Tri-County Area FL Estate Planning Lawyer Offers Important Estate Tips

By April Madrid


Although not everybody likes to do it, deciding how to distribute assets upon one's death is important. It can take care of a lot of problems for survivors. For those in Florida with substantial financial and physical holdings, determining how they will be distributed is probably best done with the help of a good tri-county area FL estate planning lawyer.

It is recommended that adults of all ages have an estate plan in case a medical emergency or other tragic event leaves them unable to communicate their wishes to family members or medical personnel. If a parent has minor children, the estate plan can provide for their well-being. Estate planning may be especially complex for blended families or single individuals. The estate planning firm advises clients to prepare a plan while they're young and healthy so they can explore all their options to preserve their legacy.

The probate attorney guides clients through the process of developing a plan that focuses on their goals. Understanding that each individual has unique circumstances, the firm does not use a cookie-cutter approach.

An experienced lawyer can provide clients with the information they need to make good decisions and to consider possibilities they may have overlooked. The client may want to designate a trusted friend or family member with power of attorney in case he or she becomes incapacitated and unable to make sound decisions for themselves for instance.

Clients can learn about different types of trusts and which are most appropriate considering their objectives. The various types of trusts include charitable, land, revocable, and irrevocable. Special needs trusts protect a disabled family member's access to government benefits. QPRT trusts allow for greater gift tax exemptions.

There are many ways a professional can assist with the complicated process of distributing financial assets. The client may have a special charity to be mentioned in the legal documents and donated to annually. A special needs relative may require protection and instructions regarding government benefits that can be included in the plan along with instructions for ongoing care.

Decisions about how to leave assets, whether it is money, real property, heirlooms, or instructions for beloved family members, should be done carefully and thoughtfully. A good planning attorney can be extremely helpful in making certain everything is handled exactly as desired upon the individual's death.




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