Fort Lauderdale Trusts and Estates Lawyer

Protect your wealth and secure your legacy with a Fort Lauderdale trust attorney

Life can be unpredictable. Sudden medical emergencies or financial setbacks can happen at any time. But with a comprehensive estate plan, your family’s future remains secure. In Fort Lauderdale, trusts play a vital role in estate planning, offering benefits such as asset protection, tax efficiency, and probate avoidance. Whether you own waterfront property along Las Olas Boulevard, a charter boat business at Bahia Mar, or a vacation rental in Victoria Park, structuring your assets through a trust ensures they are protected and passed down according to your wishes.

The Levy Firm PLLC helps Fort Lauderdale families, business owners, and retirees establish customized trust structures that maximize financial security and protect loved ones.

If you need guidance on setting up or updating a trust, contact us for a free and confidential consultation today.

Why Fort Lauderdale residents use trusts in estate planning

Estate planning in Fort Lauderdale comes with unique challenges – rising real estate values, international investments, marine industry assets, and business succession concerns. Trusts provide strategic solutions for:

Avoiding probate delays, especially for high-value properties and business interests
Minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth for future generations
Protecting assets from creditors, lawsuits, or financial mismanagement
Ensuring business continuity, particularly for family-owned enterprises, real estate investments, or hospitality ventures
Providing for minor children or dependents with special needs

Without proper planning, your assets may be subject to probate, taxation, or disputes among heirs, making trusts a powerful tool in securing your legacy.

What Is a trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are placed under the management of a trustee, who is responsible for distributing them according to the grantor’s instructions. Trusts offer flexibility and control, ensuring your estate is handled exactly as you wish. Key trust provisions may include:

Specific distribution guidelines for beneficiaries
Restrictions on spending, conditions for inheritance, or financial oversight
Provisions for minor children, disabled family members, or charitable giving
Asset protection strategies against creditors or lawsuits
Tax planning measures to minimize liabilities

Trusts are commonly used in Fort Lauderdale estate planning to manage real estate portfolios, business assets, and investment accounts, ensuring a seamless transition for future generations.

Types of trusts for Fort Lauderdale estate planning

There are many types of trusts, each serving a distinct purpose. Which trust is right for you? That depends on your financial situation, family structure, and long-term goals.

Trusts are typically either revocable or irrevocable:

Revocable trusts. Allow the grantor to retain control over assets during their lifetime and make changes as needed. They are popular among Fort Lauderdale homeowners, business owners, and retirees looking to avoid probate.
Irrevocable trusts. Once established, these trusts cannot be altered and offer stronger protections against creditors, lawsuits, and estate taxes. They are especially beneficial for high-net-worth individuals or those planning for Medicaid eligibility.

Special kinds of trusts include:

Living trusts. Provide ongoing control of assets during your lifetime, transitioning seamlessly to beneficiaries upon death without probate.
Testamentary trusts. Created through a will and activated after the grantor’s passing.
Generation-skipping Trusts. Transfer assets directly to grandchildren or future generations, reducing estate tax burdens.
Special needs trusts. Protect the financial well-being of disabled dependents without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs). Allow the grantor to donate assets to charity while retaining an income stream during their lifetime.
Pet trusts. Ensure long-term care and financial support for pets after the owner’s passing.
Florida community property trusts. Allow married couples to classify assets as community property, reducing capital gains tax exposure.

Many Fort Lauderdale retirees and business owners incorporate revocable living trusts, special needs trusts, and asset protection trusts into their estate plans to maximize control and security.

What can you place in a trust?

Trusts hold and protect a wide range of assets, ensuring smooth inheritance and legal safeguards. Common trust assets include:

Real estate, including primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties
Bank accounts, including savings, checking, and certificates of deposit
Stocks, bonds, and investment portfolios
Business interests, such as LLCs, partnerships, and corporate shares
Life insurance policies, ensuring financial security for loved ones

If you own Fort Lauderdale real estate, a business, or investments, a trust can help protect your assets and ensure efficient management.

Who manages a trust?

A trustee is responsible for managing, protecting, and distributing trust assets. Choosing the right trustee is crucial, as they oversee financial decisions, handle legal responsibilities, and act in the best interests of beneficiaries. Duties of a trustee may include:

Managing investments and ensuring financial growth
Paying outstanding debts, taxes, and expenses
Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the trust terms
Protecting trust assets from creditors and lawsuits

If a trustee fails to act responsibly, beneficiaries can petition the court for their removal.

FAQs about trusts in Fort Lauderdale

Do I need a trust if I already have a will?

A will only takes effect after death and requires probate. A trust provides lifetime control, avoids probate, and offers asset protection, making it a valuable estate planning tool.

Can a trust help me avoid probate in Florida?

Yes. Assets placed in a trust do not go through probate, ensuring faster distribution to beneficiaries and avoiding court delays.

Is a revocable or irrevocable trust better?

It depends on your goals. A revocable trust allows flexibility, while an irrevocable trust provides stronger asset protection and tax benefits.

What happens if I need to update my trust?

Revocable trusts can be modified anytime. Irrevocable trusts require court approval or beneficiary consent for changes.

Why choose The Levy Firm PLLC for estate planning trusts in Fort Lauderdale?

With decades of experience in Florida estate law, The Levy Firm PLLC provides strategic, customized trust solutions for Fort Lauderdale families, business owners, and investors.

Tailored estate planning. Every trust is structured to align with your financial goals and family needs.
Comprehensive legal knowledge. We know Florida probate laws, tax strategies, and asset protection.
Business and real estate experience. We help protect Fort Lauderdale businesses, rental properties, and luxury assets.
Ongoing support. Estate planning isn’t one-and-done. We offer lifetime legal guidance and trust updates.

Start planning for the future today

If you’re ready to establish or update a trust, call The Levy Firm PLLC today. Let’s create a plan that safeguards your assets and secures your legacy for future generations. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.