Family Legal & Mediation services

Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning & Probate Attorney

Trusted Fort Lauderdale Estate Attorney

Planning your estate is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy. At KWG Family Legal & Mediation Services, our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney helps clients across Broward County with wills, trusts, probate administration and asset protection strategies. Whether you’re updating an existing plan, navigating probate, or protecting property for future generations, we provide clear guidance and trusted legal solutions tailored to your needs.

We design our services to align seamlessly with your broader life plans. This includes estate taxation strategies and asset management during life or in case of disability. We also craft essential documents like Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, and Wills/Trusts to secure your future with confidence. Our attorneys have years of experience handling estates, property matters, and complex legal systems.

Once you understand our approach, we invite you to schedule a free consultation. Our client testimonials reflect our deep commitment to satisfaction and results.

Kristen Goss, Esq. Owner & Founder

Kristen Goss, Esq., is the Owner and Founder of KWG Family Legal & Mediation. She is a board-certified attorney with a juris doctor degree and membership in the Florida Bar. KWG is a full-service South Florida law firm, serving clients in Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton.

Attorney Kristen Goss, Esquire, in a professional setting.

Asset Protection Strategies

Asset protection is key in any solid estate plan, especially for clients in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida. We help protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, and other financial risks. Our experienced attorneys build custom strategies that reflect your unique goals.

Why Trusts are a Powerful Tool

Trusts are among the most effective asset protection tools. Whether it’s a flexible revocable trust or a more protective irrevocable trust, we help you minimize taxes and avoid probate. This means your estate can transfer smoothly to your loved ones.

Using LLC’s and Partnerships for Protection

In addition to trusts, forming limited liability companies (LLCs) or limited partnerships (LPs) can provide significant liability protection for business owners and real estate investors. These structures not only help protect personal assets from business liabilities but can also streamline the transfer of property and business interests as part of your estate plan.

Our law offices also guide clients through other asset protection strategies, such as strategic gifting, insurance planning, and business succession planning. By integrating these approaches into your comprehensive estate plan, you can ensure that your assets remain protected throughout your entire life and are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.

 

Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Attorneys

As a trusted Fort Lauderdale estate planning law firm, we offer personalized attention and expert legal guidance. Our probate attorneys walk you through Florida law with clarity. You’ll feel confident your estate plan is complete and your legacy secure.

Power of Attorney

This document gives a trusted person the legal authority to act on your behalf. It ensures smooth management of finances or business, especially if you’re unavailable or incapacitated.

Health Care Proxies

This allows you to name someone you trust to make medical decisions when you can’t. It protects your medical wishes, including organ donation preferences. For a full directive, we recommend pairing this with a Living Will.

Living Wills

Our Living Wills clearly express your health care wishes in advance. This gives peace of mind to your loved ones and makes sure you’re cared for according to your values.

Kristen is the founder of KWG Family Legal and Mediation Services. She focuses on divorce, child support, timesharing, adoption, surrogacy, dependency, wills, trusts, probate, and guardianship. A Fort Lauderdale native, Kristen is known for her legal expertise and community service. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and a strong advocate for veterans and foster youth.

At KWG, Kristen combines legal excellence with a heartfelt commitment to her clients. Whether you’re preparing for the future or facing a family legal matter now, Kristen’s team is here to support you with compassion and clarity.

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Our services are confidential, impartial, and designed to help you communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts in a constructive and positive way.

Contact us today

We would Love to Hear From You. Call us today to discuss your situation.

Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning, and why is it important?

Estate planning is the process of creating a comprehensive plan for the management and distribution of your assets after your death. Proper estate planning ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is managed efficiently, minimizing legal disputes and unnecessary court costs.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your passing, while a trust is a separate legal entity that can hold and manage assets during your lifetime and after. Trusts often provide greater flexibility, privacy, and can help avoid probate, making them a valuable tool in asset protection and estate planning.

How can I avoid probate?

Probate can be avoided or minimized through strategies such as establishing trusts, holding property in joint ownership, and designating beneficiaries on accounts. These estate planning techniques can help reduce court costs and ensure your assets are transferred quickly and efficiently to your heirs.

What is the role of an estate planning attorney?

An estate planning attorney helps clients create a comprehensive estate plan tailored to their unique needs. This includes drafting wills, trusts, and other essential documents, as well as providing guidance on asset protection, tax planning, and addressing complex estate planning issues.

How often should I review and update my estate plan?

It’s important to review and update your estate plan regularly—typically every 5 to 10 years—or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation. Keeping your estate plan current ensures your wishes are always protected.

What is the difference between an estate planning attorney and a probate attorney?

An estate planning attorney focuses on helping clients create a plan for the future distribution of their assets, while a probate attorney assists families in navigating the probate process after a loved one has passed away. Both play crucial roles in ensuring your estate is protected and your wishes are fulfilled.

Can I create my own estate plan, or do I need to work with an attorney?

While some basic estate planning documents can be created without legal assistance, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is highly recommended. An attorney ensures your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound, and tailored to your specific needs, providing peace of mind that your assets and loved ones are protected.

How much does estate planning cost?

The cost of estate planning varies depending on the complexity of your estate and the services required. While there is an upfront investment, the cost of not having a proper estate plan can be much higher due to potential legal disputes, probate expenses, and unnecessary taxes. Investing in a comprehensive estate plan with a qualified attorney is a wise decision for your family’s future.

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