Florida Attorney | David M. Platt, P.A.

Our Sanibel office is closed due to Hurricane Ian.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our NEW OFFICE at 8880 Gladiolus Drive, Ste. 201, Fort Myers, Florida 33908 in the Avalon Bay Professional Center.

Image of David M Platt, attorney at law, Sanibel FL, with grand daughter

Expertise

Legal Expertise

Estate Planning

It has been said that Estate Planning is a dynamic process, meaning that your plans change over time, often driven by as life events such as births, deaths, marriages, changes in your financial condition and outlook on life. We will work with you to identify your needs, identify tax issues, and offer suggestions on how to best accomplish your goals. From the simple will to complex trusts that preserve wealth over several generations while minimizing taxes, we will work with you to achieve your goal of intergenerational wealth transfer.

Equally important are the lifetime substitute decision making powers including a Durable Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Advocate and Living Will.

These documents provide the opportunity for you to nominate someone to make your financial, health care and end of life decisions for you should you become disabled.

With these powers properly drafted and executed, the possibility of the appointment of a court appointed guardian should you become disable is greatly diminished.

Probate and Trust Administration

When a death occurs, we can help you navigate Florida’s sometimes complex rules regarding probate and trust administration. We provide counsel to personal representatives and successor trustees to make sure that all requirements of probate and trust administration are timely and efficiently addressed.

Probate and Trust Contests

A probate or trust contest can involve several issues, including disposition of family businesses, family held real estate, breach of fiduciary duties, and challenges to the Will or Trust itself. Mr. Platt has been voted as one of Florida’s “Best Lawyers” in probate and trust litigation. (See biography page for details). We understand that this can by an emotionally trying time for all family members, and we work to avoid protracted litigation, while preserving both assets and family relationships.

Asset Protection

Florida has unique laws that provides residents relief from creditor claims, judgment creditors and plaintiffs seeking deep pockets. Asset protection strategies must be in place prior to being sued, so advance planning is important. We can advise you as to the legal strategies that can be implemented to protect the wealth that you have acquired.

Business Entity Formation

We can assist you in selecting the best business entity for your business enterprise, including selecting the structure that meets your long term business goals, and selecting the entity that most effectively addresses income tax considerations.

Real Estate

Real estate matters can involve selecting a business entity to hold title to real estate, as well as title issues that require careful consideration and resolutions. We can assist you in all of your real estate needs.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are agreements entered into prior to marriage. Postnuptial agreements are agreements entered into between a husband and wife after marriage. Both seek to resolve financial arrangements in the event of death or divorce. Florida law is complex on the enforceability of such agreement, and we have the experience in negotiating of these agreements, and making sure that the proper disclosures are made to enforce these agreements.