Allie R.B. Castellano reviewing estate planning documents with a colleague

Trusted Sarasota Estate Planning Attorneys

An estate plan is what gives your decisions legal weight when they matter most. At Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A., we help Sarasota families put wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives in place so there’s no confusion later about what you wanted or who should act.

When these documents are in place, it removes a lot of uncertainty later. Families are left with fewer questions, fewer disputes, and a clearer path through difficult situations like incapacity or death. It also gives you a way to reduce avoidable taxes and limit what becomes part of the public record through probate.

Attorney Allie Castellano has handled a wide range of estate planning and probate matters for Sarasota families and has also contributed to Florida estate planning law through appellate work. Clients come to us for direct guidance, flat-fee pricing, and plans that are built to hold up in real situations, not just on paper.

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Your Estate Plan Should Keep Pace With Your Life

A plan that worked for your family a few years ago may not fit today.

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Life Changes

Marriage, divorce, a new child, or an adoption can shift your legal responsibilities and change how you want your assets handled going forward. These changes often require updates to beneficiary designations, guardianship provisions for minor children, or adjustments to existing trusts.

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Financial Changes

Buying a home, selling a business, receiving an inheritance, or building new assets can materially change your estate. When that happens, your plan should be reviewed to confirm that your assets will transfer as intended and that no unintended tax or administrative issues arise for your family.

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Legal & Regulatory Changes

Changes in Florida law or federal rules can impact how your existing documents actually operate. That’s why it’s important to review your plan with an attorney from time to time to keep it valid, effective, and consistent with what you want now.

Don’t Wait to Protect
What Matters Most

Call us at (941) 923-7700 or complete our online form to get started.

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How We Help Sarasota Families

We take the time to understand your assets, your family situation, and your priorities before putting any plan in place. The result is a plan that actually holds up when it needs to, and can be followed without confusion when the time comes.

Will Planning

Put your wishes down clearly so your family isn’t left trying to figure things out later.

Trust Creation

Help your assets stay protected and organized, with more control, privacy, and often less court involvement.

Asset Protection

Work to safeguard what you’ve built so it can move forward to the people you care about.

Healthcare Directives

Choose someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re ever unable to.
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Frequently asked questions

Allie R.B. Castellano seated, answering frequently asked estate planning questions

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What does an estate planning lawyer do?

An estate planning lawyer helps you put the right documents in place so your wishes are followed for your property, health care, and family decisions. That usually includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. They also help you understand what actually applies to your situation, not just the general rules.

Do I need an estate plan if I do not own a lot?

Yes. Estate planning is less about how much you own and more about who you want to make decisions and receive what you leave behind. Even a modest estate can create stress, delay, and conflict for the people you love when there are no clear instructions. A simple plan prevents that, whatever the size of your estate.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will says who gets your property and who cares for minor children, but it only takes effect after death and usually goes through probate. A trust can hold things while you’re alive and after, and often keeps things out of court. A lot of people end up using both. We can help you sort out what actually makes sense for you.

What happens if I die without a will in Florida?

Without a will, Florida’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your property, and it may not match your wishes. The court also appoints someone to handle your estate and make key decisions. A will keeps those choices in your control rather than leaving them to state law.

What is probate, and can my family avoid it?

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate, paying valid debts, and transferring property to the people who inherit it. It can take months and become part of the public record. Many families reduce or avoid probate using tools such as revocable living trusts and proper beneficiary designations. We can review your situation and explain your options.

When should I update my estate plan?

Review your plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a death in the family, a significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. Even without major changes, it is wise to revisit your plan every few years to confirm it still reflects your wishes.

How much does estate planning cost?

Cost depends on the documents your family needs and the complexity of your situation. Our firm offers flat-fee pricing for most estate planning work, so you know the price before we begin, with no hourly surprises. We also offer a free consultation to discuss what you need and what it will cost.

Hear our clients’ stories

My highest recommendation and gratitude to the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. Their generous reliability and core knowledge is truly valuable. Complex legal issues are strategically and efficiently handled. Communication was always prompt, and always my needs were a priority. Competency in cost-benefit analysis resulted in my receiving appropriate compensation. During the procedure, I experienced the highest ethical standards. This firm is truly superior in all regards.

The whole firm fought like hell for me and my family in Court. I highly recommend them.

Our experience with Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. is very positive. They handled all the unexpected annoyances – the E-mails, letters and phone calls that resulted from a relatively minor accident. We are satisfied with our result.

“Drake, Amiee and Nancy were very instrumental in helping me get through a very difficult time in my life. They were very warm and responsive to all my needs at any time. I would highly recommend this team of professionals in any legal matters.

I would highly recommend Drake Buckman to represent myself and any of my loved ones. From the initial contact, Drake always had my best interest, health and welfare as a priority. His friendly, personable manner gave me comfort and confidence from the start of my legal pursuit. Drake Buckman was thorough the entire duration of my case achieving success on my behalf

I found Amiee Buckman to be very attentive, thorough, professional, and very prompt in responding to my needs. I was impressed with not only her professionalism and expertise, but also with her sincerity and honesty. I would highly recommend Amiee Buckman and the firm of Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. to anyone that needed services in the area of law.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. has provided outstanding legal representation for us in the area of Estate Planning and Elder Care. Helped us through a difficult situation with a loved one that resulted in a successful outcome.

I am a client of the Buckman, Buckman & Castellano, P.A. law firm which I use for all my corporate and personal matters. Amiee has a personal hands on approach with attention to details and emphasis on communication. It is with great confidence I recommend her and the entire staff at this firm.

Drake is a conscientious person and a knowledgeable attorney. He’s a great counselor to have working for you. His costs are reasonable; and he will tell you the truth whether that’s what you want to hear or not. He’s experienced in writing Wills and setting up trusts and estates. I highly recommend him.

Mr. Buckman is a highly-skilled Professional who expedited my case efficiently and effectively. He was ethical, knowledgeable, patient and thorough from start to finish. I could not have asked for anything more!