• having children
• getting married
• receiving a large influx of money
• moving to Florida from another State

I’d be happy to review your Estate Planning documents at no cost to see whether they need updating.

Tens of thousands of people move to The Sunshine State every year. Perhaps you are one of them.

If you are, then welcome!

If you brought Estate Planning documents with you from your previous State, those documents may need to be updated to avoid issues under Florida law.

If you recently relocated to Florida, schedule a free consultation with me here.

We can discuss creating your Estate Plan and/or review your out-of-State Estate Planning documents to see whether they contain any issues.

Whether you’re creating your first Estate Plan or updating a previous one, here are the general steps we will go through in order to make sure you and your heirs are provided for in the best possible way. Here are some steps:

 
Step 1: Create Your Last Will and Testament

Step 2: Create Your Medical Directives and Financial Power of Attorney

Step 3: Name Beneficiaries For Your Non-Probate Assets

Step 4: Consider Making A Trust

Essentially, a Trust is an Estate Planning tool used for transferring assets to beneficiaries.

More specifically, a Trust is a legal arrangement that allows a Trustee to hold, manage and distribute assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The person who creates the Trust is called a trustor or settlor.

Probate Assets are ones that are transferred by virtue of your Will. These are, generally speaking, assets that are owned by you alone.

Non-Probate Assets are ones that automatically pass to another by law upon your death. These are, generally speaking, assets that you own jointly, and assets for which you have named a P.O.D. beneficiary.

A Will is a written direction controlling the disposition of property at death.

Through a Will, you decide who gets your property instead of the law making the choice for you through a process called intestacy.

You also choose the person who will administer your Estate, called a personal representative (or executor), provided that person qualifies under Florida law.

You can also may make gifts, effective at or after your death, to charity.

The short answer is: EVERYONE.

This article from Forbes shares great information on why you shouldn’t wait to set up a Will or Trust.

Yes, this is the most common arrangement, but not always.