Thoughtful estate planning protects the people and property you care about most. We help South Florida individuals and families put clear, durable plans in place — so your wishes are honored and your loved ones are spared uncertainty.
Hochberger Law is a boutique estate planning firm in Deerfield Beach, led by founding attorney Stephanie Hochberger. We help individuals, couples, and families in Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, and throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties build plans that fit their lives — and that hold up under Florida law.
How we can help
Wills & Pour-Over Wills
A well-drafted will directs how your assets are distributed and names guardians for minor children — the foundation of any estate plan. If you also have a trust, a pour-over will catches anything left outside it. Not sure you need a lawyer for this? Here is what can go wrong with a do-it-yourself will in Florida.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust lets you keep control of your property during your lifetime while helping your family avoid the delay and expense of probate — a popular, effective tool for Florida residents. Learn why many families choose a living trust and how it compares to an irrevocable trust.
Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives
Durable powers of attorney, healthcare surrogates, and living wills ensure someone you trust can act for you if you’re ever unable to act for yourself. Florida has its own rules here — see durable vs. springing powers of attorney in Florida.
Enhanced Life Estate (Lady Bird) Deeds
A Lady Bird deed lets you retain full control of your home while passing it to your heirs outside of probate — a simple, powerful planning option for Florida homeowners.
Special Needs & Pet Trusts
Plan for a loved one with a disability without jeopardizing their benefits with a special needs trust, or make sure your animals are cared for with a pet trust.
Beneficiary Designations
Retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts pass by beneficiary designation, not by your will. We review them so they work with the rest of your plan instead of against it.
Florida rules that shape your plan
Estate planning is state-specific. A few Florida rules we build every plan around:
- Signing formalities. A Florida will must be signed at the end and witnessed by two people. Adding a notarized self-proving affidavit lets the will be admitted to probate without tracking down the witnesses later.
- Homestead protections. Florida restricts how you can leave your homestead if you are survived by a spouse or a minor child. Plans that ignore these rules can fail.
- No state estate tax. Florida has no state estate or inheritance tax, so planning focuses on probate avoidance, incapacity, and family goals — and on federal tax only for larger estates.
- No “springing” powers of attorney. Powers of attorney signed in Florida on or after October 1, 2011 generally take effect when signed, which makes choosing the right agent all the more important.
What to expect
- Consultation. We talk about your family, your property, and what matters most to you.
- Plan design. We recommend the right mix of documents — a will, trust, deeds, and incapacity documents — and explain why.
- Drafting and review. You review clear drafts, ask questions, and request changes.
- Signing. We supervise the signing so every formality is met.
- Funding and follow-through. Because we also practice real estate law, we can prepare the deeds that move your home into your trust — a step many plans miss.
Why Hochberger Law
Stephanie Hochberger has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2015 and belongs to its Real Property, Probate & Trust Law and Elder Law sections. As a boutique firm, we offer the responsive, personal attention larger firms often can’t — you work directly with your attorney, not a rotating team.
Estate planning FAQ
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have much money?
Yes. An estate plan is about more than wealth: it names who makes medical and financial decisions if you can’t, who cares for minor children, and who inherits your home. Without one, Florida law decides for you.
Does a will avoid probate in Florida?
No. A will tells the probate court what you want, but assets in your name alone still go through probate. Tools like a revocable trust, a Lady Bird deed, and beneficiary designations can keep assets out of probate. See which assets skip probate in Florida.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review it every few years, and after any major life event — a marriage, divorce, birth, death, move to Florida, or significant change in assets.
I just moved to Florida. Is my old plan still valid?
Often, yes, but out-of-state documents can create problems in Florida, especially around homestead and powers of attorney. A review is worth it when you establish Florida residency.
From the Blog
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Ready to plan with confidence?
Schedule a consultation with Hochberger Law to get started.