Will & Trust Attorney in Clearwater, Florida
Crafting Wills and Trusts to Secure Your Legacy and Protect What Matters Most
Planning for the future is one of the most thoughtful and loving things you can do for your family. At Silvers Law, P.A., we specialize in helping Clearwater families create comprehensive, legally sound estate plans tailored to their unique needs and wishes. Whether you’re looking to draft your first will or need to establish a trust to protect your legacy, our dedicated team is here to guide you with compassion, clarity, and unmatched legal expertise.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Many people put off estate planning because they believe they don’t have enough assets, or they simply don’t know where to start. The truth is, everyone—regardless of age, wealth, or family structure—can benefit from a solid estate plan. A well-drafted will or trust ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reduces the burden on your loved ones, and helps avoid court-supervised probate, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Without proper planning, your estate may be subject to Florida’s intestate succession laws, which may not reflect your personal wishes. Worse yet, it could leave your family dealing with legal disputes during an already difficult time.
At Silvers Law, P.A., we make estate planning approachable, personalized, and thorough—because your peace of mind matters.
What Is a Will?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and an executor (called a “personal representative” in Florida) to manage your estate.
Key Components of a Florida Will:
- Distribution of property and assets
- Nomination of a personal representative
- Appointment of a guardian for minor children
- Instructions for handling debts and taxes
What a Will Doesn’t Do:
- Avoid probate
- Govern jointly owned property or accounts with designated beneficiaries
- Provide privacy (wills become public record upon death)
A will is an essential cornerstone of any estate plan. Even if you establish a trust, you will still need a will to handle any remaining or unexpected assets.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries, according to instructions laid out in a trust document. The most commonly used trust for estate planning is a revocable living trust, which you can create and manage during your lifetime and modify as your circumstances change.
Benefits of a Trust:
- Avoids probateMaintains privacy (unlike a will)
- Allows for more detailed control of how and when assets are distributed
- Can provide for minor children, individuals with disabilities, or beneficiaries who may not be financially responsible
- Can protect assets from creditors or divorce (depending on the trust structure)
Silvers Law, P.A. also assists with irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and charitable trusts, depending on your estate goals and family needs.
Wills vs. Trusts: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Will | Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Avoids Probate | No | Yes |
| Effective During Lifetime | No | Yes (if funded) |
| Privacy | No | Yes |
| Can Name Guardians | Yes | Yes |
| Controls Aset Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Requires Court Involvement | Yes | No |
Many individuals benefit from having both a will and a trust. At Silvers Law, P.A., we’ll help you evaluate your specific needs and develop a plan that provides the right balance of control, privacy, and efficiency.
Our Will & Trust Services in Clearwater, Florida
We offer a full range of estate planning services to help you create a comprehensive plan that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones:
Wills
- Drafting legally valid Florida wills
- Updating and amending existing wills
- Pour-over wills (used with trusts)
Revocable Living Trusts
- Avoid probate and maintain control over your assets
- Provide for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs
- Easily amendable during your lifetime
Irrevocable Trusts
- Used for asset protection, Medicaid planning, or charitable giving
- More permanent but powerful planning tools
Trust Funding Assistance
- Ensuring your trust is properly funded with real estate, accounts, and personal property
Advance Directives & Powers of Attorney
- Durable Power of Attorney for financial decisions
- Health Care Surrogate Designations
- Living Wills (advance medical directives)
Specialty Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts for disabled beneficiaries
- Pet Trusts
- Spendthrift Trusts to protect beneficiaries from themselves or creditors
Estate Plan Reviews & Updates
- Major life changes like marriage, divorce, or new children should trigger a review
- We provide ongoing support to ensure your plan always meets your current goals
What You Can Expect from Silvers Law, P.A.: Our Personalized Estate Planning Process
At Silvers Law, P.A., our estate planning process is designed to be clear, efficient, and tailored to your life. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We get to know you, your family structure, your assets, and your estate planning goals. We listen carefully and answer all your questions.
Step 2: Plan Design
We recommend a customized estate plan based on your needs, whether that includes a simple will, a comprehensive trust-based plan, or something in between.
Step 3: Document Drafting
We draft all necessary legal documents, reviewing each in detail with you to ensure accuracy and full understanding.
Step 4: Signing & Notarization
Once approved, we schedule a signing session and help you execute your plan in accordance with Florida legal requirements.
Step 5: Trust Funding & Implementation
For clients creating trusts, we assist in transferring title to your assets and updating beneficiaries.
Step 6: Ongoing Support
Estate planning is not a one-time event. We’re here to update your plan as your life evolves.
Why Choose Silvers Law, P.A.?
Estate planning is about more than legal documents—it’s about people, families, and peace of mind. At Silvers Law, P.A., we offer:
- Focused Experience: We don’t dabble in estate law—we live it. Our firm is dedicated exclusively to estate planning, probate, and elder law.
- Clearwater Roots: As local attorneys, we understand Florida law inside and out and have helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families protect what matters most.
- Compassionate Guidance: We meet you where you are. Whether you’re just starting your estate plan or revising one, we offer the empathy and respect you deserve.
- Tailored Solutions: No two families are alike. We craft plans that are truly individualized—no one-size-fits-all templates.
We view our clients as partners and treat your legacy as if it were our own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Trusts
Do I need both a will and a trust?
In many cases, yes. A trust can help you avoid probate, while a will covers anything that isn’t transferred to your trust and can name guardians for minor children.
How often should I update my will or trust?
You should review your plan every 3–5 years or whenever a major life change occurs—such as marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, a significant change in assets, or a move to Florida.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will in Florida, your assets will be distributed according to the state’s intestate succession laws. This may not reflect your wishes and can lead to family disputes.
Can I name someone other than a family member as trustee or personal representative?
Yes. You can appoint a trusted friend, professional advisor, or even a corporate fiduciary to serve in these roles. The most important thing is choosing someone reliable and capable.
What’s the difference between a living will and a living trust?
A living will outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated. A living trust manages your assets during life and distributes them after death without going through probate.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re preparing your first will, updating an outdated plan, or exploring trust options, Silvers Law, P.A. is here to provide expert legal guidance and compassionate support.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to put your wishes in writing and protect your family. Reach out today to schedule your confidential estate planning consultation.
Contact Silvers Law, P.A. — Clearwater’s Trusted Will & Trust Attorneys.
