Estate planning is the process of preparing your personal and real property for the passage to those who you wish to benefit. The creation of a will, trust, or a combination of the two are the mechanisms which enable you (rather than the state legislature) to
designate who will receive your property during and after your lifetime. By taking a proactive approach to the planning process, your estate can avoid tax consequences and possibly the need to submit your estate to a formal probate.

SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED?

Do you need a Last Will and Testament?

Do you need a trust?

Which is better a Will or a Trust?

What is a Power of Attorney? Do you need one?

What is a Designation of Health Care Surrogate?

What is a Living Will?

Call us and ask!

386-427-5227

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION 

During an estate planning consultation you can expect to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who will help you design a estate plan to meet your specific needs. In doing so, we take into consideration your goals, family dynamics, and financial status. Using that information, we will design a Will and/or Trust together with a Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, and a Living Will to esure that you plans are followed.

For more information or a consultation, see our Contact Page.
 
If you prefer to look up the information for yourself Florida Statute 732.501 (2006) outlines the procedure for construction of a will. Users are cautioned to follow the letter of the statute.

Questions You Should Be Prepared to Discuss

• What will be in your estate? The most typical items which are distributed within an estate are the real and personal property. Real property are the home(s) and land which have been acquired during your life time. Often these items are what create the most value in the estate planning process. Personal property on the other hand is everything that is not real property and cash. This often includes the small items that hold the most semential value to you.
• Who will inherit under your will? Those who inherit under your will are referred to as beneficaries. Typically, there are two type of beneficiaries within a will or trust. The first type is referred to as a specific beneficiary. A specific beneficiary will inherit a specific item from the estate or a specific amount of money from the estate. The second type of beneficiary is called a residuiary beneficiary. A residual beneficiary inherits the remainder of the items within the estate that have not been left to specific individuals.
• In the event that one of the named beneficiaries passes before you, who would their items or share go to? This is a question many individuals overlook.

Have Questions?

We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page for complete contact information or visit us at:

221 North Causeway, Suite A

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169