[Kaelo Abu]

The best advice you've gotten here is to consult a knowledgeable estate attorney to determine your needs. You can pay now to have your wishes followed upon your death or your administrator can pay later to get things straightened out as best can. Whether a trust is indicated depends on the specifics of your situation: how large is your estate; what type of assets are involved; how many heirs do you have; do you want your estate equally distributed or unequally; are some assets or some share of your estate to go to one or more charitable organizations; and so on. Most likely careful planning and sound advice from knowledgeable folks got you this far in life, so continue that wise approach when considering the final chapter.

[Susan1234]

My vote is also for Andrew Curtis.

[Bridget Staunton]

Milliken & Shanawany on 441 by Walmart. Sham Shanawany is an excellent trust lawyer and he is cheaper than most lawyers. Most of our friends go to him, you will love him great personality, courteous & professional

[barebones1191]

My wife and I used Brett Swigert 10935 SE 177th Pl, Unit 205, Summerfield, FL 34491, 1 352 347 0033. He is very down to earth, no BS, just keeps it simple. He says most Floridians do not need a will unless your estate is very complicated. He was very reasonable. Good old down home attorney.

[barebones1191]

My wife and I used Brett Swigert 10935 SE 177th Pl, Unit 205, Summerfield, FL 34491, +1 352 347 0033. He is very down to earth, honest, and a pleasure working with. He said most Floridians do not need a trust, just a simple will unless your estate is very complicated. Not the case for most folks. Brett is just a good old down home lawyer and very reasonable.

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

My wife and I made out our will 5 years ago when we moved to Florida, and would
like to hear from someone that holds a trust in the estate of the pros and cons.

Cheers!

What did the attorney say when you called for advice?

[WindyCityzen]

Quibbling over $400 (the difference between a living trust I paid for and the alternatives I’ve read here) is negligible and penny wise/pound foolish. Enjoy peace of mind - get the trust. I’ve been an executor too and found if so much easier to do my job.

[msilagy]

A "lady bird deed" is the same as a transfer on death deed. The designated person/s inherits your home with out probate upon your death with no ties beforehand.

[Juliebreen]

I recently put all of my assetts in a Trust. I used Jennifer Milhorn on 466. I now have everything in a well put-together notebook and it should make everything more simple when that time comes. It was only $800 flat fee. Peace of mind is worth it!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by WindyCityzen

Quibbling over $400 (the difference between a living trust I paid for and the alternatives I’ve read here) is negligible and penny wise/pound foolish. Enjoy peace of mind - get the trust. I’ve been an executor too and found if so much easier to do my job.

The average cost for a revocable living trust for a married couple is closer to $3,000, plus the cost for any future updates. A simple will, prepared by an attorney, is about $300-400.

[Ski Bum]

Hey I made it to page three and still have a thought that hasn't been mentioned yet...

A trust can also shield your assets from lawsuits. Say you get in a car accident, the trust acts like a corporate veil, hard to get at the assets inside of it.

Now for repeat info, we also paid $3000 for our Revocable Living Trust. I don't think the $400 - $800 range is correct.

[BFISHER54]

Meet with an attorney. The initial consultation is generally free. Amy Pittman did ours and she did not recommend trust. She will provide you with a recommendation based upon your specific circumstances.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Originally Posted by VillagerNut

Trotter and Soulsby are your best lawyers to talk to about a trust. But Trotter and Soulsby will be able to set up your estate based on your best needs. They are the only certified elder lawyers in the area.

When I go to the National Elder Law Foundation (nelf.org ) as the only certifiying body for Edler law and search on Florida (nelf.org ) I see that the firm you recommended are NOT certified in elder law.

Hopefully no one misrepresented themselves to you......

[NotGolfer]

Yes....echoing what others said about talking to an attorney. We've been here 12 yrs and already had a will. We went to a seminar and what is needed was high-lighted in that. Getting a trust vs a simple will depends on all your assets. The attorney will help you and "NO they won't have you sign up for what you don't need!" Someone stated that they would here. You'll get all sorts of opinions on a social media site--but I'd say an attorney is better at answering your individual needs than strangers.

[Yvonnebang]

Could you kindly share the options re: "there are several ways to transfer property ownership at death without having a trust." ?
Also, would it be different in Florida and NY?
Thank you in advance!