Life’s unpredictable; our support isn’t. A sudden health scare, a change in your family, or a move across town can shift plans fast. At Barbara M. Pizzolato, P.A., Fort Myers attorney Barbara M. Pizzolato has helped thousands for more than 35 years, and we bring that steady hand to Bonita Springs’ families. We aim to be your Lawyer for Life by protecting the people you love and the assets you own.
Beyond the paperwork, we set up practical guardrails that help your family stand firm. You will know who is in charge, what happens next, and how your wishes are carried out. That clarity can lower stress during a hard moment.
Estate planning means putting legally-binding documents in place to direct property, name helpers, and record your care choices under Florida law. With clear documents, your voice is heard even if you are sick or gone. Without a plan, Florida intestacy rules control who receives your property, and that can collide with what you wanted.
A thoughtful plan can reduce probate costs and delays, reduce confusion, and give your family a helpful roadmap. It can also name trusted people for money decisions and medical decisions if you cannot act. That structure brings calm in a time that is already tough.
We focus on simple language and steady guidance. You get direct answers, and we handle the fine print. Our goal is a plan that fits your life and works the day you need it.
With the basics in mind, here is how our firm supports clients across Bonita Springs.
We help you sort out goals, choose the right documents, and keep things updated as life changes. You get one point of contact and a process that respects your time.
We prepare wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, and healthcare documents that match your priorities. You will know what each paper does, who is named, and how it works with your other accounts.
We also review beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts since those pass outside a will or trust.
Serving as trustee can feel like a second job. We guide trustees on timelines, notices, taxes, and fair distributions under Florida law.
If questions turn into disputes, we step in with practical options that keep things moving.
When a loved one passes, we represent the personal representative from the first filing to the final accounting. Our firm addresses creditor claims, property sales, and distributions with steady communication from start to finish.
You get timely updates and a clear next step at each stage.
Every family has its own story. We listen first, then build a plan that fits your goals, your assets, and your trusted people.
As your life changes, we help you refresh documents, so the plan still works. Think of it as lifelong support, not a one-time stack of papers.
A complete plan often starts with a last will and testament. This directs who receives property and can name guardians for minor children. For many families, a revocable living trust adds privacy, smoother transfers, and fewer court filings.
Document | What it does | Signing rules in Florida | Notes |
Will | Directs property and can name guardians | Signed by the person making it in the presence of two witnesses, who sign in each other’s presence and in the signer’s presence, per Fla. Stat. § 732.502 | Self-proving affidavits help with probate |
Revocable Living Trust | Holds assets for use during life and after death | Often signed with two witnesses and a notary for real estate and banking ease | Must be funded with assets to work |
Durable Power of Attorney | Names an agent for financial decisions during incapacity | Signed with two witnesses and notarized, per Fla. Stat. § 709.2105 | Can include certain powers that banks require |
Healthcare Surrogate | Names someone to make medical choices | Signed in front of two witnesses, often notarized | Useful for HIPAA access and consent |
Living Will | States end-of-life care preferences | Signed in front of two witnesses | Gives loved ones clear guidance |
The durable power of attorney lets a trusted person pay bills, access accounts, and handle property if you cannot. The power of attorney and living will give your medical team and family a clear plan. We prepare these documents to meet Florida Statutes § 732.502 and § 709.2105 on execution, and we walk you through every signature.
Life changes fast, so document updates matter. Common update triggers include the following moments:
If any of these rings true, a quick review can save your family from mix-ups later.
Barbara M. Pizzolato has guided Florida families for more than 35 years. Thousands have trusted her steady advice and plain-English approach. We are local, we know Florida rules, and we care about making the plan work in real life.
You get practical support across estate planning, trust administration, and probate. Our firm prepares carefully, keeps communication clear, and treats your family with respect. We aim for smooth processes and better outcomes from start to finish.
Ready to take the next step and want a clear path forward? Our firm is easy to reach and happy to answer questions.
An outdated plan can be just as risky as having no plan at all. If you have an old plan sitting in a drawer, our Fort Myers team is here to help you bring it up to date. To ensure your wishes are clear and your documents are current, please start by visiting our website to watch our educational webinar.
Once you’ve viewed the video, you will be invited to schedule a consultation to review your existing documents and fine-tune a plan your family can count on.
Appointment only
NEW YORK
Suite 240, One Suffolk Square
1601 Veterans Memorial Hwy
Islandia, NY 11749
Appointment only
NEW JERSEY
c/o Richard A. Feldman, Esq.
80 Main Street, Suite 140
West Orange, NJ 07052
Barbara M. Pizzolato, P.A. proudly offers Estate Planning and Legal Services in Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County & Southwest Florida.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
