South Florida Estate Planning Attorney | Florida Bar #124081 | Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021 through 2026

Estate Planning Attorney South Florida: Protect Your Family With a Complete Legal Plan

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and Lady Bird Deeds for families across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties and statewide across Florida. 9 years licensed. 13 years in estate law. Available Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In-person meetings by appointment Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM. Evening and weekend availability is by phone and Zoom only.

Florida Bar #124081

Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021 through 2026

2024 Elite Lawyer Award

13 Years Estate Law Experience

8am to 9pm Daily | English and Spanish

Estate Planning in Florida

What Protection Does an Estate Plan Provide for Florida Families?

An estate plan provides 5 legal protections: asset distribution control, incapacity management, minor child protection, probate avoidance, and estate cost reduction.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover holds Florida Bar license #124081 and has worked in Florida Probate and Estate Law for 13 years beginning her legal career in 2012 before becoming a licensed Florida attorney in 2016. She serves individuals and families across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and statewide throughout Florida.

A 2024 Caring.com survey found 56% of American adults lack basic estate planning documents. Families without an estate plan are subject to Florida Statutes Chapter 733 intestate succession and mandatory probate proceedings. The American Bar Association reports probate costs consume up to 3% of an estate’s total value.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover personally drafts 6 primary legal instruments: last wills and testaments, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, healthcare surrogate designations, living wills, and Lady Bird Deeds.

Estate Planning

Create a legally binding plan that decides who gets what, who speaks for you, and who raises your children before a court has to.

Probate

When someone passes, we guide through Florida's court process correctly, and without the delays that cost estates thousands of dollars.

Guardianship

When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, we handle every step of the court process to get them the legal protection they need.

Lady Bird Deed

Pass your Florida home directly to your family at death, skip probate entirely, and keep full control of the property for the rest of your life.

About the Attorney

Who Is Attorney Yanitza Schoonover?

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover is a Florida Bar licensed estate planning and probate attorney with 13 years of experience in Florida estate law and 9 years as a licensed practicing attorney (Florida Bar #124081, admitted September 2016). She earned her J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2012 and received her B.A. from Florida International University in 2007.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover has received the Super Lawyers Rising Stars designation every year from 2021 through 2026 and was named a 2024 Elite Lawyer award recipient. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate administration, and guardianship.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover practices at The Schoonover Law Firm, P.A., located at 6303 Waterford District Dr, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33126.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover handles every client file personally.

6 Legal Instruments

Languages: English and Spanish

What We Do

Estate Planning Legal Services in South Florida

The Schoonover Law Firm provides 4 core legal services: estate planning document preparation, Florida probate administration, guardianship proceedings, and Lady Bird Deed drafting and recording. Attorney Yanitza Schoonover delivers each service personally across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties and statewide throughout Florida.

What Is Estate Planning and What Documents Does It Include?

Estate planning is the legal process of creating binding instruments that govern asset distribution, decision-making authority, and family protection after death or incapacity.

A complete Florida estate plan includes 6 primary legal documents:

Last will and testament
Revocable living trust
Durable power of attorney
Healthcare surrogate designation
Living will and advance directive
Lady Bird Deed (for real property owners)

The American Bar Association reports probate costs consume up to 3% of an estate’s total value. A coordinated estate plan reduces or eliminates this expense entirely.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover builds each estate plan around the client’s specific asset structure, family composition, and wealth transfer goals. She also advises business owners on succession planning as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

What Is Florida Probate and How Does It Work?

Florida probate is the court-supervised legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, settling outstanding debts, and transferring titled assets to named beneficiaries.

Florida law establishes 2 probate pathways:

Formal administration: estates above $75,000 or contested wills
Summary administration: estates at $75,000 or below, or 2+ years prior
Average timeline: 9 to 24 months (formal administration)
Governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 733

Florida formal probate proceedings average 9 to 24 months. Attorney fees, court costs, and creditor claim periods are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 733.

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover handles both administration types for families across South Florida and statewide.

What Is Guardianship in Florida?

