Estate Planning & Trust Attorney in Gainesville, FL
Wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives for Gainesville families — prepared under current Florida law and handled conveniently by phone, video, or appointment.
Cornerstone Wealth & Legacy Law helps Gainesville individuals and families put the right plan in place — wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives — prepared under current Florida law and handled conveniently by phone, video, or appointment. Whether you are protecting a first home in Alachua County or a larger legacy, we build a plan that fits.
Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney for Gainesville Families
A complete Florida estate plan usually rests on a few core documents working together:
- A Florida will that names your personal representative and beneficiaries
- A revocable living trust to avoid probate and plan for incapacity
- A durable power of attorney and health care directives
- Homestead planning to protect your Gainesville residence
Keeping Your Gainesville Estate Out of Probate
For most Gainesville homeowners, the goal is to pass the home and accounts to family without a Alachua County court filing. A funded revocable living trust is usually the most direct route, supported by beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts, and the right deeds. Florida's constitutional homestead protection (Art. X, §4, Fla. Const.) adds another layer for your primary residence.
Start Your Gainesville Estate Plan Online — the Easy Way
You don't have to drive across Gainesville to get this done. In three steps — answer a few questions, let us prepare your documents under Florida law, and sign correctly under Florida's witness and notary rules — you can have a complete plan in place. Start with the Florida Estate Kit, take the free Estate Plan Score quiz, or book a free 20-minute call.
Gainesville Estate Planning FAQs
What estate planning documents do I need in Gainesville?
Most Gainesville adults need a will, a durable power of attorney, a health care surrogate designation, and a living will. Homeowners, parents, and anyone who wants to avoid probate should also consider a revocable living trust. The right combination depends on your assets and family under Florida law.
Do I need a living trust if I live in Gainesville?
A revocable living trust is often worthwhile for Gainesville homeowners because it keeps your home and accounts out of Alachua County probate, stays private, and works smoothly if you become incapacitated. A trust only works if it is funded — assets must be retitled into it. For smaller or simpler estates, a will plus beneficiary designations may be enough.
How are wills signed in Florida?
A Florida will must be signed by the testator and attested by at least two witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence and in the presence of each other (Fla. Stat. §732.502). We make sure your Gainesville documents are executed correctly — improper signing is one of the most common reasons a will fails.
Can I do my Gainesville estate plan online or remotely?
Yes. You can complete a Florida-valid plan from home: answer a few questions in our secure intake, we prepare your documents under current Florida law (with an Attorney-Guided option reviewed by Arthur Simpson, Esq.), and we guide you through signing under Florida's witness and notary rules.
Does Florida have an estate or inheritance tax?
No. Florida has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax. Only very large estates may owe federal estate tax above the federal exemption. Florida's homestead protection and the absence of a state death tax make careful titling and beneficiary planning especially valuable for Gainesville families.
Plan ahead for your family in Gainesville
Start with a free 20-minute conversation — no pressure, no obligation. We'll help you see exactly what your plan needs.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationCornerstone Wealth & Legacy Law, PLLC is licensed in the State of Florida and serves clients throughout the state. This page is attorney advertising and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Estate planning, probate, and elder law outcomes depend on your individual facts and the proper execution of documents under Florida law.