Wills, Probate

Trusts, Estate Planning

210 South Beach Street, Suite 202
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-3332

Personal Representative

Very helpful and upfront honesty. Saved me money with advice on what to do with my brother's estate. Highly recommend trustworthy firm.

~ Michael P

I would highly recommend Heidi and her team to everyone!! Needing to update my estate plan documents after a divorce, I consulted with Heidi who evaluated my situation and came up with documents that were tailored to my needs and explained it all in layman's terms for me. Her recommendations were exactly what I needed and I now feel confident I have well laid out plans for myself and my family. After realizing how lacking my prior documents were, I had her review my mother's documents, which we all thought were up-to-date. Thank goodness I took that step as well because my mothers documents were not even close to what was needed. Heidi's knowledge and compassion for her clients is exceptional, I give her the highest commendation!

~ Beth M

ASK HEIDI: What is the number one mistake most people make regarding their Estate Plan?

Short Answer:  Not naming a beneficiary or keeping their beneficiaries up to date on their contractual “non-probate” assets is the most significant mistake that folks routinely make regarding their Estate Planning.

Why it’s Important:   If you own contractual assets that include a beneficiary designation, it is important to name your beneficiaries and keep them updated; otherwise, you could omit a later-born child, leave assets to someone else’s estate or create a situation where there is no beneficiary because certain life events void beneficiary designations (divorce for example) and then your assets will transfer according to the contract’s default beneficiary provision –most likely the intestate succession laws under your state’s law. Retirement accounts are an example.

When you meet with your Estate Planning Attorney, discuss ALL your assets, not just what you think you should discuss –everything needs to be included in your Estate Planning and your attorney can only give the proper legal advice if they know all the facts. If you have questions regarding this issue or any Estate Planning issue and live in the Daytona Beach area, give me a call to schedule a free consultation.  

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