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Wills, Trusts & Probate

Wills, Trusts & Probate

We've been helping wills, trusts & probate clients for almost thirty years.

There is no rule that says probate must be difficult, that estate planning has to be uncomfortable, or that an attorney cannot utilize “plain English” to communicate with a family during a difficult time.

The Rice Law Firm has proudly served clients in Volusia and Flagler County for over twenty-five years. During that time, we have developed a reputation for providing exemplary service in the areas of wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning. We understand that proper, well thought out planning ensures that your final property and health care wishes will be honored, and that loved ones will be provided for in your absence. Led by Matthew Shapiro, the Rice Law Firm’s Estate Group represents a broad spectrum of clients ranging from those seeking a customized will, to others who require guidance and assistance during a sophisticated probate or complex trust administration.

The Rice Law Firm’s Estate Group also understands that in spite of a person’s best efforts to clarify their wishes before their passing, disputes can arise. Conflicts among the family often magnify the emotions surrounding legal battles in general. To that end, our team does more than plan – we advocate. Armed with experience, credentials and a willingness to understand the true intentions of one who has passed, the Rice Law Firm remains able to handle all matters our clients encounter, including litigation.

Click on any of the links below to learn answers to frequently asked questions and for additional information regarding the credentials of Matthew Shapiro.

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in achieving your estate related goals. Please contact us through our web mail contact form, or through our main office number, 386.310.0061.

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Wills, Trusts & Probate Blog

Estate planning includes decisions related to healthcare. In Florida, living wills and healthcare surrogates are essential tools for ensuring that your medical wishes are honored when you cannot express them yourself. In this blog post, we will explore the purpose and significance of living wills and healthcare surrogates, highlighting their benefits and key considerations when creating these documents.
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets will be distributed after their death. It is a crucial document for anyone who wants to ensure that their wishes are followed and their assets are distributed as they intended. However, the validity of a will can be called into question if it is not an original document. This is because there is a legal presumption that when an original will cannot be found (and was last in the possession of the testator) that it was intentionally destroyed. This presumption can have significant implications for the distribution of assets and may lead to a legal dispute, resulting in additional costs, delays, and stress for loved ones.