Law Dog, PLLC: Keeping Your Estate Out of the Doghouse
At Law Dog, PLLC, we provide expert estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, and trust administration services to clients across Florida.
About Law Dog, PLLC
At Law Dog, PLLC, we provide expert estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, and trust administration services to clients across Florida. Our mission is to protect your assets, honor your wishes, and ensure a seamless process for your loved ones.
As a veteran-owned firm, we take pride in supporting fellow veterans and their families with estate planning tailored to their specific needs. We understand the unique challenges and benefits veterans face, offering thoughtful solutions to safeguard their future.
Estate planning is more than paperwork—it’s about securing peace of mind. We build strong, lasting relationships with our clients, offering personalized advice and ensuring your goals are met.
Professional Work
About Lonson “Law Dog” Becker
As an attorney with a focus on estate planning, I’m dedicated to helping individuals and families protect their futures. A Navy veteran myself, I have a deep understanding of the unique needs of service members and their families, and I’m passionate about offering tailored legal solutions to those who have served.
My approach is simple: clear, practical advice that protects your assets and ensures your wishes are respected. Whether you're planning for your family’s future, navigating probate, or setting up a trust, I’m here to provide the guidance you need.
Accessible, Remote Services for Your Peace of Mind
At our firm, your comfort and convenience are our top priorities. We proudly offer fully remote services so that no matter where you are in Florida, you can address your estate planning, probate, and trust administration needs from the comfort and safety of your own home. Whether you’re an older adult, a disabled veteran, or simply prefer the ease of virtual appointments, our experienced team is here to serve you—bringing expert guidance directly to you without the need for travel. Enjoy secure, streamlined online processes designed to make managing your legal affairs as stress-free as possible.
Practice Areas
Life is always changing, and your estate plan should evolve with it. At Law Dog, PLLC, we offer personalized legal solutions, including:
Wills & Trusts
Living Wills & Advance Directives
Durable & Limited Power of Attorney
Health Care Surrogate Designation
Deeds
Estate Planning Services Tailored to Your Needs
Estate Planning
Why Estate Planning Is Essential
Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s about making sure your affairs are handled the way you want. A well-prepared plan can:
Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes
Minimize estate taxes and legal costs
Prevent family disputes and legal challenges
Appoint a trusted person to make decisions if you’re unable to
Waiting too long can lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Take the next step—schedule a consultation with Law Dog, PLLC today.
Wills
In Florida, drafting a will remains a highly formal process, requiring strict adherence to legal requirements for it to be recognized by the courts. These include ensuring the will is in writing, properly executed, and witnessed. For self-proving wills, proper notarization is also necessary. If you already have a will or are in the process of creating one, consulting with a Florida wills and trusts attorney can help ensure it meets all legal standards. Since a will only takes effect upon death, it can be modified or supplemented at any time through a new will or a codicil—an amendment to the existing document. However, any changes must follow the same formalities as the original to be legally valid.
Trusts
In addition to creating a will, Florida residents may also benefit from incorporating trusts into their estate planning strategy. Unlike a will, which takes effect only after death, a trust can be established and utilized during the grantor’s lifetime. Trusts are typically designed to hold assets for the benefit of chosen individuals, known as beneficiaries, while being managed by a trustee who is responsible for ensuring the trust is administered according to the grantor’s wishes. One of the key advantages of a trust is the ability to exercise greater control over how and when assets are distributed. However, for a trust to be effective, it must be properly structured and funded in accordance with Florida law. If not set up correctly, a trust can create complications rather than benefits. Therefore, consulting with a knowledgeable Florida trust attorney is essential to ensure compliance and maximize the advantages of this estate planning tool.
Advance Directives and Durable Power of Attorney
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to express their medical and financial preferences in case they become incapacitated. In Florida, key advance directives include a living will, which outlines the types of medical treatment a person wishes to accept or refuse in end-of-life situations, and a designation of healthcare surrogate, which appoints a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf. Additionally, a durable power of attorney (DPOA) allows a chosen agent to manage financial and legal affairs if the individual is unable to do so.
These documents provide clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that medical and financial decisions align with personal wishes. To be legally effective, advance directives and a DPOA must comply with Florida law, and periodic reviews are recommended to ensure they reflect current preferences. Consulting an experienced Florida attorney can help ensure these documents are properly drafted and enforceable.
Deeds and Estate Planning in Florida
Deeds play a crucial role in estate planning, particularly when it comes to transferring real estate while avoiding probate. In Florida, one powerful tool for property transfer is the Lady Bird Deed (also known as an enhanced life estate deed). This type of deed allows property owners to retain full control of their real estate during their lifetime—including the right to sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries—while ensuring the property passes directly to named beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate entirely.
For those utilizing a Revocable Living Trust, transferring real estate into the trust can provide additional benefits, such as centralized asset management and seamless succession upon incapacity or death. However, improper titling can lead to unintended consequences, such as losing homestead protections or triggering unnecessary tax liabilities. To ensure that real estate transfers align with estate planning goals and comply with Florida law, property owners should consult with an attorney to determine the best deed strategy for their situation.
Probate
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are identified, debts are settled, and remaining property is distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. In Florida, this process varies in complexity depending on the size of the estate, the existence of a valid will, and whether disputes arise among heirs or creditors.
While probate serves to ensure assets are transferred according to the law, it can be time-consuming and costly if not properly managed. Some assets, such as jointly owned property or accounts with designated beneficiaries, may bypass probate altogether. However, for estates subject to probate, having an experienced attorney can help navigate the court system, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure that the estate is handled efficiently. Whether you are an executor managing an estate or a beneficiary seeking guidance, understanding the nuances of Florida probate law can prevent complications and protect your interests.
Trust Administration
Trust administration involves managing and distributing assets held in a trust according to the Grantor’s instructions while complying with Florida law. Unlike probate, trust administration is typically a private process, but trustees still have critical legal and financial responsibilities.
These include notifying beneficiaries, properly managing trust assets, settling outstanding debts or taxes, and ensuring accurate distribution of funds. One important tax advantage of certain trusts is the step-up in cost basis, which can significantly reduce capital gains taxes for beneficiaries inheriting appreciated assets. However, failure to handle tax filings correctly or mismanagement of assets can lead to legal disputes and financial penalties. Given the complexity of tax implications and fiduciary duties, trustees and beneficiaries can benefit from working with an experienced attorney to navigate the process efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
Business Law Services
We offer legal services tailored to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies. Our focus is on helping you navigate the essentials of business law, ensuring compliance and supporting your ongoing operations.
Whether you’re forming a new entity, creating agreements, or handling routine filings, we provide the guidance you need to protect and manage your business effectively.
