Wills, Trusts & Probate Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Writing a will gives direction to your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity. It expresses your legally binding wishes, protects your assets and spares your family from difficult decisions.

Pekar Law, P.A., in Tampa creates customized estate plans for people of all stages of life, from young couples to retirees enjoying their golden years. Attorney Jeff Pekar will help you achieve peace of mind that your affairs are in order and your heirs are taken care of. He also assists executors with the Florida probate process.

Your Last Will & Testament

We help you draft and execute a valid will. The primary purpose of a will is to declare your heirs and what part of your estate each will inherit when you pass. Another key use is to name guardians for your minor children if they become orphaned. A will can also express your wishes regarding funeral rites and “custody” of your pets.

What happens when a Florida resident dies without a will?

If a person dies intestate (without a will), their estate is divided according to Florida statutes. Your family would have no say in the distribution of assets and some of your intended heirs could be left with nothing.

Powers of Attorney & Living Wills

These documents are just as important as your will. They are invoked if you become mentally or physically incapacitated by an illness, an accident or dementia.

• A durable power of attorney authorizes a person of your choice to manage your financial and business affairs.

• A health care power of attorney empowers your chosen proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf.

• An advance directive (living will) instructs medical personnel and your family regarding end-of-life wishes such as resuscitation, life support and last rites.

Can You Benefit from a Trust?

Trusts allow you to manage wealth during your lifetime and protect family assets from creditors or lawsuits in the event of incapacity or death. Trusts also provide privacy and efficiency; trust assets bypass the probate process, passing directly to your beneficiaries. A special needs trust can set aside funds for a family member with disabilities.

Not everyone needs a trust. Jeff Pekar can advise on the benefits of different types of trusts, based on your goals and your asset base.

Assistance with Probate Duties

Probate and estate administration is the legal process for closing out the estate of someone who has died. As the appointed executor or personal representative, you are responsible for a list of duties, which may include gathering all the assets, paying creditors of the estate, selling property, ensuring the taxes are paid, and distributing the remainder of the estate to the heirs and beneficiaries.

Our goal is to make the probate process as easy as possible for you. We can determine how much of the estate is required to go through probate, and whether you need to perform full probate proceedings. For example, if your relative lived in Florida part-time, you may need to only file partial probate proceedings on a single property or bank account. If you are an heir who lives outside of Florida, we can take care of many details to save you from multiple trips. In fact, you might not have to come to Florida at all for the probate case

At Pekar Law, P.A., we pride ourselves on staying in close contact with our clients and promptly returning phone calls and emails to let you know how your case is going. We aim to minimize your stress and transfer real estate, bank accounts or other assets as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Will Contests & Probate Litigation

If someone is contesting your loved one’s wishes or accusing you of breach of fiduciary duty, we will fight tenaciously for you in court to uphold the will and protect your personal interests.

Get a Free Consultation

Let our attorney’s experience be your comfort and your guide. To schedule your free consultation with Jeff Pekar, call our Tampa law office today or contact us online to arrange a time.