Estate Planning
Protect What Matters Most With Clarity and Confidence
Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected, no matter what the future brings. Saxey Law PLLC helps individuals and families throughout Okaloosa County and the Emerald Coast create thoughtful, legally sound estate plans with steady, compassionate guidance.
Plan Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning allows you to take control of important decisions before they are needed. A well-crafted plan protects your assets, provides for your family, and ensures your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. Saxey Law PLLC offers personalized estate planning services—from wills and trusts to advance directives—designed to reflect your goals, values, and family structure. Our approach is calm, thorough, and respectful of the sensitive nature of these decisions.
Our Estate Planning Services
Tailored Plans for Every Stage of Life
Your estate plan should be built around your unique circumstances—not a generic template. We work closely with clients to create clear, effective plans that evolve as life changes.
Wills & Trusts
We draft clear, legally sound wills and trusts that reflect your wishes and provide certainty for your loved ones. Whether your goals are simplicity, privacy, or long-term planning, we help you choose the right tools for your situation.
Advance Directives & Guardianship
Plan ahead for illness or incapacity by appointing trusted individuals to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf. We also help parents formally designate guardians to ensure children are cared for by the right people.
Asset Protection & Beneficiary Planning
Thoughtful planning helps preserve assets and ensures they pass smoothly to the people you choose. We assist with beneficiary designations, coordination across accounts, and strategies that reduce confusion and future disputes.
Estate Planning for Life’s Transitions
Keeping Your Plan Aligned as Circumstances Change
Estate planning is not a one-time task—it should evolve as your life does. Major milestones such as starting a family, changes in relationships, or planning for long-term care often require updates to your legal documents to ensure your wishes remain clear and effective.
Because Saxey Law also handles family law matters, we are well positioned to help clients adjust their estate plans during periods of transition. Our goal is to keep your planning coordinated, legally sound, and reflective of your current priorities, so you can move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions – Estate Planning & Probate
Clear Answers to Common Concerns
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets should be distributed after you pass away and typically must go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, can hold and manage assets during your lifetime and often allows those assets to pass outside probate. Many comprehensive estate plans include both, using the will to name guardians and the trust to manage larger or more complex assets. Your unique goals and circumstances determine which tools are best for you.
Do I really need a lawyer to draft a will?
While DIY options exist, Florida has strict signing and witness requirements that often make online templates risky. A lawyer ensures your will is valid, tailored to your needs, and coordinated with other estate planning tools. An attorney can also identify potential tax or guardianship issues you may not be aware of. Proper legal drafting prevents costly mistakes and protects your loved ones from future disputes.
Who pays the probate attorney fees in Florida?
In most Florida cases, probate attorney fees are paid from the estate assets rather than out-of-pocket by the family. This allows relatives to navigate the process without an immediate financial burden. Fees are reviewed for reasonableness and can be approved by the court when necessary. We guide families through these cost considerations with full transparency.
How can I avoid probate for my family?
Many families avoid probate by establishing a living trust, properly titling assets, and maintaining accurate beneficiary designations. These strategies allow assets to pass directly to loved ones without court involvement. Not every family needs a trust, but many benefit from the simplicity and privacy it provides. We review your goals and assets to recommend the approach that fits your situation best.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Florida?
If there is no will, Florida’s intestacy law decides who inherits, starting with the spouse and children. This legal order may not match the person’s actual preferences, especially in blended families or estranged relationships. The probate court still oversees the process, and an attorney is often required. Creating a will helps you retain control and ensures your wishes—not the state’s default rules—guide your estate.