By Ashley Robinson Estate planning in Orlando is no longer just about writing a simple will. Families across Central Florida are increasingly focused on protecting homes, retirement savings, business assets, and future generations from probate delays, family disputes, and unnecessary financial loss. With Orlando’s fast-growing population of professionals, retirees, business owners, and healthcare workers, having a properly structured estate plan has become essential.
Whether you need a revocable living trust, Medicaid planning for aging parents, special needs planning, or advanced tax and business succession strategies, choosing the right estate planning attorney can make a major long-term difference for your family.
Below is a breakdown of five of the top-rated estate planning attorneys and law firms serving the Orlando area in 2026.
1. Dean Mead
Best For: High-net-worth estate planning, business succession, and advanced tax strategies
Dean Mead is one of the most respected estate planning firms in Central Florida. The firm handles sophisticated estate structures involving business succession, family wealth transfers, charitable planning, and complex trust administration. Their attorneys frequently work with large family-owned businesses, executives, and individuals with substantial real estate or investment holdings.
- Office Address: 420 S Orange Ave, Suite 700, Orlando, FL 32801
2. Family First Firm
Best For: Medicaid planning, elder law, and probate avoidance
Founded by Geoff Hoatson, Family First Firm has built a strong reputation for helping seniors and families protect assets from long-term healthcare costs. The firm focuses heavily on Medicaid qualification strategies, elder law planning, veterans benefits, and streamlined probate solutions.
- Office Address: 1850 Lee Rd, Suite 306, Winter Park, FL 32789
3. Scott G. Miller (Burr & Forman LLP)
Best For: Wealth preservation, IRS tax issues, and executive estate planning
Scott G. Miller is widely recognized for sophisticated tax-focused estate planning in Orlando. His practice handles generation-skipping transfer planning, charitable giving strategies, and complex tax controversies involving the IRS. He is a strong option for executives, physicians, and high-net-worth families.
- Office Address: 50 N Laura St, Suite 3000, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (Serving Orlando clients statewide)
4. Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A.
Best For: Family estate planning, guardianship, and special needs trusts
Sawyer & Sawyer is well known throughout Central Florida for helping families navigate emotional and sensitive estate matters. The firm focuses on wills, trusts, guardianships, probate administration, and special needs planning for disabled loved ones.
- Office Address: 5150 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
5. Gierach & Gierach, P.A.
Best For: Foundational estate planning and probate guidance
With over four decades of legal experience, John Gierach and his team are known for a highly approachable and practical planning style. The firm helps Orlando families create wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives while keeping the process simple and understandable.
- Office Address: 1555 Boren Dr, Suite 200, Ocoee, FL 34761
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need both a will and a trust?
In many cases, yes. A will controls asset distribution, while a trust can help avoid probate and simplify transfers to beneficiaries.
Q. What is probate in Florida?
Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring assets after death. It can take months and may involve legal fees and public court records.
Q. Can estate planning help avoid probate?
Yes. Properly funded living trusts and beneficiary designations can help families avoid much of the probate process.
Q. What is a durable power of attorney?
It allows someone you trust to manage financial or legal matters if you become incapacitated.
Q. Why are healthcare directives important?
They let you document medical wishes and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions if you cannot communicate.
Q. Does Florida have an estate tax?
No. Florida does not currently impose a separate state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Q. When should I update my estate plan?
You should review it after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, childbirth, retirement, or large financial changes.