Preservation Law Firm is dedicated to protecting your legacy with personalized legal solutions—schedule your consultation today!
Estate Planning Attorney in Largo, FL
Proudly Serving Clients in Largo, Clearwater, & Throughout the State of Florida
Drawing on a unique blend of experience in estate and business law and financial advising, our attorney at Preservation Law Firm provides premier services for individuals and families navigating estate planning and probate across Florida. Whether you seek guidance on establishing a will and trusts or need to go through probate for a loved one's estate, you can depend on Attorney Adam Rauman.
As our name suggests, Attorney Rauman and our supporting team work to preserve the legacies of those who turn to us. We build tailored legal strategies with clients to help achieve their goals. Hundreds in Largo and the surrounding area have benefited from our client-focused, estate-preservation approach. We are confident that you could, too.
Serving Largo, our estate planning lawyer in Largo pays close attention to the evolving legal landscape and local probate court procedures in Pinellas County. We stay current on state statutes affecting estate planning, including recent changes to Florida homestead law and powers of attorney, so our clients’ plans align with legal requirements. Our deep connection to the Largo community means we understand the practical concerns that individuals and families face, whether they live in Belleair, Seminole, or along the Gulf Coast, and we are prepared to address those challenges directly.
Arrange a consultation to learn more about our firm, discuss your concerns and goals, and discover the next steps to working with us. Our estate planning attorney in Largo offers free initial consultations, available in person or virtually.
Prepare for your future today with the help of our Largo estate planning lawyer. Call (727) 955-3872 or get in touch via our online contact form.
Probate & Estate Administration in Largo
Largo residents may find themselves involved in probate & estate administration after the passing of a loved one. Probate in Pinellas County follows Florida statutes, with the Pinellas County Probate Court handling most local estate proceedings. The process often requires validation of wills, appointment of a personal representative, identification of assets, and resolution of any debts or claims. Each case requires close attention to timelines and documentation—factors that can be managed efficiently with guidance from a seasoned estate planning attorney. Choosing a Largo estate planning lawyer ensures familiarity with court procedures and a working relationship with local agencies, which can speed up the administration and help protect assets during the process. Our approach emphasizes clear communication throughout, so clients understand the next steps and have access to responsive guidance tailored to Largo’s legal landscape.
Estate Planning Process: Step-by-Step Guidance
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but starting early gives you clarity and flexibility. When you work with our firm, an experienced estate planning attorney in Largo follows a structured approach designed to map your goals and preserve your legacy. First, we listen to your priorities, your family structure, and your unique financial situation. Next, we review all relevant documents and assets. Then, we draft precise legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or advance directives, ensuring they meet both your personal goals and Florida legal requirements. We pay attention to details specific to Pinellas County, advising you on how local law or property considerations could affect your plan. As your needs change, we remain available for periodic reviews and updates, keeping your plan in step with life’s transitions. This thorough process gives you confidence that your wishes will be honored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Florida law affect estate planning?
Florida law can impact everything from homestead protections and taxes to intestate succession rules. Paying careful attention to local statutes ensures that your estate plan meets requirements and protects your beneficiaries. Largo residents should also consider local court procedures, since the Pinellas County Probate Court governs most estate matters in the area.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets are distributed after you pass and typically goes through probate. A trust, such as a revocable living trust, can allow assets to bypass probate and may include conditions for distributions. Trusts can provide privacy and faster access for beneficiaries.
When should I review or update my estate plan?
Most people should review their estate plan every few years or after major life changes—such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant asset changes. Laws and personal circumstances change, so keeping your plan up to date helps ensure it still fits your intentions and protects your assets in line with Florida rules.
Protecting Assets, Preserving Legacies
Why Clients Choose Preservation Law Firm
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Compassionate Probate and Estate Planning GuidanceAttorney Rauman approaches every case with empathy, guiding clients through complex processes like probate and estate planning with clarity and care.
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Financial Expertise Meets Legal Insight
With 15 years as a licensed financial advisor and over a decade as an attorney, Adam blends deep financial knowledge with sharp legal skills to deliver comprehensive solutions.
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Passion for Legacy PreservationAttorney Rauman's mission is to ensure his clients’ wishes are honored, their families protected, and their legacies preserved for generations to come.
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Free Consultations AvailableWe believe that protecting your legacy should start with understanding your unique needs. That’s why we offer free consultations to discuss your goals and explore the best path forward.
Essential Estate Planning Documents
Every individual age 18 or older should have key legal documents in place, regardless of wealth, marital status, or net worth:
Wills
A Will, or Last Will and Testament, outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death. If you die without a Will—also known as dying intestate—the state determines how to distribute your assets.
One major consequence of not having a Will concerns stepchildren. Because stepchildren are not blood relatives, Florida law does not allow them to inherit from an intestate estate. You must name your stepchildren in a Will or Trust for them to inherit from your estate. Stepchildren also cannot sue for a potential inheritance, as the law gives them no rights to an intestate estate’s assets.
Joint property—including financial accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans—passes outside of the estate unless specifically designated to be payable to your estate. These assets are not governed by the instructions in a Will or Trust unless you direct them otherwise.
If you live in the Largo area or elsewhere in Pinellas County, your Will should address the nuances of Florida law, such as elective share rights for spouses and qualifications for personal representatives. Local courts, including the Pinellas County Probate Court, oversee cases for Largo residents, so clarity and proper legal structure are essential. Consulting an estate planning attorney in Largo familiar with regional requirements helps prevent future disputes among heirs and streamlines the probate process.
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) allows one or more individuals to act on your behalf. The POA’s powers take effect immediately and remain valid as long as you are alive. People commonly use POAs for legal or financial transactions, such as banking, brokerage activities, buying or selling property, and signing legal documents.
A Designation of Health Care Surrogate names a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. This usually applies if you are unconscious due to an accident or illness, or if you lose mental capacity to make your own decisions. A Health Care Surrogate may also be called a “healthcare proxy” or “durable medical power of attorney.”
In Florida, including Largo, individuals granting a Durable Power of Attorney should ensure the document contains clear and detailed language to prevent unnecessary delays or court intervention. Financial institutions and health providers in the area will look for statutory compliance. By preparing these documents in advance, you can ensure someone you trust can act in your best interests in an emergency or during incapacity.
Living Will
A Living Will is a legal document where you can state your preferences for life-prolonging medical treatments if death is near. In Florida, a Living Will applies in three specific situations: an end-stage condition (organs shutting down), a terminal condition (often from disease), and a persistent vegetative state (brain dead but organs still working). Two independent doctors must determine that one or more of these conditions exist before the Living Will takes effect. When both doctors reach the same conclusion, your Living Will becomes effective. Doctors generally prefer having a Living Will available, as it clarifies your wishes and helps your family avoid unnecessary stress or disputes about end-of-life care.
Residents of Largo often include both a Living Will and a health care surrogate when preparing their estate plan. Area medical providers recognize these documents, and providing your care team with current copies can simplify decision-making and ensure your end-of-life choices are honored. Reviewing and updating your Living Will regularly gives peace of mind to you and your loved ones, especially as health laws evolve in Pinellas County and statewide.