid delays at the courthouse and provides management during incapacity.
Revocable Vs. Irrevocable Trusts
A revocable living trust lets you keep control, make changes, and typically serve as your own trustee while you are able. It is a common way to keep assets out of probate and maintain privacy in Florida. An irrevocable trust is usually fixed once signed and is used for specific goals like tax planning or creditor protection. Specialized options include credit shelter trusts, life insurance trusts, generation skipping trusts, and special needs trusts for a family member who requires ongoing support in Orlando or Winter Park.
Our Trust Creation Services
Richard A. Heller, P.A. helps you decide whether a revocable or irrevocable approach fits your goals. We draft the trust, prepare deeds and assignments, and guide funding so assets are titled to the trust. Proper funding is essential because a trust only avoids probate for assets it actually owns. We coordinate with financial institutions in Orange and Seminole Counties to retitle accounts and update beneficiaries where needed.
Within this section, clients often review wills and trusts together so every asset has a clear path, and learn how trusts can avoid probate for titled property in Florida.
Trust Administration And Management
When a trustee steps in due to incapacity or death, our office provides practical guidance on notices, accountings, and distributions. We also coordinate with the court if a pour over will must move a stray asset into the trust. For estates with real property in multiple counties, organized records and communication keep administration efficient alongside related
probate administration tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a living trust avoid estate taxes or just probate?
A will guides the court but does not replace the probate process. Some families add a revocable living trust to streamline transfers and maintain privacy.
Should I still have a will if I have a trust?
Yes. A pour over will names guardians for minors and moves any missed assets into the trust so your plan is complete.
Can I be the trustee of my own trust?
Yes. Most people serve as initial trustee and name a successor to act if they become unable or after they pass.
What assets should I put in my trust?
Real estate, non retirement investment accounts, and most bank accounts are candidates. Retirement accounts usually keep individual ownership, but the trust can be a beneficiary in specific situations.