Estate Planning Attorney in Cooper City, Florida
Estate planning is the legal process of arranging how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and distributed after death, including wills, trusts, advance directives, and asset protection strategies. Mark Mastrarrigo P.A. is an estate planning attorney in Cooper City, Florida, helping individuals and families throughout Broward County create legally sound estate plans.
Protecting Your Family and Your Legacy
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after death. A well-crafted estate plan ensures your wishes are followed, minimizes taxes and legal fees, protects your beneficiaries, and provides for your care if you become incapacitated.
In Florida, estate planning takes on additional importance due to unique state laws regarding homestead property, spousal rights, and probate procedures. Working with a local Cooper City estate planning attorney who understands Florida law is essential.
At Mark Mastrarrigo P.A., we help individuals and families throughout Broward County create comprehensive estate plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Estate Planning Services
Wills & Trusts
Professionally drafted wills and trusts that protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.
Learn moreAdvance Directives
Healthcare surrogates, living wills, and powers of attorney to protect your healthcare decisions.
Learn moreAsset Protection
Strategies to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, and other threats.
Learn moreEstate Tax Planning
Minimize estate taxes and maximize what you leave to your beneficiaries.
Learn moreBusiness Succession
Plan for the future of your business and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation.
Learn moreProbate Administration
Court-supervised estate settlement including formal and summary administration under Florida law.
Learn moreWhen Do You Need Estate Planning?
Getting Married or Divorced
Marriage creates new legal rights. Divorce requires updating beneficiaries and distribution plans.
Having or Adopting Children
Name guardians, create trusts for minors, and ensure children are provided for.
Buying a Home
Florida homestead property has unique restrictions that must be addressed.
Starting or Growing a Business
Business owners need succession planning and buy-sell agreements.
Moving to Florida
Out-of-state plans often need updating for Florida law.
Approaching Retirement
Asset distribution, legacy planning, and long-term care considerations.
Estate Planning FAQs
What is included in a comprehensive estate plan in Florida?
A comprehensive Florida estate plan typically includes a Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Surrogate Designation, Living Will, and HIPAA Authorization. Depending on your situation, it may also include beneficiary designations review, asset protection strategies, and special needs planning.
At what age should I create an estate plan?
Every adult over 18 should have at least basic estate planning documents. Once you have assets, a spouse, children, or own a home, comprehensive estate planning becomes essential. Life events like marriage, divorce, having children, or inheriting assets are all triggers to create or update your plan.
How does Florida homestead affect my estate plan?
Florida has unique homestead laws that protect your primary residence from creditors and provide significant property tax benefits. However, these laws also restrict how you can transfer your home at death if you are married or have minor children. Proper estate planning ensures your homestead passes according to your wishes while complying with Florida law.
Can I create my own estate plan using online forms?
While online forms are available, they often fail to account for Florida-specific requirements and your unique circumstances. Common issues include improper execution, missing witnesses, failure to address homestead restrictions, and inadequate trust funding. These mistakes only become apparent when the documents are needed most.
Do I need to update my estate plan after moving to Florida?
Yes. If you created an estate plan in another state and moved to Florida, you should have it reviewed. Florida has unique laws regarding homestead, spousal rights, and trust requirements that may not be addressed in documents prepared elsewhere.
Service Areas
Our Cooper City office serves estate planning clients throughout Broward County:
Estate Planning Resources
Helpful articles to learn more about estate planning in Florida:
What Is a Lady Bird Deed in Florida and How Does It Work?
A Lady Bird deed is one of the most useful estate planning tools available to Florida homeowners. It allows you to transfer real property at death without probate while retaining full control during your lifetime.
How to Choose a Trustee in Florida: Key Factors to Consider
The trustee you choose will manage your assets, make distribution decisions, and carry out your wishes. Selecting the right person or institution is one of the most important decisions in your estate plan.
Beneficiary Designation Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Estate Plan
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and financial accounts override your will and trust. Mistakes in these designations are among the most common and costly estate planning errors.
What Happens to Digital Assets When You Die in Florida?
From cryptocurrency and online banking to social media and email, digital assets are an increasingly important part of your estate. Florida law provides a framework for managing these assets after death, but only if you plan ahead.
Related Practice Areas
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation
Protect your family and your legacy. Contact our Cooper City office to discuss your estate planning needs.
Why Choose This Firm
- Florida-focused practice with knowledge of state-specific laws
- Direct attorney access throughout your matter
- Clear communication and transparent pricing
- Convenient Cooper City location serving all of Broward County
Last updated: December 2025
Ready to Create Your Estate Plan?
Schedule a consultation with an experienced Cooper City estate planning attorney.