Estate Planning
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Protect your family, preserve your legacy, and gain peace of mind with experienced estate planning attorneys at Barnes Walker.
Trust • Experience • Results
Protect What Matters Most
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for the people you care about. It is not just about distributing assets. It is about making sure your family is protected, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is preserved the way you intend.
Without a proper plan, Florida law decides who receives your property, who makes medical decisions on your behalf, and who cares for your children. Probate court becomes involved. Costs increase. Families face unnecessary conflict during already difficult times.
At Barnes Walker, our estate planning attorneys have guided thousands of families through this process. We create plans that are clear, legally sound, and tailored to your specific situation. Whether you are creating your first estate plan or updating one you put in place years ago, we are here to help.
Probate Guidance
How We Help You Plan for the Future
Our estate planning practice covers three critical areas. Each is supported by experienced attorneys and a library of educational resources written specifically for Florida families.
Wills, Trusts & Estate Plans
Create a comprehensive plan that protects your family, minimizes taxes, and avoids probate. Includes wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Explore Resources →Probate Administration
Navigate Florida's probate process with confidence. Our attorneys handle formal and summary administration, personal representative duties, creditor claims, and estate distribution.
Explore Resources →Inheritance & Trust Disputes
When families disagree over an estate or a trustee fails in their duties, we provide experienced litigation representation. Will contests, trust disputes, and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Explore Resources →Essential Estate Planning Guides
Estate Planning & Probate Resources
A comprehensive library of guides, checklists, and articles to help Florida families understand their options and make informed decisions.
Wills, Trusts & Estate Plans
- Estate Planning Made Simple: 10 Essential Steps
- What's the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
- How to Avoid Probate in Florida
- What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Florida?
- Understanding Beneficiary Rights Under a Florida Trust
- How to Sue a Trustee for Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Ensuring Insurance Coverage for Trust-Owned Properties
- Florida Homestead Exemption and Estate Planning
- Estate Planning Attorney: Florida Expertise
- Florida Estate Planning Attorneys
Probate Administration
- Florida Probate Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How Long Does Probate Take in Florida?
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Florida?
- Do All Estates Have to Go Through Probate in Florida?
- Summary Administration vs Formal Administration
- What Is a Personal Representative in Florida Probate?
- The Probate Process From Start to Finish
- Probate Attorney: Florida Expertise
- Bradenton Probate Attorney
- Sarasota Probate Attorney
- Lakewood Ranch Probate Attorney
- Tampa Probate Attorney
- St. Petersburg Probate Attorney
Will Contests & Inheritance Disputes
Special Topics
Your Estate Planning Team
Experienced Attorneys Who Understand What's at Stake
Our estate planning attorneys bring decades of combined experience in wills, trusts, probate administration, and estate litigation. They stay current on Florida law changes that affect your plan and provide the kind of personal attention that builds lasting relationships.
Jeffrey S. Goethe, Esq.
Partner | Board Certified in Wills, Trusts & Estates
Jeff Goethe is one of Florida's most recognized estate planning attorneys. Board Certified by The Florida Bar and recognized by Best Lawyers in America, he brings deep expertise in trust administration, probate litigation, and complex estate planning.
View Full Profile →
Andre R. Perron, Esq.
Partner
Andre Perron focuses his practice on estate planning, probate, and trust litigation. He has contributed to multiple editions of Litigation Under the Florida Probate Code and provides practical counsel to families navigating complex estate matters.
View Full Profile →Frequently Asked Questions
Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that control what happens to your assets, your healthcare decisions, and the care of your dependents if you become incapacitated or pass away. A proper estate plan typically includes a will, a trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Yes. Estate planning is not just about distributing wealth. It ensures your healthcare wishes are documented, your children have designated guardians, and your family avoids probate court. Without a plan, Florida intestacy law decides who receives your property.
A will takes effect after death and must go through probate. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, avoids probate, and offers more control over how and when assets are distributed. Many Florida estate plans include both. Read our full comparison guide.
Florida probate costs include court filing fees ($300-$400), attorney fees (often based on estate value), personal representative compensation, and administrative expenses. A simple estate may cost a few thousand dollars, while complex estates can cost significantly more. See our full cost breakdown.
Florida probate typically takes 6 to 12 months for formal administration. Summary administration, available for estates valued at $75,000 or less, can be completed in 1 to 3 months. Contested estates or estates with complex assets can take longer. Read the full timeline guide.
Serving Southwest Florida
Find an Estate Planning Attorney Near You
Barnes Walker serves families across Southwest Florida. Select your community to learn about local estate planning considerations, courthouse information, and how we can help you.
Estate Planning Attorneys 14 cities
Probate Attorneys 5 cities
Counties We Serve
Barnes Walker is licensed to practice in every county in Florida. If your community is not listed above, we can still help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Trust • Experience • Results
Protect Your Family's Future
A thoughtful estate plan does not need to be complicated. It starts with a conversation. Our attorneys will listen to your goals, explain your options, and build a plan that gives you and your family clarity and confidence.
Serving Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, and all of Florida since 1995.