CFP®-certified, general estate planning guidance financial advisors in Lakeland, FL
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
You might need a general estate planning advisor if you're organizing your will, setting up trusts, or planning for how your assets will be managed after your passing. Without clear guidance, it's easy to overlook how state-specific rules and protections affect your plan's effectiveness.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including estate matters, which can help you navigate complex decisions.
- State-specific knowledge. Florida's strong homestead protections and tax environment impact estate plans; ask how they incorporate these into your strategy.
- Trust and will coordination. Confirm how they help align your documents to avoid conflicts or gaps in asset distribution.
- Tax implications focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they address federal taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes in your plan.
- Asset protection strategies. Discuss how they approach safeguarding your estate from creditors and legal challenges within Florida's legal framework.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Xu X
CFP®, CFA®
Lithia, FL
Aptus Financial, LLC
Xu Xu offers general estate planning guidance in the Lakeland area with CFP® and CFA® credentials, bringing four years of experience and a focus on early- to mid-career professionals, business owners, and medical trainees. His firm, Aptus Financial, LLC, uses a passive, tax-aware investment approach with flat-fee planning and ongoing subscription options, distinguishing him from advisors with hourly or commission-based fees.
Experience: 4 years
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Laura L
CFP®, Series 66
Chicago, IL
Edward Jones
Laura Lear's 16 years at Edward Jones equip her to provide CFP®-certified guidance on general estate planning in Lakeland, FL, including trust and will coordination. Edward Jones' large-firm resources and diverse advisory strategies offer clients access to discretionary and non-discretionary managed solutions, with fees up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Clayton M
CFP®, Series 66
Winter Haven, FL
Morgan Stanley
Clayton Mc Kown offers general estate planning guidance with 18 years of experience and CFP® certification, serving clients near Lakeland, FL from Winter Haven. Affiliated with Morgan Stanley, a large firm managing $2.74 trillion in assets, he provides structured financial planning using firm-approved tools, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less extensive resources.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $670,481
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John C
CFP®
Lakeland, FL
James I. Black & Company
John Christian offers general estate planning guidance in Lakeland, FL, backed by 43 years of experience and CFP® certification, ensuring knowledgeable navigation of Florida's estate laws. His firm, James I. Black & Company, manages $144 million in assets for 130 clients, providing wealth management and financial planning with flat-fee and hourly options, distinguishing him through personalized, non-discretionary portfolio solutions.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $1,108,209
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Mark R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Lakeland, FL
Mass Mutual Investors Services
Mark Rothman offers general estate planning guidance in Lakeland, FL, backed by 16 years of experience and CFP® certification. Affiliated with MassMutual Investors Services, a large firm providing comprehensive financial planning and asset management, he also specializes in divorce financial planning and multi-generational wealth transfer, which may benefit clients seeking broader estate and family financial strategies.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $249,379
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