Goodwin Law, P.A.

5 Star rated on Google

Free Consultation

(239) 215-3533

Southwest Florida’s Premier Law Firm for Estate Planning

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH AN ESTATE OR PROBATE IN FLORIDA?

You’re not alone. Our experience helping thousands of Floridians like you can ensure a smooth and tax-efficient journey for your loved one’s estate.

Call us at (239) 215-3533 or schedule a risk-free consultation below to see how we can help.

Risk-Free consultation

Request a Risk-Free Consultation
Or Call (239) 215-3533

Frequently Asked Questions about Probate

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Do I Need Probate?

Whether you need probate depends on the size and complexity of the estate, and how the assets are owned. In some cases, assets may automatically transfer to beneficiaries without probate, especially if they are jointly owned or have transfer-on-death (TOD) designations.

What Happens if There's No Will?

If there’s no will, the state’s laws dictate how the estate is distributed, which may not align with the deceased’s wishes. This can also lead to delays and complications.

Who Handles Probate?

The executor (if a will exists) or administrator (if there’s no will) is responsible for handling probate. This person is appointed by the court and is tasked with identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing them to beneficiaries.

What is a will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets (possessions and money) to be distributed after you pass away. It also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and executors to handle the administration of your estate.

Do I need a will?

While not everyone needs a will, it’s highly recommended. Without a will, the state will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. It’s especially important if you have children, own property, or have complex financial arrangements.

Why do I need an estate plan?

Even if you think your estate is small, an estate plan ensures your wishes are followed regarding your assets and avoids the state deciding for you through intestacy laws. An estate plan also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and minimize taxes and probate costs.

What Our Clients Say

Our focus is our clients. To best serve you, our team pays attention to the details and continually develops new resources and ways to make our service better.

"I needed some documentation within a short period of time. When I contacted (Matt) at Goodwin Law, P.A., he was readily available to address all my concerns. It took less than 1 week to obtain the documentation needed! All my phone calls were also returned same day. I very much appreciated Matt's knowledge, professionalism, and timeliness in his efforts. I would highly recommend this law firm!"

Real Estate

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:24:56+00:00

Real Estate

"I needed some documentation within a short period of time. When I contacted (Matt) at Goodwin Law, P.A., he was readily available to address all my concerns. It took less than 1 week to obtain the documentation needed! All my phone calls were also returned same day. I very much appreciated Matt's knowledge, professionalism, and timeliness in his efforts. I would highly recommend this law firm!"
"We moved to Florida from out of state and asked Matt to assist us in our estate planning. He was prompt and very well organized. We were very busy at the time and Matt conducted two meetings, one of preparation and one of completion. Every minute was well spent on its way to a successful outcome. We also had the occasion to engage Matt in two real estate transactions ... both went very well. We recommend Matt as a knowledgeable and sincere attorney who is a pleasure to work with."

Real Estate

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:30:36+00:00

Real Estate

"We moved to Florida from out of state and asked Matt to assist us in our estate planning. He was prompt and very well organized. We were very busy at the time and Matt conducted two meetings, one of preparation and one of completion. Every minute was well spent on its way to a successful outcome. We also had the occasion to engage Matt in two real estate transactions ... both went very well. We recommend Matt as a knowledgeable and sincere attorney who is a pleasure to work with."
"We needed to update a 30 year old Trust. Alex made the whole procedure effortless. She asked all the right questions. We hardly had to do any thinking. We are very confident that we couldn't have done better!"

Real Estate

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:34:33+00:00

Real Estate

"We needed to update a 30 year old Trust. Alex made the whole procedure effortless. She asked all the right questions. We hardly had to do any thinking. We are very confident that we couldn't have done better!"
"Alex was very professional and addressed all of our questions and concerns. We would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in having a will/trust prepared."

Rita

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:31:13+00:00

Rita

"Alex was very professional and addressed all of our questions and concerns. We would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in having a will/trust prepared."
"Alexandra is excellent and very knowledgeable about the law. She presents herself as a professional but is at the same time personable and compassionate. I recommend her without reserve."

Dr. Ronald

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:32:54+00:00

Dr. Ronald

"Alexandra is excellent and very knowledgeable about the law. She presents herself as a professional but is at the same time personable and compassionate. I recommend her without reserve."
"Highly recommended! Matt Goodwin and his team are fantastic in advising and guiding us through the will and trust process. We are delighted with their work and having everything documented exactly as we wanted it. We know we have made it easier for family when the time comes and it is a comfort to us knowing that everything has been well documented by Goodwin Law."

Real Estate

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:02:08+00:00

Real Estate

"Highly recommended! Matt Goodwin and his team are fantastic in advising and guiding us through the will and trust process. We are delighted with their work and having everything documented exactly as we wanted it. We know we have made it easier for family when the time comes and it is a comfort to us knowing that everything has been well documented by Goodwin Law."
"Alexandra Kane did great work for my family and I can’t thank her enough. Alexandra was friendly, professional and patient with someone who is not very knowledgeable at all in law .Also with me being in Texas she helped guide me through everything dealing with Florida law. Thank you , Thank you , Thank you !!!"

John

Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.
2024-03-15T14:32:23+00:00

John

"Alexandra Kane did great work for my family and I can’t thank her enough. Alexandra was friendly, professional and patient with someone who is not very knowledgeable at all in law .Also with me being in Texas she helped guide me through everything dealing with Florida law. Thank you , Thank you , Thank you !!!"
0
0
Naples, Collier County, Lee County, FL | Goodwin Law, P.A.

Secure your legacy plan with precision

Call us at (239) 215-3533 or schedule a risk-free consultation below to see how we can help.

Risk-Free Consultation
Matthew Goodwin PR AV 2019
Matthew Goodwin CR Platinum 2019
Estate Planning
DocuBank
WC Member

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship, a duly executed fee agreement with Goodwin Law, P.A. is required.