Leesburg Wills & Trusts Attorney

Get Help From a Top Leesburg Wills & Trust Lawyer

At Marshall Law, our Leesburg wills & trusts attorney is a proactive, solutions-focused advocate for people and families. With extensive experience handling wills and trusts, we guide clients through all ranges of estate planning matters. Our goal is to help you craft a plan that is truly the best fit for your specific situation. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. If you have any questions about wills or trusts, please do not hesitate to contact our Leesburg attorney today. 

Why You Need a Will and What You Can Do With It

A will is a foundational estate planning document. The document that you can use to provide legal direction for how your assets should be handled after your death. Without a valid will in place, your estate will be subject to Florida’s law for intestacy. In other words, you will lose control over what happens to your own property and assets. That may result in unintended distributions and unnecessary complications for your loved ones. A will allows you to maintain control and get true peace of mind. Here are some key things that you can do with a will in Florida: 

• Distribute Assets: A will allows the testator to direct how specific property and assets are to be distributed among beneficiaries.
• Appoint an Executor: The testator may name a trusted individual to serve as executor and manage the administration of the estate.
• Nominate a Guardian: A will provides the opportunity to designate a guardian for minor children in the event of the testator’s death.
• Reduce the Risk of Disputes: Clarity is an important part of an estate plan. By making your intentions clear in a will, you can go a long way towards reducing the risk of serious conflict. 

Know the Requirements for a Will in Florida

Florida law sets forth clear statutory requirements for a will to be legally valid. These requirements are designed to ensure that the document accurately reflects the testator’s intentions and is free from fraud, coercion, or undue influence. A will that does not comply with Florida law may not be enforced. Florida law sets forth clear statutory requirements for a will to be legally valid. To create a valid will in Florida, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You must be at least 18 years of age; 
• You must be of sound mind; 
• You must create the document in writing; and
• You must sign it in front of two witnesses. 

We Handle the Full Range of Trusts in Florida

A trust is a legal arrangement whereby property or assets are held on behalf of a beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries. They can be an effective estate planning tool. There are different trusts that are designed to achieve different purposes. If you are considering setting up a trust as part of your estate plan, it is imperative that you have the right plan in plan. As an experienced Leesburg trust attorney, I handle the full range of trusts in Florida, including: 

• Revocable Living Trust: A revocable living trust allows the grantor to retain control of assets during their lifetime. Notably, it offers the flexibility to amend or revoke the trust at any time. It is commonly used to avoid probate. However, a downside of a revocable living trust is that it offers very limited asset protection. 
• Irrevocable Trust: An irrevocable trust cannot be modified or revoked once it is established without the consent of the beneficiaries. It is often used for asset protection, estate tax reduction, and Medicaid planning purposes. Indeed, irrevocable trusts can be great asset protection tools. 
• Testamentary Trust: A testamentary trust is created through a person’s will and takes effect only after their death. It is frequently used to manage assets for minor children or other beneficiaries who require oversight.
• Special Needs Trust: A special needs trust is designed to provide financial support for a person with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for public benefits. Funds left within a proper special needs trust are not counted for Medicaid and SSI purposes. It can pay for services, equipment, or personal needs not covered by government programs. 
• Charitable Remainder Trust: A charitable remainder trust provides income to one or more beneficiaries for a set period, after which the remaining assets go to a designated charity. It can offer significant tax advantages while fulfilling philanthropic goals.
• Charitable Lead Trust: A charitable lead trust provides income to a designated charity for a specific term. After that time passes, the remaining assets are transferred to non-charitable beneficiaries. That can include family members. A charitable lead trust can reduce estate and gift taxes while allowing donors to support charitable causes during their lifetime.

John Marshall is a Top-Rated Leesburg Wills & Trusts Attorney

I am John Marshall, a trusted Leesburg estate planning lawyer who has extensive experience with wills and trusts. I am proud to provide personalized, solutions-focused guidance and support to clients in The Villages and throughout the surrounding region, including right here in Leesburg. I invest time and resources into each and every client that I represent. With me as your Leesburg wills and trusts attorney, you will get access to an advocate who: 

• Provides a confidential, comprehensive consultation; 
• Helps you gather and prepare all supporting documentation; 
• Guides you through all of the estate planning paperwork; and
• Creates the will and/or trust that is best suited for your situation.