Estate planning, probate & elder law in Fort Lauderdale
Estate planning, probate & elder law in Fort Lauderdale
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Estate planningWills, trusts, and asset protection built on your terms. We make the hardest decisions clear, so your loved ones are cared for exactly as you intend.
We build plans that fit your life, not the other way around. A good estate plan protects what matters most and gives your family clarity exactly when they need it.
Every plan is built around your family and your wishes. Most people need some combination of these three.
The documents that direct your legacy: who inherits, who decides, and how to spare your family the cost and delay of probate court.
Name the people you trust to act for you, financially and medically, if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
Shield what you have built from creditors and taxes, and protect the loved ones, including minors and dependents, who rely on you.
Life is full of unexpected changes. A well-crafted estate plan provides for the succession of your property to your loved ones and assures you that your legacy will live on. It is never too early to begin.
Schedule a free consultationTo make sure your wishes are followed, you should execute a will or a trust. The type of estate plan that works best depends on many factors, such as the size of your estate, your tax situation, and the beneficiaries you choose. You should update these documents when you experience a life change, such as a marriage or the death of a beneficiary, so that your plan stays relevant.
Wills and estate planning are not just for the elderly or the wealthy. Probate is an expensive and time-consuming process that can often be avoided by planning ahead with the help of a competent attorney. Whatever your stage of life, you deserve the peace of mind of knowing you have a plan that will carry out your wishes if the unforeseen happens. Good planning helps ensure your assets and their beneficiaries are protected, your legacy is honored, and the distribution of your assets flows smoothly. A complete estate plan may include a durable power of attorney, a designation of health care surrogate, and a living will.
The process consists of identifying your assets, deciding who you want to inherit them, and choosing the best tools to put your plan into action. It begins by taking an inventory of what you own, everything from real estate and automobiles to the money you have set aside for a rainy day. The next step is deciding who should receive your assets. Then you determine the manner in which they will be distributed, and take the proper measures to make sure they are protected. If you have minor children or family members who depend on you, there is also the non-financial side of planning, which can involve choosing guardians and trustees.
An estate plan can include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills. It should clearly and efficiently pass your assets to your chosen beneficiaries. Clarke Law can help you prepare the right vehicle to carry out the distribution you desire. Since your assets and relationships will change over time, it is important to keep your plan up to date. If you do not have a well-crafted, current estate plan, you run the risk of:
We have significant experience preparing wills and administering estate plans that carry out our clients' wishes. We are committed to creating a unique plan for each client that reflects their individual circumstances. We can also act as the personal representative of a deceased person's estate, petitioning the court to distribute assets in a way that is true to their plan. And if a person becomes incapacitated, we can set up a guardianship and other solutions that provide for their care and preserve their assets.
Rated 5.0 across 55 verified reviews on Avvo, Google & Thumbtack
“John was very knowledgeable and helpful in giving advice on the handling of my father's estate. He provided a step-by-step course of action to probate the estate. I would definitely recommend him.”
Nat L.
Probate · via Thumbtack
Jan 2026
“I am pleased to share my highest recommendation for Clarke Law PA. From our very first interaction, John demonstrated a deep understanding of the law, communicated clearly, and gave guidance that was both practical and strategic for my needs. Every question was answered promptly, and I always felt fully informed and supported.”
Heleven M.
Estate planning · via Thumbtack
Dec 2025
“I am very impressed by John Clarke's skills as a lawyer and advocate. He helped me plan my estate and helped my father qualify for Medicaid long-term care. He was knowledgeable, caring, and very efficient. I would definitely use Mr. Clarke again.”
Drew H.
Elder law & Medicaid · via Thumbtack
Apr 2019
Answers to what matters most.
Estate planning is billed as a flat fee based on the complexity of your plan, agreed before we start, so there are no surprises. Probate is handled the same clear way. Your first consultation is always free.
Bring identification, information about your assets, and any existing wills or trusts. We'll guide you through what else we need. Most people don't have everything ready, and that's normal.
We review it and update it if needed. Life changes, laws change, and your plan should too. We'll make sure it still protects your family the way you want.
Most estate plans are completed within two to three weeks. We move fast, but we don't cut corners. You'll have time to ask questions and make changes.
Yes. Life happens. You can update your estate plan whenever you need to. We're here to help you adjust it as your circumstances change.
It depends on your situation. We'll explain both options clearly and recommend what makes sense for your family and assets. Some people need both.
A will is simpler and less expensive but goes through probate; a properly funded living trust usually avoids probate and keeps things private. Here is how to decide which one fits your Florida family.
Read articleMichael Jackson set up a living trust to protect his children, but he never funded it, so his estate was forced through years of public probate. The lesson: a trust is only as good as what you put into it.
Read articlePrince died with an estimated $150 million estate and no will, triggering six years of court battles. Here is what happens when you die without a will in Florida, and the simple plan that avoids it.
Read articleFlorida's recent estate planning law changes affect wills, trusts, homestead planning, and Medicaid eligibility for 2025.
Read articlePre-need guardian declarations, testamentary trusts, and UTMA accounts: three ways Florida parents can protect minor children and the assets they inherit.
Read articleFlorida's elective share guarantees a surviving spouse at least 30% of the estate regardless of the will. What it covers, distribution priorities, deadlines, and defenses.
Read articlePractical estate planning strategies from a Florida attorney: retitling assets to avoid probate, planning for contingencies, choosing fiduciaries, and wills versus trusts.
Read articleNon-citizens owning Florida property face unique estate planning challenges, including federal estate tax exposure and ancillary probate requirements.
Read articleA Florida lady bird deed is an affordable estate planning tool that transfers property to heirs while avoiding probate and retaining homeowner control.
Read articleA revocable living trust allows asset control during lifetime while simplifying post-death transfer and avoiding probate.
Read articleA quitclaim deed is the simplest way to transfer real property interest in Florida, commonly used between parties with existing relationships.
Read articleThe Florida Uniform Transfers to Minors Act provides an easy way to transfer property to minor beneficiaries through custodial accounts.
Read articleBrowse all estate planning articlesBook your free consultation today and put a plan in place that gives you peace of mind.
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Serving clients across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
