Trusted Estate Planning Services in Southwest Florida
Spanski Law, PLLC is a trusted estate planning law firm serving Venice, Sarasota, and Southwest Florida. We help individuals and families protect their assets, plan for the future, and ensure their wishes are honored. Whether you need a simple will, a comprehensive trust, help navigating probate, or power of attorney documents, our experienced attorney provides personalized legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.
At Spanski Law, we understand that estate planning is about more than just legal documents—it's about protecting your legacy and securing your family's future. We offer free consultations to discuss your needs and create a customized estate plan that gives you peace of mind.
Our Estate Planning Services
Wills & Estate Planning
Comprehensive will drafting services including Last Will and Testament, Ladybird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds), and complete estate planning packages. We help you ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing complications for your loved ones.
Trust Formation & Administration
Expert trust services including Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Testamentary Trusts, Charitable Trusts, and Spendthrift Trusts. Trusts can help you avoid probate, maintain privacy, protect assets from creditors, and provide ongoing management of assets for beneficiaries.
Probate & Estate Administration
Full-service probate representation and estate administration throughout Florida. We guide families through the court-supervised process of validating wills, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs. Our compassionate approach helps reduce stress during difficult times.
Power of Attorney
Durable Financial Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Surrogate Designation) documents that ensure someone you trust can make important decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. We also prepare Living Wills (Advance Directives) to document your end-of-life care preferences.
Meet Attorney Season Chisholm
Season Chisholm, Esq. is an experienced Florida estate planning attorney dedicated to helping families throughout Southwest Florida protect their assets and loved ones. With a focus on personalized service and clear communication, Season takes the time to understand each client's unique situation and goals.
Season's expertise includes estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, elder law, power of attorney, and Florida homestead law. She is committed to making the estate planning process straightforward and accessible, explaining complex legal concepts in plain language so clients can make informed decisions about their future.
Contact Spanski Law, PLLC
Phone: (941) 206-2223
Email: season@spanskilaw.com
Address: 304 W. Venice Ave, Suite 217, Venice, FL 34285
Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Areas We Serve
Spanski Law, PLLC proudly serves clients throughout Southwest Florida, including: Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, North Port, Englewood, Nokomis, Osprey, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding communities in Sarasota County, Manatee County, Charlotte County, and DeSoto County.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 death and must go through probate court. A trust is a legal arrangement that can avoid probate, provide privacy, and allow for more control over how and when assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Trusts take effect immediately when created and funded, while wills only take effect after death.
Do I need a power of attorney in Florida?
Yes, a durable power of attorney is essential in Florida. Without one, if you become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline, your family may need to go through expensive and time-consuming court proceedings (guardianship) to get authority to manage your affairs. A properly drafted power of attorney ensures someone you trust can handle your financial and healthcare decisions immediately when needed.
What is probate and how long does it take in Florida?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of validating a deceased person's will, paying their debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to heirs. In Florida, a straightforward probate typically takes 6-12 months, while complex estates with disputes or complications may take longer. Proper estate planning, including trusts and beneficiary designations, can help avoid or minimize probate.
What is a ladybird deed in Florida?
A ladybird deed, also known as an enhanced life estate deed, is a special type of deed that allows Florida homeowners to transfer their property to beneficiaries upon death while retaining full control during their lifetime. The homeowner can sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries without consent. The property automatically transfers to beneficiaries at death, avoiding probate and preserving Florida homestead protections.
How much does estate planning cost in Florida?
Estate planning costs vary based on the complexity of your situation and the documents needed. Simple wills are generally less expensive than comprehensive trust-based plans. At Spanski Law, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and provide transparent pricing before any work begins. Our goal is to make estate planning accessible and affordable for families throughout Southwest Florida.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Protect your family's future with a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your needs.
Call (941) 206-2223