Estate Planning at Hoffman Legal
Good estate planning is not just about what happens after you are gone. It is about keeping control of your home, your finances, and your medical decisions while you are living, and then passing what you have built to the people you choose — without unnecessary cost, delay, or court involvement.
Hoffman Legal helps South Florida clients put simple, practical estate plans in place: wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, trusts, and deeds that move real property outside of probate. Every plan is tailored to the client's family, assets, and goals.
Why It Matters in Florida
Without a plan, Florida law decides who inherits, who raises minor children, and who manages money during a medical emergency. Probate in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County courts can take months, create public records, and generate fees that reduce what reaches your loved ones. A well-drafted plan can dramatically reduce that burden.
Common Goals We Help Clients Reach
- Avoid or minimize probate for the family home and other key assets.
- Keep decision-making in the family rather than with a court.
- Protect a surviving spouse or special-needs family member.
- Appoint a trusted person to act during incapacity.
- Preserve Florida homestead benefits and step-up in basis for heirs.
Estate Planning Topics We Cover
Start with the tools below. New topics will be added here over time.
Discuss Your Plan With Hoffman Legal
Get clear guidance on the right mix of deeds, wills, and trusts for your situation.
Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions David hears from clients. This is general information, not legal advice — every case is different. For guidance on your specific situation, schedule a free consultation.
Do I really need an estate plan if I don't own much?
Yes. Even a modest estate benefits from clear beneficiary designations, a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare surrogate. Without these, your family may face probate delays and court-supervised decisions about your assets and healthcare.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how assets are distributed at death and is administered through probate. A living trust holds assets during your life and passes them to beneficiaries outside of probate, often faster and more privately. Many plans use both.
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed is a special Florida deed that lets you keep full control of your home during your life — including the right to sell it — while passing it to named beneficiaries automatically at death, avoiding probate. See our Lady Bird Deed page for details.
Who should I name as power of attorney?
Someone you trust completely, who is responsible with money, communicates clearly with other family members, and is willing to serve. It doesn't have to be a spouse or child — and picking a back-up is strongly recommended.
How often should I update my estate plan?
At least every 3–5 years, and immediately after major life events — marriage, divorce, new child, death of a named beneficiary, significant change in assets, or a move to or from another state.