{"id":6468,"date":"2026-10-31T02:42:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T02:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T00:59:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T00:59:33","slug":"documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Documents to Gather for Estate Planning in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-80 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6466\" alt=\"Desk in an estate planning attorney&#x27;s office with a completed will, healthcare power of attorney forms, a living trust illustration, and a computer\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Gather Your Documents Before Your Estate Planning Meeting<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.769), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">A clear checklist of the papers, account details and family information Trust Counsel&#x27;s attorneys in Coral Gables use to prepare Florida estate plans, trusts and succession plans.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Leslie V. Marenco \u00b7 Published October 30, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>What documents, asset records, and family information should I gather before meeting with an estate planning attorney in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>Gather four kinds of records before you meet: identity and family papers, any estate documents you already have, a list of assets and debts with supporting statements, and business or foreign-ties paperwork if either applies. Bring them to the first meeting so your time goes to decisions instead of searching for papers.<\/p>\n<p>Good planning starts with an accurate picture. The attorney needs to know what you own, who matters to you, and which documents already exist. An estate planning attorney helps clients gather and assess family and financial information during an initial meeting and treats that information as confidential (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.actec.org\/resource-center\/video\/preparing-for-your-initial-estate-planning-meeting\/\">ACTEC guidance on initial meetings<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Many people arrive with a pile of papers. Sorting them first saves time and shows gaps, such as a missing deed or an unsigned form. Florida&#8217;s signing rules for wills and powers of attorney are strict, so know which originals exist.<\/p>\n<p>Treat the list below as a starting point. The right set depends on your family, your property and your goals. For the wider planning picture, read the <a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/\">Florida estate tax planning guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#x27;re pulling these records together for a parent or for your own plan, you don&#x27;t have to sort it out alone. Our attorneys can talk it through with you. Talk it through with Trust Counsel, PL &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-neat-office-desk-with-binders-papers-and-a-coffee-mug-arra-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A neat office desk with binders, papers, and coffee mugs arranged on it.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Identity, marriage, and family records to collect<\/h2>\n<p>Start with proof of identity and family relationships. These records show who may inherit and who may claim a share under Florida law.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Identification:<\/strong> Government photo ID, plus Social Security numbers for you and your spouse. Keep them in a secure place, not in a shared folder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marriage and divorce papers:<\/strong> Your marriage certificate, any divorce judgment, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Children:<\/strong> Birth certificates for children and dependents, plus adoption or guardianship orders if they exist.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family list:<\/strong> Full legal names, birth dates, relationships and contact details. Include stepchildren and children from earlier relationships.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chosen people:<\/strong> Names of anyone you may want as personal representative (often called an executor), trustee, guardian for a minor child, or health care surrogate. Note whether each person has agreed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Divorce changes plans. Under Florida law, a will provision that affects a spouse is void when the marriage is dissolved, unless an exception applies (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0732\/Sections\/0732.507.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.507<\/a>). Bring any divorce judgment so the attorney can check which provisions apply.<\/p>\n<h2>Existing wills, trusts, and powers of attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Gather every estate document you have signed, and note where each original is kept. Florida&#8217;s rules for wills are detailed, so the original and its signing details matter.<\/p>\n<p>Florida requires a will to be in writing and signed at the end, with the testator signing, or acknowledging the signature, in the presence of at least two attesting witnesses. Those witnesses must sign in front of the testator and each other (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0732\/Sections\/0732.502.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.502<\/a>). The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the clerk of the court having venue of the estate within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0732\/Sections\/0732.901.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.901<\/a>). So tell the attorney who holds the original.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wills and trusts:<\/strong> The original will, any codicils, and each trust agreement, with the date signed. Florida lets a settlor revoke or amend a revocable trust unless its terms say it is irrevocable, though this rule does not apply to trusts created under instruments signed before the Florida Trust Code took effect (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0602.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0602<\/a>). Bring every amendment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Durable power of attorney:<\/strong> The document and the names of the agents. Florida requires the principal&#8217;s signature, two subscribing witnesses and acknowledgment before a notary public or as otherwise provided in s. 695.03 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0709\/Sections\/0709.2105.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 709.2105<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health care documents:<\/strong> Health care surrogate designations, advance directives and any living will. Give copies to your medical providers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guardianship designations:<\/strong> Any nomination for a minor child or an adult who may become incapacitated. In a guardianship case, the court must check whether a valid advance directive exists (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0744\/Sections\/0744.3115.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 744.3115<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prior changes:<\/strong> Memoranda, amendments and older versions, so the attorney can confirm which document controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Asset, debt, and beneficiary designation records<\/h2>\n<p>Gather a statement for each account, property and debt, plus the current beneficiary forms. A beneficiary designation can send an asset to a named person outside your will or trust, so check its wording.