Jacksonville · FL · Vetted Directory

Top Estate Planning Lawyers in Jacksonville

Estate planning is how you decide who gets what, who raises your kids, and who makes decisions if you cannot. In Florida, a will needs two witnesses and a notary to be self-proving, and a revocable living trust can keep your family out of probate in the Duval County Circuit Court. Florida has no state estate or inheritance tax, and the state's homestead protection (Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution) shields your primary home from most creditors and limits how you can leave it if you have a spouse or minor children. A Jacksonville estate planning lawyer builds a plan that fits Florida law instead of a generic online form. Below are vetted Jacksonville firms that handle wills, trusts, and estates.

No Estate Tax
Florida
Homestead
Art. X, Sec. 4
Duval County
Probate Court
$1,500-$3,500
Full Plan Flat Fee

Updated June 2, 2026

When you need a Jacksonville estate planning lawyer

A simple situation may only need a will and a couple of basic documents. You should talk to a Jacksonville estate planning lawyer when:

  • You own a home or other real estate and want your family to avoid probate.
  • You have minor children and need to name a guardian and set up how money is handled for them.
  • You want a revocable living trust, not just a will.
  • You have a blended family, a special-needs beneficiary, or assets in more than one state.
  • You need powers of attorney and a health care directive in case you become incapacitated.

What a Jacksonville estate planning lawyer costs

Most Jacksonville estate planning lawyers charge flat fees for defined packages, which makes the cost predictable. Simple matters cost less; trusts and blended-family plans cost more.

$300-$1,200
Simple will package
$1,500-$3,500
Will + trust plan
$2,500-$6,000
Complex / blended estate
$250-$450/hr
Hourly when used

A flat-fee plan is usually cheaper than the probate and family conflict it prevents. For the national picture, see our Estate Planning guide, or browse all Jacksonville lawyers.

How a Jacksonville estate planning matter moves

  • Intake: the lawyer maps your assets, family, and goals, then recommends a will-based or trust-based plan.
  • Draft: counsel prepares the will, any trust, durable power of attorney, health care surrogate, and living will.
  • Sign: you execute the documents with the witnesses and notary Florida requires to make them valid.
  • Fund the trust: if you use a living trust, the lawyer helps retitle your home and accounts into it.
  • Review: revisit the plan after a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a big change in assets.

Jacksonville firms that handle estate planning matters

1

Law Office of David M. Goldman, PLLC

JacksonvilleBoutiqueestate planning, probate

A Jacksonville firm focused on estate planning, trusts, and asset protection, well known locally for wills and probate work. A fit for clients who want an estate-only practice.

Free ConsultationBoutique
Request Free Consult
2

Law Office of Katherine Schnauss Naugle, P.L.

JacksonvilleSolo / Smallestate planning, probate

A Jacksonville attorney handling estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate for individuals and families. A good option for clients who want direct contact with the lawyer.

Free ConsultationSolo / Small
Request Free Consult
3

The Bedell Firm

JacksonvilleMid-sizeestate planning, trusts

A long-established downtown Jacksonville firm whose lawyers handle estate planning, trusts, and estate administration alongside other practice areas. A reasonable pick for a larger, complex estate.

Free ConsultationMid-size
Request Free Consult
4

Rogers Towers, P.A.

JacksonvilleLargeestate planning, tax

A large Jacksonville firm with a private-client group covering estate planning, trusts, and estate tax for high-net-worth families. A fit when your estate is sizable or involves a business.

Free ConsultationLarge
Request Free Consult

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 estate planning lawyers in Jacksonville guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

Talk to a Jacksonville estate planning lawyer — free.

Tell us briefly what's going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Jacksonville firm in this directory.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Estate Planning in Jacksonville — FAQ

Do I need a trust in Florida, or is a will enough?
It depends. A will alone still goes through probate in the Duval County Circuit Court, which takes months and costs money. A revocable living trust can avoid probate, keep things private, and ease the transfer if you own a home. A Jacksonville estate planning lawyer can tell you which fits your assets.
What is Florida homestead protection?
Florida's homestead protection, in Article X, Section 4 of the state constitution, shields your primary residence from most creditors and caps how you can leave it if you have a spouse or minor children. It is powerful but has strict rules, so a lawyer should build your plan around it.
How much does an estate plan cost in Jacksonville?
Most Jacksonville lawyers charge flat fees. A simple will package runs $300 to $1,200, a will-and-trust plan typically $1,500 to $3,500, and a complex or blended-family estate $2,500 to $6,000 or more. Ask exactly what documents the fee includes.
Will my out-of-state will work in Florida?
Usually yes, if it was valid where you signed it, but Florida has specific witness and self-proving rules and unique homestead law. After a move to Jacksonville, it is worth having a Florida lawyer review and likely re-do the will so it works smoothly here.
Does Florida have an estate or inheritance tax?
No. Florida has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Very large estates can still owe federal estate tax, so high-net-worth families may need extra planning, but most Jacksonville estates do not face a state-level death tax.

Related on LawFirmSquare