It is sometimes uncomfortable to think about the possibility of incapacity or the eventuality of passing away. It is difficult to consider that you might no longer be around to provide for your loved ones, that you might have to rely on others to manage your finances, or that someone else might have to make decisions for you in the event of your death or incapacity. However, with the proper planning and preparation, you can have peace of mind that your affairs are being handled according to your wishes. If you’re looking to draft a comprehensive estate plan, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled Tampa estate planning lawyers at Tampa Law Group today.
Estate Planning Lawyers: Helping You Preserve Your Legacy
Estate planning refers to the process of planning and preparing for the event of your death or incapacity. A complete estate plan will address a variety of concerns including how assets will be distributed upon your passing, how your finances will be managed, and who will make health and medical decisions should you become incapacitated. Estate planning is exceedingly important because it is how you make your wishes known to your loved ones.
The process of estate planning involves the evaluation of a variety of goals and interests. Some things to consider when putting together an estate plan are:
- The value and type of assets that are involved.
- Who will serve as the personal representative of your will.
- How you want your assets distributed in the event of your passing.
- Whether a trust should be established and if so, the type of trust that is appropriate.
- Who will serve as the trustee of any trust that is to be established.
- Your health care directives and who should be designated to act as your health care surrogate.
People often put off planning for their death or possible incapacity. However, making financial and health care decisions and making these decisions known will ensure that your affairs are handled according to your wishes. For guidance through each step of the estate planning process, contact the lawyers at Tampa Law Group today.
Our Estate Law Services
Our Tampa estate planning lawyers help clients with a wide range of estate-related issues, including the following:
- Wills: Crafting a will with Tampa Law Group ensures your legacy is honored. Our meticulous approach secures your assets’ distribution according to your exact wishes, safeguarding your family’s future.
- Trusts: Establish trusts with precision and foresight. Our estate planning lawyers guide you through selecting the right type, ensuring your assets are managed and protected for those you care most about.
- Powers of Attorney: Empower trusted individuals to manage your affairs with confidence. Our attorneys tailor powers of attorney to your needs, ensuring seamless decision-making on your behalf.
- Advance Healthcare Directives: Secure your healthcare wishes with clear directives. We help articulate your decisions, providing comfort and clarity to your loved ones during challenging times.
- Guardianships: Establish guardianships that protect your loved ones. Our compassionate approach ensures your children or dependent adults are cared for by individuals you trust deeply.
- Special Needs Planning: Tailored planning for loved ones with special needs. Our dedicated team ensures they receive the care and resources they deserve, without compromising their benefits.
- Asset Protection: Our strategic asset preservation services safeguard your wealth from unforeseen claims and taxes, ensuring your legacy endures for generations to come.
- Estate Litigation: In times of dispute, stand strong with Tampa Law Group. Our skilled litigators advocate fiercely for your rights, striving for resolutions that honor your estate’s intentions.
The Benefits of Having an Estate Plan
Having a properly constructed estate plan provides a variety of benefits including:
- You determine who will manage your affairs in the event of your death or incapacity.
- You direct how your assets will be distributed upon your passing rather than assets being distributed according to Florida law.
- Probate avoidance.
- Protecting assets for minor children.
- Appointing guardians for your minor children.
- Avoids family conflicts during times that are already emotional because you are making your wishes known.
- Provides peace of mind for yourself and your family because you will know that everything is in order should you become incapacitated or pass away.
Finalizing Your Estate Plan: Essential Next Steps
Once you have spoken with an estate planning attorney and had all of your estate planning documents drafted according to your wishes, there are still some additional things that you need to do.
Be certain that you follow all of the instructions provided to you by your estate planning attorney. For example:
- If a trust is part of your estate plan, be certain that you FUND YOUR TRUST according to the instructions of your estate planning attorney.
- If your estate planning attorney has advised that you title certain assets in a given way, be certain that you take the steps necessary to title those assets accordingly.
- If applicable, speak with your primary care physician regarding a Do Not Resuscitate Order. Florida does have specific requirements for a DNRO to be valid.
Here is some additional information that will assist your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity:
- Keep all of your estate planning documents in a safe place. We recommend a waterproof, fireproof container. A home safe is a good option (please be certain that your loved ones have the combination in the event that they need to access the documents).
- Speak with those who will be acting on your behalf in the event of your incapacity or death. Inform them of the location of your documents and make sure that they are aware of your wishes.
- Keep other important documents with your estate planning documents. This will allow your personal representative, or other agent, to locate any and all necessary documents without having to spend time searching for them and to handle your affairs in a timely manner. Examples of important documents include but are not limited to, deeds, titles, burial and funeral instructions, life insurance information, retirement account information, and a contact list including the name of your attorney, bank, credit card, and utility companies.
- Consider making burial arrangements in advance and pre-paying for these arrangements. Keep any paperwork related to this with your other estate planning documents.
Please keep in mind that the information listed above is meant to be helpful and informational in nature. This is not an exhaustive list of what could or should be done.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer Today
Don’t go through the estate planning process on your own; hire a team of steadfast lawyers who can effectively represent you and your interests. Here at Tampa Law Group, our goal is to give you and your family the peace of mind you need to focus on what matters most. Contact us today so we can get started.
