Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

Discover More About Our Firm

Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

Your legacy, protected with clarity, compassion, and foresight.

Wealth isn’t just about what you’ve built—it’s about what you leave behind. Our role is to help you preserve what matters most: your loved ones, your values, and your hard-earned assets. We collaborate with individuals and families to craft custom strategies that minimize risk, reduce taxes, and ensure peace of mind. Whether planning for today or generations to come, we guide you with care and clarity.

Because failing to plan is not an option.

Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

Key Topics and Processes

1. Holistic Legacy Planning

We don’t just draft documents—we design comprehensive plans that reflect your goals, values, and relationships. We work closely with you and your financial advisors to align every piece of your estate plan with your vision.

2. Trusts, Wills & Wealth Transfer

From simple wills to sophisticated trusts, we tailor instruments to support your unique family structure, lifestyle, and goals. We guide you through every step to ensure your plan works in life—and in legacy.

3. Tax Strategy & Asset Protection

We bring together attorneys, CPAs, and advisors to minimize estate and income tax exposure. We help shield your estate from creditors, lawsuits, and avoidable tax burdens with smart, ethical planning.

4. Business Succession & Family Continuity

If you own a business, your estate plan isn’t complete without a succession strategy. We help structure plans that ensure stability, continuity, and fairness—whether you’re passing the torch or planning a future exit.

Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

Why We’re Experts in Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

At Pinna, Johnston & Burwell, P.A., our estate planning team combines legal experience with deep knowledge of tax, finance, and family dynamics. With decades of experience, our attorneys hold advanced certifications and collaborate seamlessly with financial advisors and CPAs to deliver fully integrated planning. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all—your family, your assets, and your vision are too important for templates. We help you plan with purpose, prepare with precision, and preserve what matters most.

Trusted Guidance

We understand this is deeply personal work, and we offer a steady hand every step of the way. Clients trust us because we listen first, then lead.

Integrated Planning

Our team works with your financial planner, CPA, and insurance professionals to create a plan that’s both strategic and seamless. You don’t need to coordinate everything alone—we do it for you.

Proven Results

Our firm has helped families preserve millions in wealth, avoid costly disputes, and create lasting legacies. We take pride in turning complexity into clarity.

FAQ - Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning

Do I need an estate plan even if I’m not wealthy?

Absolutely. Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about making decisions for your loved ones, your healthcare, and your legacy. Without a plan, the court decides how your assets are distributed and who makes decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. A simple will or trust can save your family stress, delay, and expense.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed after you pass away, but it typically must go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, can help your estate avoid probate, offer more privacy, and allow for greater control of your assets during your life and after death. Trusts are often recommended for clients with complex family dynamics, significant assets, or specific long-term goals. We’ll help you decide what structure fits your needs best.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your plan at least every 3 to 5 years—or sooner if you’ve had a major life change like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets. Laws also change, and your plan should reflect current tax rules and best practices. Even small updates can make a big difference in avoiding confusion or conflict later. We’re here to review and adjust your plan anytime life changes.

Can you help protect my assets from taxes or creditors?

Yes, we use proven legal strategies to help protect your assets from unnecessary taxes, lawsuits, and creditors. Our attorneys work alongside CPAs and financial advisors to build plans that are compliant, ethical, and highly effective. These strategies may include irrevocable trusts, gifting techniques, or restructuring ownership of certain assets. Every plan is tailored to fit your specific situation and long-term goals.

What is business succession planning and do I need it?

Business succession planning ensures your company survives—and thrives—beyond your involvement. If you’re a business owner, having a clear plan for ownership transfer protects your employees, partners, and family from uncertainty. We work with you to create structured transitions, whether you plan to pass the business to a family member, sell it, or wind it down. It’s an essential part of your estate and legacy planning.