TL;DR: Our top pick for help with estate planning in Collier County is Goodwin Law, known for transparent flat-fee pricing and a client-first approach to wills, trusts, and probate. Safe Harbor Law Firm and Dunwody White & Landon are strong alternatives, offering elder law integration and board-certified trust and estate expertise, respectively. Most firms offer a free consultation to start.
Finding help with estate planning in Collier County matters whether you’re drafting your first will or restructuring a complex estate involving multiple properties.
Collier County, which includes Naples and Marco Island, has more retirees and second-homeowners than most places in Florida.
As a result, local attorneys often work on estate plans that involve several states, complex trusts, and Florida’s unique homestead protections.
These are issues that attorneys in other areas may not see as often.
Estate Planning Tools and What They Actually Do
| Tool | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Last Will and Testament | Directs how assets are distributed and names a guardian for minor children. |
| Revocable Living Trust | Lets assets pass to beneficiaries without going through probate court. |
| Durable Power of Attorney | Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. |
| Healthcare Surrogate Designation | Names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t. |
| Florida Homestead Designation | Protects a primary residence from certain creditors and caps property tax increases. |
Who Can Help With Estate Planning in Collier County, Florida?
The following firms were chosen because they focus on wills, trusts, and probate matters in Collier County.
1. Goodwin Law, P.A.
Goodwin Law is a leading option for estate planning in Naples and Collier County. Attorney Matthew Goodwin started the firm in 2015.
They help with trust and estate planning for both simple and complex estates, as well as real estate closings and probate administration.
The firm uses a flat-fee model, so clients know the cost upfront instead of being charged for each call. They also offer a free consultation to review your estate plan before you decide to move forward.
Goodwin Law serves Lee County as well, which helps clients with assets in both areas. Their team includes attorney Alexandra Kane, who specializes in trust and probate matters.
2. Safe Harbor Law Firm
Safe Harbor Law Firm is another option to consider. Pam Buff Baker founded the firm, which was named a Top Lawyer in Trusts and Estates by Naples Illustrated in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Their practice combines estate planning, elder law, and Medicaid planning.
This mix of services is helpful for clients who want to plan for more than just what happens after death. It also covers incapacity and long-term care needs.
The firm has offices in both Naples and Bonita Springs to make things easier for clients.
3. Dunwody White & Landon, P.A.
Dunwody White & Landon is also worth considering. Shareholder Alfred J. Stashis Jr. is board certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, which is a rare distinction.
He is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
The firm’s attorneys often work with high-net-worth estates that need advanced tax planning beyond a basic will or trust.
The firm works with clients in Naples, Palm Beach, and Miami. This is helpful for families who have property or beneficiaries in different parts of Florida.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan in Florida?
If you do not have a valid will or trust, Florida’s intestacy laws will decide how your assets are divided.
This process might not match what you want, especially if you have a blended family or an unmarried partner, since they do not have automatic inheritance rights under state law.
The state also chooses who will be the guardian of your minor children if both parents die without a plan. Most families prefer to make this decision themselves instead of leaving it up to the probate court.
With an estate plan, you can name healthcare surrogates and powers of attorney. This means someone you trust can make decisions for you if you become unable to do so, not just after you pass away.
If you live in Collier County and own property in other states, having a plan can also help you avoid ancillary probate, which is a separate court process needed when you own real estate outside Florida.
Conclusion
Getting help with estate planning in Collier County requires comparing more than price.
Board certification, elder law integration, and transparent billing can all shape how smoothly your plan comes together and how well it holds up over time.
Before deciding, schedule a consultation and ask how the firm would structure your specific estate.
Explore our blog for more guides on estate planning attorneys and law firms across the U.S.
