Attorneys that focus on estate and probate law in Florida help clients resolve all facets of planning for the conservation and disposition of estates. Estate and probate lawyers must understand the state and federal tax burdens that apply to this area of the law. Estate and probate lawyers prepare the legal instruments to accomplish the estate plans including drafting and executing wills, administering formal and summary estates, including tax related matters. Attorneys also engage in probate litigation including will contests or will or trust construction suits in probate court.
National Association of Estate Planners and Councils - NAEPC is accredited by the ABA to certify attorneys as estate planning law specialists.
Florida Bar Board Certification in Wills, Trusts & Estates - Lawyers certified as specialist in Wills, Trusts & Estates by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated substantial involvement in this area of the law.
Under Rule 6-7.2, the term "wills, trusts and estates" is defined as the "practice of law dealing with all aspects of the analysis and planning for the conservation and disposition of estates, giving due consideration to the applicable tax consequences, both federal and state; the preparation of legal instruments to effectuate estate plans; administering estates, including tax related matters, both federal and state; and probate litigation."
ACTEC is a fellowship of attorneys seeking to improve trust, estate and tax laws, as well as the procedures and ethics of attorneys who work in those fields. Many of the top trust and estate attorneys belong to this respected organization.