Fort Myers Estate Planning Attorneys

Comprehensive Estate Planning Built Around Your Family’s Future

Estate planning is personal. It’s not just about preparing documents. It’s about preserving the values, people, and property you care most about. At Safe Harbor Law Firm, we understand how meaningful these decisions are. That’s why our Fort Myers estate planning attorneys take the time to learn your goals and develop thoughtful strategies that protect your estate, care for your loved ones, and give you lasting peace of mind.

We help people at all stages of life, from new parents to retirees, create forward-thinking estate plans. Whether your focus is incapacity planning, probate avoidance, or safeguarding your business, we’re ready to guide you through every step with care and clarity.

Plan ahead with trusted guidance. Contact our Fort Myers estate planning team to protect your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored.

What Is Included in a Florida Estate Plan?

A well-rounded estate plan covers more than just what happens to your property. In Florida, an estate plan typically includes:

Last Will and Testament: Outlines who receives your assets and names a personal representative to manage the estate.
Revocable Living Trusts: Useful for bypassing the probate process and allowing for easier asset transfer.
Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes a trusted individual to manage finances or legal matters if you become incapacitated.
Designation of Healthcare Surrogate and Living Will: Ensures your medical preferences are honored if you cannot communicate them yourself.
HIPAA Release: Allows chosen individuals to access your medical information.
Advance Directives: These tools help your family make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty during challenging times.

Our Fort Myers estate planning lawyers tailor each plan to your circumstances. Whether you have young children, own multiple properties, or are concerned about long-term care costs, we design your plan to reflect your goals and Florida law.

Avoiding Probate and Protecting Assets in Lee County

Probate in Florida can be time-consuming and expensive. It’s a public process that ties up assets and places added stress on grieving families. With careful planning, we help our clients reduce or eliminate probate through strategic tools such as:

Revocable Living Trusts
Beneficiary designations
Transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts
Joint ownership with rights of survivorship

Trust administration plays a key role in this process. We guide families through their duties as successor trustees and make sure they understand what is legally required. From distributing assets to handling tax matters, our team provides steady, informed assistance every step of the way.

We also offer clients personal attention with business succession planning, charitable giving, and advanced asset protection strategies. Our law firm regularly assists families in Fort Myers and nearby communities who want to shield their estate from unnecessary taxation or future disputes. Speak with one of our attorneys to learn more about our estate planning services and protect your best interests.

Our Commitment to Client-Focused Service

Our Fort Myers estate planning services are rooted in one mission: protecting families for generations. We believe legal guidance should feel like a partnership. You bring your goals, values, and vision. We bring our knowledge, compassion, and focus.

You’ll work with a team that genuinely enjoys helping people find peace of mind. Led by board-certified elder law attorney Pam Buff Baker, Safe Harbor Law Firm brings decades of experience and a personal approach to every case.

Pam has been recognized multiple times by Naples Illustrated for her excellence in trusts and estates and is a proud member of Lawyers with Purpose, a national group dedicated to elder law and estate planning. She works closely with clients to make sure every aspect of their estate is accounted for and well-protected.

Associate attorneys Tom LaTorre and Brittany Cocchieri also bring valuable insight to our Fort Myers office. Tom’s background in appellate writing and litigation adds a layer of precision to our legal drafting process. Brittany’s experience as a former state prosecutor provides a thoughtful and determined approach to navigating client needs and legal risks.

We offer both in-person meetings and virtual consultations to suit your lifestyle and comfort level. Whether you’re in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, or anywhere else in Southwest Florida, our team is accessible, responsive, and ready to help you build a plan that works for your life.

Protecting Your Best Interests Through Client-Focused Service

Even with the best intentions, many individuals make estate planning decisions that lead to confusion, conflict, or unnecessary expenses down the road. Here are some of the most common mistakes we help our Fort Myers clients avoid:

Leaving Out a Will or Trust

Failing to put your wishes in writing often leads to Florida’s default rules deciding who inherits your property. These outcomes rarely align with personal intentions and can place a burden on your loved ones.

Overlooking Homestead Rules

In Florida, your primary residence is subject to unique protections and restrictions. Without careful planning, your home might not pass to the people you expect, especially in blended families or second marriages.

Forgetting to Keep Your Plan Up-to-Date

Life changes—your estate plan should, too. Marriage, divorce, a new child, or a move to a different county, like Lee or Collier, can all impact your documents. We recommend reviewing your plan regularly to ensure it stays current.

Ignoring the Needs of a Surviving Spouse

Some clients unintentionally leave a surviving spouse with too little support or fail to account for Florida’s elective share laws. A comprehensive plan should balance fairness and clarity for all involved.

Mismanaging Trusts or Naming the Wrong Trustee

Trusts offer flexibility, but only if administered properly. Naming someone who lacks the time, knowledge, or temperament to manage the trust can lead to disputes and legal complications. We walk our clients through the responsibilities and help select the right person or corporate trustee for the job.

Our team is here to catch these mistakes before they happen. We guide you through each decision so your estate plan reflects your wishes, supports your family, and complies with Florida law.

Schedule a Complimentary Vision Meeting With Our Fort Myers Estate Planning Attorneys

We know estate planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to walk you through all your estate planning needs with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an old plan, Safe Harbor Law Firm is here to provide guidance with the care and attention you deserve.

Call 239-933-4697 to schedule a Complimentary Vision Meeting with one of our estate planning attorneys at our Fort Myers law office. Let’s build something meaningful together—something that protects what matters most for generations to come.