Florida guardianship is a court-authorized legal arrangement granting a designated person authority to manage the personal or financial affairs of a minor child or incapacitated adult. Florida Statutes Chapter 744 governs all guardianship proceedings.

The appointment process requires 5 mandatory steps:

File a petition for guardianship with the circuit court
Complete a court-ordered background investigation
Attend a hearing before a circuit court judge
Complete a Florida-approved guardianship training course
File annual guardianship plans and financial accountings

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover guides South Florida families through every stage of the guardianship process.

What Is a Lady Bird Deed in Florida?

A Lady Bird Deed is a Florida enhanced life estate deed that transfers real property to named beneficiaries at death without probate court involvement. The property owner retains full lifetime control.

Florida is 1 of 5 states recognizing this deed type, alongside Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.

A Lady Bird Deed delivers 4 legal protections:

Probate avoidance: property transfers directly to beneficiaries upon death
Full lifetime control: sell, mortgage, or revoke without beneficiary consent
Durable power of attorney
Medicaid eligibility preservation: no Medicaid asset penalty triggered
Homestead exemption retention: Save Our Homes cap preserved

Attorney Yanitza Schoonover drafts and records Lady Bird Deeds for homeowners across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties and throughout Florida.

Why Choose Us

Why Do South Florida Families Choose The Schoonover Law Firm for Estate Planning?

South Florida families choose The Schoonover Law Firm for 7 specific reasons: recognized attorney credentials, direct attorney access, extended daily availability, flat fee pricing, dedicated estate law focus, bilingual service, and verified Florida Bar license.

Client Reviews

What Do South Florida Clients Say About The Schoonover Law Firm?

Verified Google reviews from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach families.

“Professional, friendly, and incredibly efficient. Fast and accurate work that exceeded my expectations. Answered all my questions.”

Isa Cabrera

“Yani is truly the best attorney. Helped my family navigate difficult matters after our father’s passing.”

YJ Del Valle

“Extremely knowledgeable and personable. Communicates with warmth and professionalism. Someone you can trust with sensitive matters.”

Monica Guerrero

“Exceptional experience from start to finish. Helpful, knowledgeable, and provided comprehensive guidance on estate planning and probate.”

Claudia Gaviria Hernández

“Efficient, easy to understand, and made the entire process effortless. Highly recommend her services.”

Eve Fernandez

“Timely, prompt, personable, and approachable. Successfully resolved my probate case.”

Alec Orlick

“Answered all my questions when other attorneys would not. Highly recommend for estate planning needs.”

Luisa Rodriguez

“Kind, professional, and patient. Made the process smooth and stress-free for my elderly grandparents.”

Andrew Medina

“Helped ease the stress of losing a loved one and guided me through the probate process.”

Chris Johnson

“Understood exactly what we needed and handled everything properly. We left knowing everything was done correctly.”

Mayelin Jimenez

Where We Serve

Areas We Serve

The Schoonover Law Firm serves clients statewide across Florida. Attorney Yanitza Schoonover is based at 6303 Waterford District Dr, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33126 and primarily serves families in the following areas.

Miami-Dade County

Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Homestead, Miami Gardens, North Miami, Doral, Aventura, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka, Sweetwater, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Key Biscayne, Miami Shores, Surfside, Biscayne Park, El Portal, West Miami, Virginia Gardens, Medley, Hialeah Gardens, Florida City, North Bay Village, Bay Harbor Islands, Golden Beach, Miami Springs, Islandia, Westchester, Tamiami, Kendale Lakes, The Hammocks, Fountainebleau, University Park, Olympia Heights, Gladeview, Leisure City, Naranja, Princeton, Three Lakes, Country Club, Kendall

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a will in Florida?

If you die without a will in Florida, the state distributes your assets through intestate succession a fixed legal formula that may not reflect what you intended. Your surviving spouse, children, and parents each have defined shares under Florida law. The process goes through probate court, which takes time and money. A will eliminates this uncertainty and keeps your wishes in control.

How much does estate planning cost in Florida?

