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Estate planning is not something that many people look forward because it’s associated with mortality, but it’s important to think of the next generation. If you want your assets passed down to them without efficiently and without incident, you’re going to need to make smart decisions. Fortunately, if you hire the right estate planning attorney,. . .
Short Answer: While it’s two different documents/roles it can be the same person wearing both hats. The document for handling financial matters is called a Durable Power of Attorney and the Health Care Surrogate Designation is for healthcare decisions when you are unable but there’s an expectation of survival. I usually approach it from the. . .
“Death brings out the best and the worst in families.” If you have been through a personal loss, you may have experienced it first-hand. Grief and stress understandably are at their peak in the event of the loss of a loved one. From a legal perspective, it is essential to make sure all your affairs. . .
An Estate Plan contains many documents, some that people are unaware of and need. Here is an overview of eight documents you may need to prepare for yourself and your family with the help of an attorney. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT A legal document used to distribute property to beneficiaries, specify last wishes, name guardians. . .
Conversations about planning for a senior’s later years seem difficult because often they are delayed until a medical crisis forces the family’s hand. Here are two suggestions on how to make this conversation a productive one for all parties involved. Schedule a Time to Hold the Conversation Let them know ahead of time that you. . .
Once you’ve located a prospective estate planning attorney, you’ll need to ask the attorney the following list of questions to determine if they’re truly qualified to help you: Is the attorney’s primary focus on estate planning? Unless you live in a very rural area I think you will find that most attorneys have narrowed. . .
Answer: Naming an out of state –non-blood related– Personal Representative. We see this mistake made in a few Wills every year: the decedent names a non-resident of Florida, such as a close friend, or an out of state attorney as their Personal Representative. These individuals would not qualify to serve under Florida Law. The answer. . .
There are three characteristics I believe you should look for when choosing the Personal Representative of your estate: someone who can carry out the needed tasks is willing to serve in this role and is familiar with your unique situation. How do you find a Personal Representative if you don’t know anyone who meets these. . .
Answer: Think about whom you would like as Personal Representative for your estate. You don’t have to limit your ‘pool’ to family members and friends. Many lawyers, banks and other planning professionals have a person or department that can be named to carry out your wishes. Create a living will. A living will, or. . .