Prepare Your Florida Estate Plan To Protect Your Loved Ones

For over 40 years I've helped thousands of people protect their loved ones.

Proper planning before your death is essential to lessen the burden on your loved ones. While no one wants to think about death or disability, establishing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Not only does it put you in charge of your finances, but estate planning can also spare your loved ones the expense, delay and frustration associated with managing your affairs when you pass away or become disabled.

With my experience and knowledge of Florida Law I have helped thousands of individuals just like you protect their loved ones and personal property for over 40 years. We will provide solid legal advice and help you plan your estate based on your specific needs.

Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.

You can count on us for professional, courteous legal guidance in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Planning Your Estate:

The Three P’s of Personal Planning – People, Property and Plans

• The planning process truly begins with People. You should make a list of people you wish to receive your property at the event of your death - your loved ones, charities, churches, special causes, colleges or universities and even your pets.
• Property refers to real or personal in your name alone not jointly held.
• You need to determine who will be the beneficiaries of your life insurance policies. If the beneficiary is not the decedents estate, it is a nonprobate asset.
• Consider the plans you would make for those people (including yourself) and your property in the event of your own incapacity or death.
• Determine who you want to be your Guardian in the event of incapacity or your Personal Representative in the event of your death.
• Determine who would care for your minor children.
• Determine how you would distribute your assets to your heirs.

Last Will and Testament

A Last Will and Testament should reflect the decedent’s desire to distribute his/her assets after death. To die without a Last Will and Testament will result in the assets being distributed as set forth by the Statutes of the State of Florida. Important recommendations in regards to your Will include:

• Name the person that you want to be in charge of administering your estate (Personal Representative) and also an alternate Personal Representative;
• Designate your preference for the Guardian of your children;
• Update your will as circumstances change in your life with a Codicil to your will or by executing a completely new Last Will and Testament;
• Distribution of your assets;
• Distribution of personal property pursuant to a dated and signed separate writing designated and referred to in the Last Will and Testament.

Guardianship

The situation of Guardianship can be avoided by the execution of a Durable Power of Attorney as prescribed under the Florida Statutes. It is recommended that a trusted friend or family member be appointed under the Power of Attorney and also that an alternate person be named in the event that the first person is unable or unwilling to serve at the time needed.

Durable Power of Attorney

Once executed, Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) is valid until it is revoked by the person executing the DPA or his/her death, whichever occurs first.

Health Care Surrogate

You should name a family member or a trusted friend who is familiar with your desires as to medical treatment. It is also recommended that an Alternate person be named. The healthcare surrogate is valid until it is revoked or the person who executed the instrument has died

Living Will

A Living Will is not a Last Will and Testament and does not distribute assets. A Living Will is used if an individual is in a “terminal condition” and desires or does not desire that life extending procedures be used.

Do Not Resuscitate

A Living Will does not act as a “do not resuscitate” order. It is a separate document which should be obtained by a Health Care facility and kept with the individual named in the Do Not Resuscitate Order.

We can help you get your estate in order legally. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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