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Real estate:<\/strong> Deeds and recent property tax bills for each property, with the Florida county where it sits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Financial accounts:<\/strong> Bank, brokerage and retirement statements, with the beneficiary form for each.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insurance and annuities:<\/strong> Policies and contracts, with primary and contingent beneficiaries listed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vehicles and property:<\/strong> Vehicle titles and a personal property inventory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Debts and digital access:<\/strong> Mortgages, lines of credit and recent tax returns, plus a secured list of online account access. Share it only as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Divorce matters here too. A designation made by or on behalf of the decedent that provides for payment or transfer at death of an interest in an asset to a former spouse is void if it was made before a judicial dissolution of marriage, for decedents dying on or after July 1, 2012, subject to exceptions (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0732\/Sections\/0732.703.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.703<\/a>). Review every form after a divorce.<\/p>\n<h2>Business interests, foreign ties, and tax records<\/h2>\n<p>Business owners and families with assets abroad need more paperwork. Gather the agreements that control ownership and transfers, plus records of any entity or account outside the United States.<\/p>\n<p>For a business, bring operating or shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, ownership percentages and recent financial statements. Under Florida&#8217;s LLC law, an operating agreement governs relations among the members as members and between the members and the limited liability company, and the statute&#8217;s default rules apply to any matter the operating agreement does not otherwise provide for. Note who would run the business and any key employee or partner arrangements.<\/p>\n<p>Tax figures help frame the planning. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/26\/2010\">IRC \u00a7 2010(c)(3)<\/a> states that, for purposes of that subsection, the basic exclusion amount is $15,000,000. In the case of any decedent dying in a calendar year after 2026, that dollar amount is increased by a cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3), and any adjusted amount that is not a multiple of $10,000 is rounded to the nearest multiple of $10,000. The annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per donee (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/frequently-asked-questions-on-gift-taxes\">IRS gift tax FAQs<\/a>). An individual who makes gifts beyond the listed exceptions must file a gift tax return for that year. Bring prior gift tax returns.<\/p>\n<p>For assets outside the United States, list the country, asset type, how it is titled, and any foreign trust, company or bank account.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/close-up-of-colorful-binder-clips-labeled-with-words-like-bu-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of colorful binder clips labeled with words like business, banking, money, and finance.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Organizing your folder and taking the next step<\/h2>\n<p>Put everything in one labeled folder, on paper or in secured digital storage. Add a one-page index that lists each document, its date and where its original is kept.<\/p>\n<p>Many people start this work after a parent&#8217;s health changes or a spouse dies. Searching drawers and inboxes at that time is hard. Go one category at a time, and bring partial records if that&#8217;s all you have. Add a short list of goals, questions about family, and any concerns about a relative&#8217;s capacity or care needs.<\/p>\n<h3>Frequently asked questions<\/h3><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I bring my original will?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, bring the original and any codicils if you have them. The clerk must keep the original will in its original form.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does a Florida will need witnesses?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Florida requires at least two attesting witnesses, who must sign the will in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long must the clerk keep an original will?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least 20 years, under Florida law (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0732\/Sections\/0732.901.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.901<\/a>).<\/p><p>Leslie V. Marenco is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm&#8217;s only office is in Coral Gables. If you&#8217;re gathering these records for a parent or for your own plan, you can book a free, confidential initial consultation, with no obligation to continue. Call (305) 707-7126 or <a href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">schedule online<\/a>. Trust Counsel&#8217;s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, and the firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries.<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Trust Counsel, PL, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 802, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to do so.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Core Documents to Collect<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Existing Wills and Codicils<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring any original will, codicils and prior drafts. Keep originals in their original form so they can be reviewed as signed.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trust Agreements and Amendments<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gather every revocable or irrevocable trust, restatement and amendment, along with any letters of wishes or trust schedules.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Property and Account Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">List deeds, mortgages, bank and brokerage statements, retirement accounts, life insurance policies and beneficiary designation forms.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business Ownership Papers<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collect operating agreements, shareholder or partnership agreements, buy-sell agreements and recent valuations for any closely held business.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Information to Have Ready<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family and Beneficiaries<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Names, birth dates and contact details for spouses, children, grandchildren and other intended beneficiaries.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiduciary Choices<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Names and contact details for anyone you are considering as a trustee, personal representative or guardian, including backup choices.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real Estate and Foreign Holdings<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addresses of Florida and out-of-state property, and any assets or accounts held in other countries.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Identity and Insurance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copies of identification, Social Security numbers, health care directives and existing insurance policies.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Do Not Discard Older Documents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier wills, trusts and beneficiary forms can still matter. Keep them until your attorney has reviewed your full set of documents, so nothing is overlooked.