Practice Areas 

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make thoughtful decisions about the future. Whether you live in Niceville, own a home in South Walton, or just want peace of mind for your family, we’ll help you create a plan that reflects your values and protects your loved ones.

At The Cole Law Firm, we believe in making estate planning approachable. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and create a customized strategy that fits your life and goals.

Estate planning services include:

• Last Will and Testament

• Durable Powers of Attorney

• Healthcare Surrogates and Living Wills

• Advance Directives

• Guardianship designations for minor children

When coming to us isn’t possible, we can come to you.
For clients who are homebound, hospitalized, in assisted living, or receiving hospice care, our team may be able to arrange a home, hospital, or care-facility visit for estate planning and document execution. Please call our office to discuss your circumstances and scheduling needs.

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of legal paperwork and court filings. At The Cole Law Firm, we help families throughout Niceville, Destin, South Walton, and the surrounding areas navigate the Florida probate process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency.

Whether you’re a local executor or a family member trying to understand your responsibilities, we’ll guide you through each step — from filing the will to distributing assets. We make sure deadlines are met, documents are properly prepared, and your loved one’s wishes are honored.

Common probate services include:

• Full estate administration

• Guidance for executors and personal representatives

• Navigating court procedures and required filings

• Resolving debts and asset distribution

Trusts can be powerful tools to protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are carried out efficiently. Whether you need a revocable living trust for your family or want to explore options for more complex estate planning, we’ll help you understand what’s right for your situation.

Common types of trusts we draft:

• Revocable Living Trusts

• Supplemental Needs Trusts

• Testamentary Trusts

• Trust-based planning for blended families or second marriages

In Florida, when a child under 18 inherits money, receives a settlement, or is named as a life insurance beneficiary, a legal guardian of the property may need to be appointed to manage those funds until the child reaches adulthood. This is not the same as guardianship for an elderly or incapacitated adult — it's a separate legal process focused solely on protecting a minor’s financial interests.

We assist families in navigating the legal steps to establish guardianship of a minor’s property. Whether the child is receiving funds from a personal injury settlement, a probate inheritance, or a life insurance policy, we ensure that court requirements are met and that the minor’s assets are properly safeguarded.

We help with:

• Filing petitions for guardianship of minor property

• Court-required documentation and compliance

• Ongoing reporting requirements

• Working closely with families and personal injury attorneys

This is a detailed and often misunderstood area of law — but with the right legal guidance, the process can be smooth, timely, and handled with care. If you're unsure whether guardianship is required, we're happy to help you understand your options and next steps.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling an investment property, or dealing with a property dispute, real estate transactions often involve more than just signing paperwork. We work with homeowners, buyers, sellers, landlords, and property owners to help protect their interests and avoid costly issues before they become bigger problems.

Our real estate services include:

• Real Estate Contract Drafting, Review and Negotiation: Buying or selling real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people make. We draft, review, and negotiate residential real estate contracts to help ensure your interests are protected from contract to closing.

• Partition Actions: When multiple owners cannot agree on what should happen with a property—often after an inheritance, divorce, or partnership dispute—a partition action may be necessary. We help clients navigate the legal process to reach a fair resolution.

• Easement Drafting & Establishment: Questions about shared driveways, utility access, or property rights can quickly become complicated. We assist clients with drafting, reviewing, and recording easements that clearly define each party's rights and responsibilities.

• Residential Leases: Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, a well-written lease can help prevent misunderstandings and future disputes. We prepare and review residential lease agreements tailored to your situation.

From planned communities to commercial developments, Florida's real estate laws require careful planning and experienced legal guidance. We represent homeowners associations, condominium associations, developers, and property owners throughout every stage of development and community governance.

• HOA & COA Representation: We provide legal counsel to homeowners and condominium associations on governing documents, covenant enforcement, board governance, collections, contracts, and day-to-day legal matters so boards can make informed decisions with confidence.

• Developer Representation: Developing property requires coordination between legal, regulatory, and business considerations. We work with developers throughout the development process, from entity formation and governing documents to project planning and compliance.

• Land Use & Re-Zoning: Land use regulations can significantly affect the value and potential of your property. We assist clients with rezoning requests, variances, and local government approvals to help move projects forward.

• Commercial Real Estate Contracts: Commercial real estate transactions often involve unique risks and complex negotiations. We prepare and review purchase agreements, leases, and other commercial real estate documents with an eye toward protecting your investment and long-term goals.