Estate Planning

Your situation is unique, and we can tailor an estate plan for your specific needs and desires.

Your will is your chance to determine your legacy. If you do not have a will, Florida probate laws will determine who will inherit the fruits of your labor. However, even if you are satisfied with whom Florida determines is entitled to your assets, dying without a will can complicate matters for your loved ones.

If you have minor children and/or grandchildren, you can create a trust under your will (testamentary trust) for their benefit.

If you wish to avoid probate altogether, you can opt to put some or all of your hard-earned assets into a trust. Trusts are particularly useful when you own properties in multiple states, so you can avoid probate in all of them. You can make your trust revocable or irrevocable, with benefits for each type of trust. You can even make specific trusts for the benefit of loved ones with special needs or for your favorite charities.

You can also keep your home, often your greatest asset, out of probate by executing an Enhanced Life Estate “Lady Bird” Deed. You keep total control of your home until you pass, and the people you choose inherit automatically. This will spare your loved ones from a lengthy probate case that could cost thousands of dollars and take over a year.

You may also want to consider giving a loved one the ability to make desired health care decisions if you become incapacitated. Health Care Surrogates are people you select to make those decisions, according to instructions you provide them. Living Wills set up a series of conditions under which a physician can stop further treatment, according to your wishes.

You may also want to consider giving a loved one the ability to manage your assets for you if you become incapacitated. You can choose the extent of your agent’s authority, to best care for your needs. You can also set up Limited Powers of Attorney to car for specific matters or oversee specific transactions.