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Stephen H. Artman, P.A.
863-940-0874

Stephen H. Artman

Delivering Legal Excellence Through Life’s Most Important Concerns

Lakeland Trust Lawyer

Trusts can help Florida families protect property, reduce delays and make estate planning more organized. A trust is a legal arrangement that allows one person, called a trustee, to manage assets for the benefit of another person or group. Each trust must be drafted with clear terms; therefore, it is crucial to work with an estate planning attorney to help prevent confusion later.

At Stephen H. Artman, P.A., we help families in Lakeland, throughout Polk County, and across Florida choose trust options that fit their needs, property and long-term goals. With 35 years of experience, attorney Stephen H. Artman provides Florida-specific guidance for clients who want a practical estate plan, not a generic set of documents.

How Trusts Support Estate Planning

A trust can hold assets such as real estate, bank accounts, investments or personal property. Depending on how it is created, a trust may help loved ones avoid probate, manage assets during incapacity and provide clear instructions for future transfers.

For many families, the value of a trust is control. You can decide who receives property, when they receive it and who manages it. This can be helpful when planning for young children, blended families, disabled loved ones or beneficiaries who may need structured support. 

Common Types Of Trusts Available In Florida

Different trusts serve different goals, so the right choice depends on your family, assets and concerns. Common options include: 

  • Revocable living trust: This trust can be changed during your lifetime and may help avoid probate after death.
  • Irrevocable trust: This type is harder to change, but it may offer stronger asset protection or tax planning benefits in some situations.
  • Special needs trust: This trust can provide support for a disabled loved one without disrupting certain public benefits.
  • Charitable trust: This trust allows you to support a charitable cause while also building charitable giving into your estate plan.

Our Lakeland trust lawyer can help you understand the benefits and limits of each option before you make a decision.

Key Steps In Setting Up A Trust

Creating a trust usually involves identifying your goals, choosing the right trustee and deciding which assets should be placed into the trust. The trust document must also explain how assets should be managed and distributed.

Funding the trust is also important. A trust may not work as intended if assets are never properly transferred into it. This is especially important with Florida homestead property, where ownership, tax and inheritance issues should be reviewed carefully with an attorney.

Call Our Lakeland Law Office Today

Stephen H. Artman, P.A., takes time to understand your concerns before preparing documents. Attorney Stephen H. Artman brings 35 years of experience, honest communication and local knowledge to every estate planning matter. Call 863-940-0874 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.