
Estate Planning Lawyer Fort Myers
Peace of Mind Never Felt So Good
We all want to protect and provide for our families, even after we are no longer physically able to do so. The problem is that you do not know where to start. Estate planning can be complex, overwhelming, and feel like an incredible burden. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we understand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed. We've helped our clients overcome that by guiding them through the process of creating estate planning documents like wills and trusts. Our Fort Myers estate planning law firm is prepared to assist you in planning for your future, as well as the future of your loved ones.
When it comes to estate planning, the importance of having well-drafted documents cannot be understated. Proper estate planning not only ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, but it also relieves your loved ones from the stress of making challenging decisions during difficult times. We collaborate with our clients to tailor each estate plan to their unique situations, ensuring that every aspect, from asset distribution to healthcare proxies, aligns with their personal goals.
Even if you are a resident of another state, we can help you care for your parents or grandparents currently residing in Fort Myers both now and in the future. Because we focus on providing probate and estate planning services, we can assist you in even the most complex matters of planning for your family or honoring your late loved one’s wishes.
In addition to our estate planning services, we offer guidance on creating advance directives, such as living wills and powers of attorney, which can play a crucial role in managing unforeseen health crises. These documents authorize someone you trust to make health-related or financial decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Our attorneys are committed to making sure your voice is heard, regardless of the circumstances.
Understanding Florida's Estate Planning Laws
Florida has specific statutes governing estate planning that can impact how your plans are structured and executed. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we ensure our clients in Fort Myers have a comprehensive understanding of these laws. For instance, Florida mandates specific requirements for a will to be considered valid, such as being in writing and signed by two witnesses. Additionally, Florida's homestead laws can significantly affect how property is distributed upon death. We help our clients navigate these laws to maximize their estate's value while ensuring compliance.
Moreover, changes in Florida legislation can affect estate planning strategies. Recently, updates to laws concerning digital assets now allow individuals to include their online accounts and digital property in their plans. This inclusion ensures that your digital presence is managed according to your wishes after your passing. Our attorneys stay current with legal changes to provide timely advice and strategic adjustments to your estate plan as needed.
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning
One of the most frequent errors in estate planning is failing to update documents regularly. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets can influence your estate planning needs. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we offer periodic reviews to ensure your documents reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Another common mistake is not planning for incapacity. Including powers of attorney and healthcare proxies can ensure that your affairs are managed by trusted individuals if you're unable to make decisions.
Other pitfalls include neglecting tax implications. With strategic planning, potential estate taxes can be minimized or avoided, safeguarding more for your heirs. Overlooking beneficiary designations on accounts like insurance policies and retirement funds is another oversight we frequently correct during our consultations. Beneficiary designations supersede a will, making it crucial to keep them up-to-date and aligned with your overall estate plan.
Take advantage of a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling (239) 309-2870 to schedule yours today!



We are committed and equipped to continue helping families plan for future generations. Contact us today and schedule a virtual consultation today.
Why People Choose to Work with Our Firm
Our roots in Fort Myers are deep and strong, which means we see ourselves as servants of this community for the future to come. As such, we will do everything we can to meet people like you on even ground and engage in a productive dialogue where we’ll work together to accomplish your goals. That’s ultimately why clients choose to work with us – we feel like family to some and close friends discussing matters of life to others.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond legal services. We conduct regular seminars and workshops to educate residents on the importance of estate planning and how it can be customized to fit their individual needs. By empowering our neighbors with knowledge, we aim to foster a well-informed community that takes proactive measures to protect their families' futures.
We Care for You & Your Family
You probably have some ideas about what working with an attorney is like, but we can assure you we’re not quite what you’d expect. While we strive to provide the highest quality service available, that doesn’t mean we’re the stuffy type that will throw legal jargon at you at every turn. For us, making sure our clients walk away with comprehensive estate plans means making sure they understand their options and the consequences of their decisions as clearly as possible.
At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and open environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their most pressing concerns. We recognize that estate planning is a deeply personal experience, and we dedicate ourselves to being attentive listeners and advocates for your best interests. By focusing on building relationships, we ensure that every client receives the personalized attention they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
What Documents Are Included in an Estate Plan?
An estate plan typically includes several key documents to ensure your wishes are honored. These generally comprise a will, which outlines how your assets should be distributed upon death, and a trust, which can manage your assets during your lifetime and beyond.
Powers of attorney for financial and healthcare matters are crucial to appoint trusted individuals who can make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Living wills, also known as advance directives, provide instructions about your healthcare preferences in end-of-life scenarios. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we tailor these documents to suit individual needs, ensuring a robust and comprehensive estate plan.
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
We recommend clients review their estate plans every three to five years or after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant changes in financial status, or relocation to another state. Laws can change and personal circumstances evolve, affecting your estate planning needs.
Regular updates ensure your documents reflect your current intentions and comply with any new legal requirements. Our Auto-Pilot Planning Program helps clients maintain up-to-date plans that adapt to life's changes efficiently.
Can Estate Planning Help Avoid Probate?
Yes, one of the benefits of estate planning is the ability to minimize or potentially avoid probate. By establishing trusts and ensuring proper beneficiary designations, assets can be transferred to heirs without the need for probate court.
This not only expedites the process but also maintains privacy, as probate proceedings are public records. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC in Fort Myers, our attorneys are skilled in devising strategies to help mitigate the probate process, ensuring a smoother transition for your loved ones.
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Florida?
If you pass away without a will in Florida, the distribution of your assets will be handled according to state intestacy laws. Typically, these laws prioritize your closest relatives, such as a spouse or children, but they might not align with your personal wishes.
This process can also be lengthy and contentious if disputes arise among potential heirs. Having a properly constructed estate plan, including a will, ensures your assets are distributed according to your specific desires.
What Is the Role of an Executor in Estate Planning?
An executor is a person designated in your will to administer your estate upon your death. They have a fiduciary duty to manage your affairs, which includes paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing assets as specified in your will.
It's essential to choose someone trustworthy and capable, as they will be responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of your estate plan. At Dorcey Law Firm, PLC, we provide guidance in selecting and empowering executors to fulfill their duties effectively and compassionately.
Experience the difference our estate planning attorneys in Fort Myers can make for you by reaching out to Dorcey Law Firm, PLC online for a free consultation.


The Dorcey Law Direction
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We uphold honesty and transparency in all we do, building trust with every client.
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We deliver precise legal services with respect and courtesy in every interaction.
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We provide advanced, tailored legal solutions backed by deep expertise.
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We treat every client with empathy, ensuring their concerns are heard and understood.
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Our collaborative approach delivers the best outcomes for your family’s future.
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We constantly pursue excellence, refining our services to better serve our clients.