Practice Areas 

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

If you’re an attorney or executor managing an estate with property in Florida, you may need ancillary probate to transfer real estate located in our state. This is especially common in 30A, Destin, South Walton, and across Northwest Florida, where second homes and vacation properties are prevalent.

We regularly work with out-of-state law firms and personal representatives to handle Florida-specific probate filings. Our firm offers efficient, responsive service — and local knowledge that makes the process easier for everyone involved.

We can assist with:

• Filing Florida ancillary probate for real property

• Coordinating with out-of-state attorneys and clients

• Ensuring local court compliance in Okaloosa, Walton, and surrounding counties

• Serving attorneys and clients from across the U.S. needing Florida representation.

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

We serve clients throughout Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa Counties and across the Florida Panhandle.

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.

We serve clients across Northwest Florida, including Niceville, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and 30A communities.

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.

At The Cole Law Firm, we assist families across Okaloosa County, Walton County, and throughout Northwest Florida 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.