Attorney
“Snowbirds” are people who spend the warmer months of the year in cooler northern climates, and then migrate south to escape the cold of winter. Many of these individuals are part-time Florida residents. But like anyone else who lives in our state, part-time or otherwise, they need sound estate planning counsel. The law firm they retain should be familiar with the complexities posed by their living arrangements. You can count on the experienced guidance of Verras Law.
The Challenges of Multi-State Estate Planning
The laws that govern wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents and procedures vary from one state to another. It is important to account for these differences when devising a comprehensive estate plan for snowbirds and part-time Florida residents. These are a few specific issues that arise with multi-state estate planning:
- Probate: Probate is the court-supervised administration of property that does not pass through another effective arrangement. It can be necessary with or without a will. Real property in another state can require a separate proceeding there unless ownership or another valid arrangement avoids it.
- Trusts: A properly funded trust may support management during incapacity and avoid probate for trust property. A standard revocable living trust does not itself reduce estate taxes or protect the creator’s assets from creditors. More specialized trusts have different requirements and tradeoffs, including possible state tax consequences.
- Powers of attorney and health care directives: These documents authorize different kinds of decisions. Review execution, recognition and authority under each relevant state’s law. Clear documents and practical access can reduce confusion, although no document guarantees that questions or disputes will never arise.
- Real property: Every state has its own real property laws, and they affect what happens to your property after death. For instance, the laws may impact estate taxes and probate. Taking these differences into consideration is an important step in estate planning.
- Taxes: Domicile and each state’s residency and property rules can affect income, estate, inheritance, and property taxes. More than one state may have a tax claim. Review the rules of each relevant state with your legal and tax advisers.
How Our Estate Planning Practice Can Help
If you are a snowbird or part-time Florida resident, we are prepared to assist you in developing an estate planning strategy that accounts for legal variations across different states. Our approach involves:
- Drafting the necessary Florida-specific instruments: First and foremost, we will begin your plan by explaining various instruments you need to execute under Florida estate laws. Among these are the last will and testament (will), trusts, living will, advance directive, and power of attorney. We will review your specific situation and help you determine which documents are best for you.
- Explaining state variations: Next, we can broadly discuss the fact that state laws vary with respect to estate planning documents and probate. By helping you understand these differences and how they may affect your estate, you can plan accordingly.
- Coordinating advice in other states: I am admitted in Florida, Louisiana, Texas and New York. We consider which state’s law applies to each part of your plan and coordinate with appropriate local counsel when another jurisdiction or a particular issue requires it.
Handling the Critical Details of Your Unique Estate Plan
At Verras Law, we understand how important it is for you to craft an estate plan that takes into consideration your personal objectives as well as your living situation. If you are a snowbird or part-time resident and you are ready to get started on your plan, or update an existing one, schedule your confidential consultation with our office today.
Sources: Florida Statutes § 736.0505; Florida Statutes § 734.102.
Updated October 26, 2026.