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Contact us today: 866.461.7474 or 727.461.7474 | 581 South Duncan Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756
Coleman Law Firm
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Avoiding Probate

Tampa probate attorney Cash next to a Red CalculatorThe Florida probate process can be a very expensive and time-consuming process. A Tampa probate attorney can also explain that the probate process is a public process meaning that your family’s private financial matters may be aired in a very public setting. As a result, there may be many reasons you may want to explore ways to avoid the probate process.

Using Living Trusts to Avoid Probate

One of the most popular ways that a Tampa probate attorney can help you avoid probate is by creating a living trust. With a living trust, you will pass the bulk of your assets into the trust while you are still living. You will name yourself the initial trustee of the trust and have total control of the assets (just as if the trust did not exist).

Upon death, your assets in the trust will escape the probate process as a court will consider the assets a part of your trust and not your personal assets. Your successor trustee will then distribute your trust assets according to the instructions you set forth in the trust document.

Trusts may be more expensive to set up than a will. However, the savings in probate costs may more than offset this initial cost.

IRAs, Insurance Policies, and Other Probate Avoidance Devices

Besides a living trust, a Tampa probate attorney can also explain to you other tools for avoiding probate. Your assets in an IRA, insurance policy, or similar instrument typically avoid probate as the asset immediately passes to a named beneficiary upon death. For example, when you opened an IRA account, you likely listed two or three beneficiaries who would take over the account upon death. Because these devices immediately transfer upon death, a probate court does not become involved and probate fees are avoided.

Contact a Tampa Probate Attorney

If you have any questions about the Tampa probate process and strategies for avoiding probate, you will want to talk to an experienced Tampa probate attorney from the Coleman Law Firm by calling 727-461-7474 and learn how we can help you.

Estate & Trusts Planning

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581 South Duncan Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756


Phone: 727.461.7474
Fax: 727.461.7476
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    Testimonials

    I engaged the Coleman Law firm on two occasions and all of my transactions were handled from out of state. Mr. Coleman and all of his staff were very knowledgeable and personable. They dealt with everything in a very professional and timely manner. They kept me informed of what was happening all the… Read more
    Jeannette Hoffman
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    I’m very pleased with the way the Coleman Law Firm handled my matter. They were caring, fast, and I felt I was in good hands.
    Hollie J.
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    We are pleased to have this opportunity to describe how individualized your services were to our needs. Not only was the staff attentive, caring and helpful, but also the firm was extremely in tune to the complicated activity of market affairs and our particular problems. We would definitely recomm… Read more
    J.R. & S.D.
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    Complete honesty and a close attention to all details involved in my case. Close guidance in all areas.
    M.A.B.
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    My husband and I saved and planned for a comfortable retirement. We retired in 2000. Due to improprieties and uncontrolled circumstances by our financial advisor and financial institute; we lost a substantial amount of our retirement savings. Thankfully, we were referred to attorney, Jeffrey P. Cole… Read more
    Lou & Sue Maas
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    I have referred probably at least five cases to the Coleman Law Firm. I have found Mr. Coleman and his staff to be both knowledgeable and down to earth. Mr. Coleman assisted with real estate matters, probate matters, and some personal injury cases with success. I will continue to refer cases to him … Read more
    Lee G.
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    Mr. Coleman is obviously very knowledgeable in his field, but he is also very approachable, and easy to talk to. He takes the time to explain things fully in a way that is easy to understand. He kept me very well informed of the progress of my case, and then made a superb presentation at my final he… Read more
    A Litigation client
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    My name is Dr. Christine LaRae Larson. I have been involved with Coleman Law Firm, needing legal counsel in my new role as a trustee. Personally and on the front end of my position, I had very little experience as a trustee. But now, as my involvement with Coleman Law Firm has continued, I am no lon… Read more
    Dr. Christine LaRae Larson
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    Jeff Coleman helped me with my case and I would use and recommend him again.
    Nancy G.
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    Jeff & Emily prepared a complete estate planning package for me. All documents, including adjustments due to recent changes in the law and specific stipulations I requested. Everything completed in a professional, timely manner and with patience in dealing with me. I would recommend The Coleman Law … Read more
    Brad, an Estate Planning client
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