A Fort Lauderdale Living Trust Lawyer with Compassion

Living trusts keep you in control of your legacy

Leaving meaningful property and assets to family and other loved ones is a primary goal in many estate plans. This can be done in many ways depending on property and circumstances, but often the most direct and least expensive method to transfer property is through a living trust.

At The Levy Firm PLLC, we know that living trusts aren’t just for the wealthy. People of all incomes, under a variety of circumstances, can benefit from this type of arrangement, including:

People with substantial, important, or sentimental assets
Parents seeking to provide for minor children
Individuals with complex family dynamics
Those wishing to avoid probate
People concerned about incapacity planning

Living trusts help maintain financial freedom while providing peace of mind that loved ones are protected. Contact us to learn more during a free consultation with Fort Lauderdale living trust attorney Geoff Levy.

What is a living trust?

Every trust has its own terms and conditions, but in general, a living trust offers control over finances and assets, including real estate, while also ensuring clear end-of-life beneficiary designations. Here’s what you should know:

It’s a type of revocable trust, which means the terms can be revoked or changed at any time by the individual who created it – the “grantor” – or their designee.
With few exceptions, the grantor is free to use the assets in their living trust any way the like. They can spend, renovate, save, rent, sell, barter, or otherwise use the trust’s property.
Upon a grantor’s incapacitation or death, the terms of a living trust become fixed or irrevocable and beneficiaries listed in the trust's documents will inherit according to the terms outlined in those documents.

How to establish a living trust in South Florida

After you discuss your estate planning goals and options with our legal team specializing in trusts, we get to work on the legal complexities and documents that make the structure for sound living trusts. Steps in establishing a living trust include:

Document Preparation. We draft the trust document specifying your wishes regarding asset distribution and trustee responsibilities.
Funding the Trust. Transfer assets into the trust, which may include real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, and personal property.
Signing the Trust Document. Living trust documents must be executed according to Florida's legal requirements. We ensure the document is properly witnessed and notarized.
Trust Administration. A designated trustee manages the trust assets and follows any specific instructions outlined in the trust document.
Periodic Review. It is important to review and update estate plans regularly to ensure compliance with changing laws and relationships. At The Levy Firm PLLC, we can review and update your trust to reflect changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, or estate planning goals.

How do living trusts benefit South Florida residents?

Avoiding family disputes and probate are just a few of the benefits afforded through a living will. For qualifying assets, a legally sound and holistically planned living trust may:

Provide clear direction for the care and operation of an estate in cases of incapacitation
Avoid public scrutiny in Florida probate court
Ensure specific property – like beloved jewelry, family home, or a car – is given to your chosen loved ones
Discourage challenges and contests
Avoid family fights over what you would have wanted

We establish tailored living trusts to meet your needs

At The Levy Firm PLLC, we excel in helping people throughout South Florida choose and use the best legal and financial tools to ensure their wishes are carried out their way. Fort Lauderdale attorney Geoff Levy can help you determine if a living trust can help you reach your estate planning goals. Contact us for a confidential free consultation.