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Schedule online<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Schedule online<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How to Prepare for Your Meeting<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make a Written Inventory<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">List your major assets, debts and accounts in one document, with approximate values and where each item is held.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Note Your Goals<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write down what you want to accomplish, such as protecting a spouse, planning for a business transfer or managing care for a family member.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Share Your Questions<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring a list of concerns so your attorney can address tax, asset protection and succession issues during the first meeting.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Start With a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Call (305) 707-7126 or schedule a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Call (305) 707-7126 or schedule a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/estate-planning-attorney-coral-gables\/\">Estate Planning Attorney in Coral Gables, Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/estate-planning-attorney-fort-lauderdale-fl\/\">Estate Planning Attorney Fort Lauderdale Fl<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/estate-planning-probate-attorney-key-biscayne\/\">Estate Planning Probate Attorney Key Biscayne<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/estate-planning-vs-probate-litigation-miami-dade\/\">Estate Planning vs Probate Litigation Miami Dade<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/florida-estate-plan-timeline\/\">Florida Estate Plan Timeline<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gather these documents, asset records and family details before your first Florida estate planning meeting. Checklist from Trust Counsel, PL in Coral Gables.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2018,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/es\/recursos-planificacion-sucesoria-abogado-florida\/documentos-planificacion-patrimonial-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Probate\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Probate\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Trust (law)\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trust_(law)\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Trust Counsel, PL\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/\"}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Florida adults preparing a first estate planning meeting, adult children or relatives gathering records for a parent, and business owners or families with foreign ties organizing their records\", \"geographicArea\": {\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}}, \"headline\": \"Gather Your Documents Before Your Estate Planning Meeting\", \"isPartOf\": {\"name\": \"Estate Planning Resources\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\"}, \"keywords\": [\"documents to gather estate planning florida\", \"estate planning documents florida\", \"florida estate planning checklist\", \"what to bring to estate planning attorney florida\", \"florida durable power of attorney documents\", \"florida health care surrogate advance directive\", \"florida revocable trust documents needed\", \"beneficiary designations florida estate planning\", \"guardianship designation florida estate planning\"], \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Trust Counsel, PL\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": {\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"description\": \"A plain-language checklist of the identity and family records, existing estate documents, asset and debt records, beneficiary designations, and business or foreign-ties paperwork to collect before a first meeting with a Florida estate planning attorney.\", \"articleSection\": \"Estate Planning\", \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Estate planning\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Estate_planning\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Will and testament\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Will_and_testament\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Executor\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Executor\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Trustee\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trustee\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Estate tax in the United States\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Estate_tax_in_the_United_States\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Gift tax in the United States\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gift_tax_in_the_United_States\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Power of attorney\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Power_of_attorney\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Advance healthcare directive\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Advance_healthcare_directive\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Legal guardian\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_guardian\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Elective share\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elective_share\"}], \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Tanya Vega\", \"jobTitle\": \"Managing Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/mybarprofile\/41469\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Trust Counsel, PL\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/\"}}, \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I bring my original will?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, bring the original and any codicils if you have them. The clerk must keep the original will in its original form.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does a Florida will need witnesses?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Florida requires at least two attesting witnesses, who must sign the will in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long must the clerk keep an original will?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"At least 20 years, under Florida law (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 732.901). Leslie V. Marenco is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm\u2019s only office is in Coral Gables. If you\u2019re gathering these records for a parent or for your own plan, you can book a free, confidential initial consultation, with no obligation to continue. Call (305) 707-7126 or schedule online. Trust Counsel\u2019s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, and the firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-in-an-estate-planning-attorney-s-office-with-a-complete-photo-1.jpg\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Resources Estate Tax Planning Attorney Florida\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Documents to Gather for Estate Planning in Florida\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/resources-estate-tax-planning-attorney-florida\/documents-to-gather-estate-planning-florida\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Gather these documents, asset records and family details before your first Florida estate planning meeting. 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