Trust Attorney Ponte Vedra Beach FL

Law Office of Shorstein & Lee — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:41:30 GMT

If you own property, have minor children, or want to keep your estate out of probate, setting up a trust may be the most important legal step you take. At the Law Office of Shorstein & Lee, we help families in Ponte Vedra Beach and throughout St. Johns County understand exactly what a trust can and cannot do, so you can make the right decision for your family.

What a Trust Attorney in Ponte Vedra Beach Does for You

A trust is a legal arrangement where a Settlor places assets under the management of a Trustee, to be distributed to beneficiaries according to the Settlor’s written instructions. Unlike a will, assets held in a trust do not have to go through the Florida probate process. That alone saves your family significant time, cost, and stress.

Alyssa Shorstein leads our estate planning practice. She has been drafting trusts and handling trust administrations since 2009 and holds a Certificate in Estates and Trusts Practice from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. When you sit down with her, you get a real consultation: she looks at your assets, your family circumstances, and your wishes, then gives you an honest opinion on whether a trust actually makes sense for you. Not everyone needs one. But if you do, she will draft it correctly.

Do You Need a Trust or a Will? A Ponte Vedra Beach Perspective

This is the first question most clients ask, and the honest answer is: it depends.

A revocable living trust is often the right choice if you own real property outside of Florida. Without a trust, your loved ones may face probate in every state where you hold real estate. That process can become expensive and drawn out. A trust lets those assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries without any court involvement.

A trust is also worth considering if you want to control how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. For example, distributions can be structured around age milestones, educational choices, health care needs, or other life events you specify. You decide the terms.

If your situation is simpler, a well-drafted will may be all you need. Alyssa will explain both options, tell you what fits your circumstances, and not push you toward the more complex plan simply because it exists.

What Happens During a Trust Consultation

We keep the process straightforward. In your initial consultation, Alyssa covers your assets, debts, family members, and the people or organizations you want to benefit. She explains the differences between a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust, and a testamentary trust in plain terms, then gives you her recommendation.

After you choose your plan, we schedule a review and signing appointment. Once your documents are signed and complete, you receive your full estate planning portfolio, including original documents and copies. You leave with everything done and nothing left hanging.

When You Need Trust Administration Help

If a loved one has passed and left a trust behind, an attorney can guide you through the administration process: identifying trust assets, notifying beneficiaries, and transferring property to the right people according to the trust terms. Mrs. Shorstein has handled many trust administrations in St. Johns County and can advise you on what your specific situation requires.

Frequently Asked Questions: Trust Attorney Ponte Vedra Beach FL

Does Florida Require Probate if I Have a Trust?

No. Assets owned by a properly funded trust in Florida do not go through the probate process. The Trustee transfers assets directly to the named beneficiaries according to the trust document.

Is a Revocable Living Trust Right for Me as a Ponte Vedra Beach Resident?

It depends on your circumstances. Owning property in multiple states, having beneficiaries with special needs, or wanting control over how assets are distributed over time are all strong reasons to consider a revocable living trust. Alyssa will review your situation and give you a direct answer.

Who Handles My Trust After I Pass Away?

The person or institution you name as your Successor Trustee takes over management of the trust after your death. We help you think through who the right choice is, including contingent trustees in case your first choice is unavailable.

Can Shorstein & Lee Help With an Existing Trust Administration in Ponte Vedra Beach?

Yes. If you are a Trustee or beneficiary navigating a trust administration in Ponte Vedra Beach or anywhere in St. Johns County, we can advise you on your duties, rights, and the steps required to close out the trust properly.

What Is a Testamentary Trust?

A testamentary trust is created through a will and only comes into effect after the Settlor passes away. The estate goes through probate first, and then the trust receives the assets and distributes them as directed. It can be a good option if you want trust protections without setting up and funding a trust during your lifetime.

Schedule Your Trust Consultation in Ponte Vedra Beach

Every family situation is different, and that is why we start with a real conversation. When you hire Shorstein & Lee, you are paying for our experience and our local knowledge, and that is exactly what you get. Call us at (904) 829-3035 or contact us online to schedule your estate planning consultation. We serve clients in Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Nocatee, Palm Valley, and throughout St. Johns County.