The cost depends on what documents you need. A simple will package is less expensive than a revocable living trust. At Estate Planning Attorney, pricing is quoted upfront and you know the total before we begin. There are no billing surprises. Call (305) 299-7496 for a fee quote specific to your situation.

A local attorney can help determine if any updates or changes are necessary to make your will consistent with Florida law. Additionally, having a local attorney can facilitate a smoother probate process in the event of your passing, as they will be familiar with the local probate court procedures and requirements.

Even if you do not have a will, it is still recommended to consult with a probate attorney in Miami to ensure that your estate is properly handled according to Florida law. An attorney can also provide guidance on other essential estate planning documents, such as a power of attorney and living will, to ensure that your wishes are carried out in various circumstances.

In summary, consulting with a local probate attorney in Miami when you have relocated to Florida is a prudent decision, especially if you have any concerns or questions about your estate planning. They can provide you with personalized advice and ensure that your estate planning documents align with the laws and regulations of your new state.

Do I need an estate plan if I don't have a lot of assets?

Yes. Estate planning is not only about money. It includes your healthcare surrogate who makes medical decisions if you are incapacitated and your power of attorney who manages your finances. These documents matter at any asset level. Without them, your family may need to petition the court for guardianship over you while you are still alive.

The exact rules for intestate succession can vary from one jurisdiction to another, as each state may have its own laws governing how assets are distributed when there is no valid will. Typically, spouses, children, and close relatives are given priority as heirs in intestate succession, but the specific order and distribution may differ depending on the state’s laws.

It’s important to note that intestate succession can lead to outcomes that may not align with the decedent’s wishes. To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your preferences, it is advisable to create a valid Last Will and Testament or engage in estate planning with the assistance of an attorney. This allows you to have greater control over how your estate is distributed after your passing.

What is the difference between a will and a trust in Florida?

A will goes through Florida’s probate process after death; it is a public document and takes time to execute. A trust transfers assets directly to beneficiaries without probate, is private, and can take effect during your lifetime as well. Many Florida families use both. Attorney Yanitza Schoonover will recommend the right combination based on your specific situation.

If a decedent passed away without any assets in their name or with assets that have designated beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance policies, retirement accounts), then probate may not be necessary for those specific assets. These assets typically pass directly to the designated beneficiaries outside of probate.

However, if the decedent had assets solely in their name or without designated beneficiaries, probate may be required to transfer ownership of those assets to the appropriate heirs or beneficiaries. The presence of a will, with a nominated Personal Representative or Executor, can guide the probate process and help ensure that the decedent’s wishes are carried out, but it does not necessarily eliminate the need for probate, as you rightly pointed out.

The necessity of probate is indeed contingent on the specific circumstances of the decedent’s estate, and it’s important to consult with an attorney to determine whether probate is required and how to proceed accordingly. Thank you for providing this valuable clarification.

How long does probate take in Florida?

Florida summary administration for estates under $75,000 typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Formal administration for larger estates typically takes 9 to 18 months or longer if the estate is contested. Starting the process with an experienced probate attorney reduces delays caused by paperwork errors, missing creditor notices, or court filing mistakes.

Get Started Today

How Do You Start an Estate Plan With Schoonover Law Firm?

Start an estate plan with The Schoonover Law Firm by calling (305) 299-7496, emailing info@estateplanningattorney.us, or scheduling a free consultation at estateplanningattorney.us.

Attorney Schoonover reviews your asset structure, family composition, and goals in the first call. A fee quote follows before any legal work begins.

Every estate plan includes a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, healthcare surrogate designation, and living will at minimum.
Real property owners receive a Lady Bird Deed evaluation at no additional charge.

The Schoonover Law Firm serves Florida families as a dedicated estate planning attorney, will and trust attorney, probate and estate administration attorney, and guardianship attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Email info@estateplanningattorney.us
Schedule a Free Consultation at estateplanningattorney.us
In-person meetings by appointment only.
English and Spanish: Hablamos Español
Fee quote provided before any work begins, flat fee for estate planning