Experienced Trust Attorney in Pembroke Pines

When you're planning for what happens to your home, savings, and family after you're gone, a trust can help you avoid months of probate court and keep your private business out of public records. Most families don't realize how long it takes to settle an estate in Florida without proper planning, or how much it costs.

Many Pembroke Pines residents assume a simple will is enough. That works for some people, but if you own property, have minor children, or want to control how your money gets used after you pass, a trust gives you more protection. It also helps if you become incapacitated and need someone to manage your finances without waiting for a court to step in.

Carol L. Grant helps families across Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Hollywood set up trusts that actually make sense. She explains the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts in plain language, no legal jargon that leaves you more confused than when you started. Whether you're protecting assets for a special needs child, planning for Medicaid eligibility, or just trying to make things easier on your family, she'll walk you through exactly what you need.

You don't need to be wealthy to benefit from a trust. If you own a home, have retirement accounts, or want to avoid your family dealing with Florida probate court, it's worth understanding your options.

Why Trusts Are Important in Pembroke Pines

Families face specific challenges that make trust planning especially important. Property values here have climbed significantly over the past decade, which means more estates exceed the threshold where probate becomes expensive and time-consuming. If you own a home in neighborhoods like Century Village, Grand Palms, or Westwood, you're likely sitting on a substantial asset that will need protection.

Florida's probate process can take anywhere from six months to over a year, even for straightforward estates. During that time, your family can't sell the house or access certain accounts without court approval. That creates real problems if someone needs to pay a mortgage, cover property taxes, or handle medical bills.

South Florida also has a large population of retirees who may need Medicaid coverage for nursing home care down the road. If you wait until you need long-term care to start planning, it's usually too late. Florida has a five-year look-back period for Medicaid eligibility, which means any assets you give away or transfer improperly within five years of applying can disqualify you from coverage.

Another local issue: many Pembroke Pines residents own property in other states, maybe a summer place up north or an investment property. Without a trust, your family could face probate proceedings in multiple states, each with different rules and attorney fees.

Special needs planning also comes up frequently here. If you have a child or family member with disabilities who receives SSI or Medicaid, leaving them money directly through a will can disqualify them from benefits. A special needs trust keeps them eligible while still providing financial support.

Our Process For Setting Up A Trust

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We sit down and talk about your situation, what you own, who you want to inherit it, and what concerns you most. Carol asks questions to understand your family dynamics and goals. This isn't a sales pitch; it's a conversation about what makes sense for you.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Trust Type

Not everyone needs the same kind of trust. Carol explains whether a revocable living trust (which you can change anytime) or an irrevocable trust (which offers more protection but less flexibility) fits your situation. If Medicaid planning is a priority, that changes the approach entirely.

Step 3: Asset Review

We identify everything that should go into the trust, your home, bank accounts, investment portfolios, business interests. Some assets, like retirement accounts, typically stay outside the trust but name the trust as a beneficiary.

Step 4: Drafting the Trust Document

Carol prepares the legal paperwork with clear instructions on how your assets should be managed and distributed. You'll name your trustee (often yourself while you're able), a successor trustee for when you can't serve, and beneficiaries who receive the assets.

Step 5: Funding the Trust

This is the step people forget, and it's the most important one. You actually have to transfer your assets into the trust's name. That means changing deeds, updating bank accounts, and re-titling property. Carol's office helps coordinate this process so nothing gets missed.

Step 6: Ongoing Support

Life changes. You might buy a new house, have more grandkids, or get divorced. We review your trust periodically to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Trust Planning FAQs

Do I Really Need a Trust or Is a Will Enough?

It depends on what you own and what you're trying to accomplish. A will is fine if you have minimal assets and don't mind your family going through probate. But if you own real estate, want to avoid probate delays, need to plan for incapacity, or have complicated family situations, a trust offers more control. Many people do both, a trust for most assets and a "pour-over will" to catch anything that didn't make it into the trust.

How Much Does Setting Up a Trust Cost?

Fees vary based on how complex your situation is. A straightforward revocable living trust for a couple typically costs less than one involving multiple properties, business interests, or special needs planning. Carol provides a clear quote after your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Most people find that the upfront cost is significantly less than what their family would pay in probate fees and delays later.

What Happens If I Don't Set Up a Trust and Just Let Things Go to Probate?

Your estate will be distributed according to your will (if you have one) or Florida's intestacy laws (if you don't). Either way, the process goes through probate court, which is public, slow, and expensive. Attorney fees in Florida probate are based on a percentage of the estate value, so a $500,000 estate could easily cost $15,000 or more in legal fees alone. Your family also can't access assets during that time without court permission, which creates financial stress when they need it least.

Can I Change My Trust After I Set It Up?

If you have a revocable living trust, yes, you can change or cancel it anytime while you're mentally capable. That's the main advantage. You can add or remove beneficiaries, change trustees, or take assets in and out as your life changes. An irrevocable trust is different; once it's created, you generally can't modify it without jumping through legal hoops. That's why it's important to choose the right type from the start.

What Happens to My Trust If I Move Out of Florida?

Your Florida trust is still valid if you move to another state, but you may need to update it to comply with your new state's laws. Different states have different rules about estate taxes, trust administration, and property transfers. If you're planning to relocate, talk to Carol about how that affects your trust and whether you need to make any changes.

Serving Pembroke Pines and Surrounding South Florida Communities

Our office is located in Pembroke Pines, and we proudly serve families throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including:

No matter where you live in the region, we're here to help you build a plan that can protect your family and reflect your values.

Let's Talk About Your Trust

You've worked hard to build something for your family. A trust protects that and makes sure your wishes get followed without unnecessary delays or expenses. Carol L. Grant has helped hundreds of Pembroke Pines families create trusts that actually work when they're needed most.

Schedule a consultation to go over your situation and figure out the best approach. No pressure, no confusing legal talk, just honest answers about what makes sense for you.