My husband and I never made the time to have a Will prepared, but after his mother passed with all her affairs in perfect order, we knew we needed to do the same for our children. We went to see Heidi, who came highly recommended, to create our Wills. Heidi guided us through the process and educated us on the importance of other legal documents. She gave us the information we needed to help us make decisions that were best for our family, and she did it in a very professional and comfortable atmosphere. We were very appreciative of the time she took to address all of our questions and concerns. Having our Wills, Trust, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy and other documents in place has given us great peace of mind. We can confidently recommend Heidi Webb, with all of her expertise, compassion and professionalism for your estate planning needs.

~ Dawn H

I have been a friend of Heidi and her family for a very long time which is why, after my dad passes away and I needed to create a will and set up a trust account, I called Heidi. When we met, she explained everything I needed to do so she could set up my will and trust. She told me what she would do once I finished my part. She asked me very detailed questions about my wishes. She drafted my will and trust account and when I arrive at her office for the final signing, all the documentation was laid out for me very clearly. She went through all the documents with me, with explanations of them all, in case there might be anything was not as I wanted. It was very obvious to me she was very knowledgeable in her craft. Heidi is a true professional who helped me with my estate planning, her attention to detail is top notch. I would highly recommend Heidi to anyone considering their trust or estate planning, she is the best!

~ Neighbor

8 Reasons Why Newcomers to Florida Should Update Their Estate Plans

Relocating to Florida promises sunnier skies and a new lifestyle but also introduces several legal nuances, especially in the realm of estate planning. It’s imperative for newcomers to Florida to update or establish their estate plan upon moving to ensure it reflects their current needs and complies with Florida’s Laws. Here are eight reasons why it’s vital for new Florida residents to update their estate plans according to our state’s specific laws and regulations.

1. Navigating Florida Law

Each state in the U.S. has its own estate planning laws, and Florida is no exception, with specific rules regarding wills, trusts, probate, and more. Consulting with a knowledgeable Florida estate planning attorney to understand these laws is essential to ensure your estate plan is effective and enforceable.

2. Maximizing the Homestead Exemption

Florida’s homestead exemption offers robust protection for your primary residence, which can lead to reduced property taxes and increased creditor protection. Updating your estate plan can help you fully leverage these benefits.

3. Understanding Property Ownership

Unlike some states that use community property laws, Florida employs a common law system that affects asset ownership and inheritance. It’s important to discuss these differences with your estate planning attorney to ensure your assets are distributed according to your intentions.

4. Streamlining the Probate Process

The probate process in Florida comes with its own set of complexities. An updated estate plan can simplify or even bypass the probate process, potentially saving your heirs time, money, and stress.

5. Leveraging State Tax Advantages

Florida does not impose a state estate tax, which could be beneficial if you’re moving from a state with such a tax. Updating your plan could reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.

6. Updating Healthcare Directives

It’s crucial to establish or revise your healthcare directives, like Health Care Surrogate Designations and living wills, to ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected and that designated individuals can act on your behalf if necessary.

7. Revising Beneficiary Designations

A move can also affect your relationships and financial goals. It’s important to review and update your beneficiary designations on policies and accounts to ensure they remain aligned with your current wishes.

8. Connecting with Local Legal Experts

Building a relationship with a local estate planning attorney is invaluable. They can provide tailored advice and ensure your estate plan aligns perfectly with your new circumstances in Florida.

Moving to Florida is an exciting new chapter that requires careful legal consideration, especially concerning estate planning. This is why newcomers to Florida should update their estate plans to align the plan with Florida’s specific requirements and regulations; you can protect your assets and ensure your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes.

Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law, serves clients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and beyond with matters of Estate Planning and Probate. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook, or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi.

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