By Ashley Robinson Navigating estate planning in Hollywood, Florida requires more than simply drafting a basic will. With Broward County continuing to grow as a major destination for retirees, business owners, real estate investors, and multi-generational families, protecting assets properly has become increasingly important.
Florida estate law contains strict probate rules, homestead protections, and trust requirements that can significantly impact how property transfers after death. Without proper legal planning, families may face expensive probate proceedings, inheritance disputes, creditor claims, and delays in accessing assets.
Whether you are protecting a family home, structuring a business succession plan, or preparing for future healthcare needs, working with an experienced local estate planning attorney is essential. Below are five of the top estate planning attorneys and law firms serving the Hollywood area in 2026.
1. OC Estate & Elder Law
OC Estate & Elder Law has become one of the most respected boutique estate planning firms in the Hollywood area. Founded by Fernando Orrego and Natasha Chipiga, the firm focuses heavily on personalized estate strategies rather than generic legal templates.
Their practice is especially popular among families balancing the needs of children, aging parents, and retirement planning. The firm helps clients build trusts and asset protection systems designed to reduce probate exposure and preserve wealth from long-term healthcare costs.
Key Services:
- Revocable living trusts
- Medicaid planning
- Asset protection
- Probate avoidance
- Long-term care planning
Office Address: 4601 Sheridan Street, Suite 311, Hollywood, FL 33021
2. Grimaldi Law Firm
Grimaldi Law Firm stands out for combining estate planning with extensive real estate and title experience. Led by attorney Melinda Grimaldi, the firm is highly experienced in ensuring homes, investment properties, and business interests are properly transferred into trusts.
This is especially important in South Florida, where real estate ownership often creates probate complications when deeds and trust documents are not aligned correctly.
Key Services:
- Revocable trusts
- Deed and title planning
- Asset protection
- Probate planning
- Business entity structuring
Office Address: 4000 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 675-S, Hollywood, FL 33021
3. Grand & Grand, P.A.
Grand & Grand focuses heavily on estate planning for executives, entrepreneurs, and families with larger financial portfolios. The firm integrates estate planning with business succession strategies to help preserve wealth across generations.
Their attorneys frequently assist clients with trust structures tied to commercial real estate, partnerships, and family-owned companies.
Key Services:
- High-net-worth estate planning
- Corporate succession planning
- Asset preservation
- Trust administration
- Wealth transfer strategies
Office Address: 4010 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021
4. Barash-Schatten Law Firm, P.A.
Barash-Schatten Law Firm is well known throughout Broward County for helping families establish strong foundational estate plans. Led by Pamela Barash, the firm focuses heavily on wills, trusts, guardianship planning, and probate administration.
The practice is especially popular among parents who want to establish legal protections for minor children and create clear inheritance structures that reduce family disputes later.
Key Services:
- Wills and trusts
- Guardianship planning
- Probate administration
- Minor child trusts
- Healthcare directives
Office Address: 2450 Hollywood Blvd STE 201, Hollywood, FL 33020, United States
5. Andrea L. Jakob, PA (Jakob Legal)
Andrea Jakob is highly regarded for helping seniors and families prepare for medical incapacity and long-term healthcare situations. Her firm focuses on durable powers of attorney, healthcare surrogate documents, and special needs planning.
The practice also helps clients protect homes and savings from excessive long-term care expenses through Medicaid planning strategies.
Key Services:
- Durable powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- Special needs trusts
- Medicaid asset protection
- Elder law planning
Office Address: 12401 Orange Dr, Suite 219, Davie, FL 33330
Why Estate Planning Matters in Florida
Florida’s estate laws are highly technical compared to many other states. A simple online template may fail to address:
- Probate court delays
- Homestead restrictions
- Incapacity planning
- Tax exposure
- Real estate title issues
- Family inheritance disputes
A professionally prepared estate plan helps families avoid unnecessary legal complications while protecting assets for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does a will avoid probate in Florida?
No. A will generally still goes through probate court. Living trusts are commonly used to avoid probate.
Q. What is a revocable living trust?
A revocable living trust allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement after death.
Q. Why are powers of attorney important?
They allow someone you trust to manage financial or legal matters if you become incapacitated.
Q. What is Florida homestead protection?
Florida homestead laws protect primary residences from certain creditors and affect inheritance rights.
Q. Can estate planning reduce taxes?
Yes. Certain trust structures and gifting strategies may help reduce estate and tax exposure.
Q. What happens if I die without a will in Florida?
Florida intestacy laws determine who receives your property, which may not match your wishes.
Q. How often should an estate plan be updated?
Most attorneys recommend reviewing estate plans every few years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, retirement, or relocation.