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Start With What Matters Most

No estate is too small for thoughtful planning. JR Clifton Law offers practical, affordable guidance for families throughout Florida. Schedule your Tomorrow's Protection Planning Session—and protect what matters.

Protection for Your Children

Have minor children? Estate planning allows you to appoint guardians and set up trustees to manage any inheritance. Without these protections, courts will make those decisions—potentially outside your circle of trust.

Why Guardianship Matters

If you have minor children, naming a guardian in your estate plan is one of the most important decisions you can make. A guardian is the person who will raise your children if you are no longer able to. Without a legally designated guardian, the court will decide who takes on this role—potentially someone outside your circle of trust. By making your wishes clear in a will, you retain control over your children’s future care.

Trusts for Minors

Children under 18 cannot legally manage inherited assets. If you don’t plan ahead, the court will appoint a guardian of the property to manage the inheritance until your child reaches adulthood. However, by creating a trust, you can choose a trustee to manage those funds according to your instructions. This allows you to specify how and when the money should be used—for example, for education, healthcare, or living expenses—and even delay full access until your child reaches a more mature age.

Court Oversight and Legal Protections

Both guardians and trustees are subject to court oversight in Florida, ensuring they act in the child’s best interest. However, proactive estate planning gives you the power to select individuals you trust, rather than leaving those decisions to the legal system. You can also include backup choices in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

Pet Trusts🐾

In Florida, pet trusts offer a legally enforceable way to ensure your beloved animals are cared for if you become incapacitated or pass away. Under Florida Statute §736.0408 individuals can establish a trust specifically for the benefit of pets alive during their lifetime. This type of trust allows the grantor to set aside funds and appoint a trustee to manage those assets, ensuring the designated caregiver follows specific instructions for the pet’s care. Whether it’s a preferred diet, regular veterinary visits, or grooming routines, these details can be included in the trust. Florida’s pet trust law is part of the broader Florida Trust Code, which aligns closely with the national Uniform Trust Code, providing flexibility while maintaining enforceability. Once the last surviving pet covered by the trust passes away, any remaining funds are distributed according to the terms of the trust.

Why You Need an Estate Plan—Even Without Significant Assets

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who values clarity, control, and care for loved ones. At JR Clifton Law, I'll help you make informed decisions—because your legacy deserves respect, no matter the size of your estate.