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Your Trusted Jacksonville Estate Planning Lawyers
The Law Office of David M. Goldman provides comprehensive legal services in estate planning, probate, elder law, and asset protection. With over two decades of experience, our Jacksonville-based team prioritizes client needs through personalized strategies, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and transparency. We emphasize flat-fee structures to eliminate billing surprises and offer after-hours consultations to accommodate busy schedules. Our attorneys are AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized for excellence by Lawyers.com, reflecting our commitment to legal expertise and client advocacy.We specialize in creating customized estate plans that avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, and ensure Medicaid eligibility, while also handling complex probate litigation and guardianship cases. Our approach combines deep industry knowledge with a focus on practical, long-term solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Asset Protection Trusts
Medicaid Planning
Guardianship Cases
Gun Trusts
Business Formation
Trust Litigation
Elder Law
NFA Trusts
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in Florida estate planning and probate law.
- Our customized estate plans prioritize asset protection and Medicaid eligibility.
- We provide free initial consultations for estate planning and elder law matters.
- Our team is AV-rated for legal excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
- We handle complex probate litigation and guardianship cases with proven expertise.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Lawyers.com
What people say
Highly recommend
Wonderful service
Terrific communication
Best versed on this topic
Extremely helpful
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies to protect assets and ensure smooth inheritance. We draft wills, trusts, and advanced directives while minimizing probate requirements. Clients receive clear guidance on tax implications and beneficiary designations. Our process includes family meetings to explain complex legal concepts through visual aids and plain-language documentation.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Florida's probate process, handling asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution. Our team manages formal and summary administrations while addressing potential disputes. Specialized services include ancillary probate for out-of-state assets and litigation support for contested wills. We emphasize cost control and timely resolution of estate matters.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection plans shield clients from creditor claims and Medicaid spend-down requirements. Services include irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and homestead exemptions. We implement multi-layered strategies that comply with Florida law while maintaining client control over assets. Specialized solutions address professional liability and long-term care costs.
Medicaid Planning
We develop five-year Medicaid eligibility plans that protect assets while qualifying for benefits. Our strategies include qualified income trusts and asset transfers that comply with look-back rules. We coordinate with financial advisors to balance elder care needs with survivor spouse protections, avoiding common pitfalls that disqualify applicants.
Guardianship Cases
We establish guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults while preserving individual rights. Services include preneed guardianship designations and emergency temporary guardianships. Our approach prioritizes family decision-making authority while meeting court requirements. We also assist with restoring rights after guardianship circumstances change.
People
David M. Goldman
Attorney at Law
With over 20 years of business experience, David M. Goldman focuses on estate planning, probate, and asset protection. He combines legal expertise with technology to deliver efficient client solutions, emphasizing clear communication and practical implementation of estate plans.
Questions
What's the difference between estate planning and elder law?
Estate planning focuses on asset distribution and probate avoidance, while elder law addresses long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship issues for aging clients.
How can I avoid Florida probate?
Properly structured revocable living trusts, joint ownership arrangements, and beneficiary designations can help avoid probate while maintaining control over your assets during life.
What asset protection strategies work best in Florida?
Effective strategies include Florida Land Trusts, irrevocable Medicaid trusts, family limited partnerships, and properly structured limited liability companies that comply with state exemption laws.
When should I start Medicaid planning?
Begin at least five years before potential nursing home need to comply with Medicaid's look-back period and implement protective strategies effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for estate planning?
While basic documents can be self-prepared, an experienced attorney ensures proper implementation, addresses complex family dynamics, and prevents costly mistakes that could invalidate your plans.
