Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At McNary Law, we help individuals and families throughout Bradenton and Sarasota navigate estate planning with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Whether you’re drafting your first will, updating a power of attorney, or establishing a trust, our experienced estate planning attorneys offer personalized guidance rooted in integrity and a deep understanding of Florida law. Protect what matters most—your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy—with a plan built just for you.
What Is Estate Planning and Why Is It Important?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your affairs to ensure your wishes are honored both during your life and after your passing. A well-crafted estate plan protects your assets, minimizes taxes, avoids probate delays, and makes your intentions clear in case of incapacity or death.
Even if you don’t consider yourself “wealthy,” estate planning is essential. It gives you control, reduces stress for your loved ones, and can even help prevent family disputes.
Who Needs an Estate Plan?
Everyone—regardless of age, income, or family structure—should have an estate plan. At McNary Law, we work with:
Young families wanting to name guardians for minor children
Retirees seeking to preserve wealth and avoid probate
Business owners planning for succession
Unmarried or same-sex couples needing legal protection
Individuals concerned about future incapacity or long-term care
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, our estate planning attorneys in Bradenton and Sarasota will walk you through every step.
Key Components of a Florida Estate Plan
Wills
A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to:
Name a personal representative (executor)
Designate guardians for minor children
Make charitable bequests
If you die without a will in Florida, the state will decide how your estate is distributed—which may not align with your wishes.
Trusts
Trusts provide more control, privacy, and efficiency than a will alone. Types include:
Revocable Living Trusts: Avoid probate and allow for easy updates during your lifetime
Testamentary Trusts: Created by a will and take effect after death
Special Needs Trusts: Protect benefits for loved ones with disabilities
Charitable Trusts: Support causes while offering tax benefits
Our attorneys can help determine which trust structure aligns with your goals.
Powers of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial or legal matters if you become incapacitated. Without this document, your family may need to seek court approval to act on your behalf.
Health Care Directives
These include:
Health Care Surrogate: Appoints someone to make medical decisions for you
Living Will: Communicates your end-of-life wishes
HIPAA Release: Grants access to medical information
Having these directives in place avoids confusion and ensures your voice is heard—even if you can’t speak for yourself.
What Happens If You Die Without an Estate Plan in Florida?
If you pass away without a will or trust, Florida’s intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed. The outcome may surprise you—especially for blended families, unmarried partners, or individuals with estranged relatives.
In addition, your family may face:
Lengthy probate proceedings
Higher court costs
Potential legal disputes
Our Bradenton and Sarasota estate planning attorneys help you avoid these pitfalls by putting a solid plan in place.
Probate & Trust Administration
At McNary Law, we don’t just help you create your estate plan—we also support families through probate and trust administration. We assist personal representatives and trustees with:
Filing necessary court documents
Managing estate assets
Navigating creditor claims
Distributing property per the will or trust
Whether you’re dealing with Formal Administration, Summary Administration, or Trust Administration, we guide you through the process with care and precision.
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Life changes—and so should your estate plan. It’s time to revisit your documents if:
You’ve married, divorced, or had children
Your financial situation has changed
You’ve relocated to Florida
A named beneficiary or fiduciary has passed away
It’s been more than 3–5 years since your last review
We make updates easy, ensuring your plan continues to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
How We’re Different
At McNary Law, our estate planning approach is built around your life—not just your legal documents. Our firm is guided by core values of honesty, compassion, and accountability. We’re not just document drafters—we’re long-term advisors and trusted advocates.
With a local office in Bradenton, we proudly serve clients across Manatee and Sarasota counties. We offer in-person or remote consultations for your convenience.
We also integrate estate planning with our other practice areas, including:
Family Law: Divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements, and more
Mediation: For peaceful resolution of disputes, including family transitions
Injunctions: Legal protections in cases involving domestic violence or elder abuse
This well-rounded support allows us to provide holistic solutions tailored to your family’s needs.
Let’s Secure Your Legacy—Together
Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing that your family is protected, your wishes are respected, and your future is secure.
Whether you’re building your first plan or fine-tuning your current one, our experienced Bradenton and Sarasota estate planning attorneys are here to help.
Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.
