SERVICES

Wills and trusts are the foundation of any estate plan. A properly drafted will allows you to determine how your assets will be distributed after your death, while a trust can help ensure your assets are managed and passed on according to your wishes, without the need for probate.

• Wills: A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It can also designate guardians for minor children, address funeral arrangements, and specify how your debts and taxes will be paid. Having a valid will in place helps reduce the chances of family disputes and ensures your estate is handled according to your wishes.
• Trusts: Trusts are legal arrangements in which you transfer assets to a trustee, who holds and manages them on behalf of your beneficiaries. A trust can help avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and provide a clear plan for distributing your assets. There are many types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. I can help you determine the best type of trust for your specific goals and situation.

Whether you need a simple will or a more complex trust, I will work closely with you to create a plan that best reflects your needs and protects your legacy.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to illness, injury, or incapacitation. It is an essential part of any comprehensive estate plan.

• Durable Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney gives the designated agent the authority to make financial and legal decisions for you if you become incapacitated. This document remains valid even if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. It ensures that someone you trust can handle your financial matters without the need for court intervention.
• General Power of Attorney: This document grants your agent the authority to act on your behalf in a variety of situations. It is often used for specific transactions, such as signing documents or managing financial accounts, but it is not valid if you become incapacitated.

Having a power of attorney in place ensures that your affairs will continue to be handled according to your wishes if you are ever unable to manage them yourself.

A healthcare power of attorney is a document that designates someone to make medical decisions for you in the event that you are unable to communicate or make decisions on your own. This is an important part of advance healthcare planning and ensures that someone you trust will be able to carry out your healthcare wishes.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This document gives your agent the authority to make decisions about your medical treatment if you are incapacitated. It can include instructions on life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other aspects of your healthcare.

By appointing a healthcare power of attorney, you ensure that your healthcare decisions are made according to your preferences, even if you are unable to voice them yourself.

The probate process can be complicated and overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. As your probate attorney, I will guide you through the entire process, from validating the will to ensuring that assets are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes. I will provide the legal expertise needed to settle the estate efficiently and in accordance with Florida law.

• Probate Administration: Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated, and their estate is settled. This process can be time-consuming and involves many steps, including notifying creditors, paying outstanding debts, and distributing assets. I provide guidance throughout the probate process, ensuring that everything is handled according to the law.
• Intestate Succession: If a person passes away without a valid will, their estate will be subject to intestate succession laws. I help families navigate this process and ensure that the estate is distributed in accordance with Florida’s laws, even when there is no will in place.

I am here to minimize the stress of the probate process and make sure your loved one's estate is handled in the most efficient and legally sound manner possible.

Estate planning is the process of preparing for the management and distribution of your assets after death or incapacity. A well-crafted estate plan addresses your financial, medical, and personal concerns, ensuring that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.

• Comprehensive Estate Planning: I work with clients to create customized estate plans that may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. A comprehensive estate plan can help reduce estate taxes, avoid probate, and ensure your family is provided for, no matter what the future holds.
• Tax Planning: Estate planning often involves strategies to minimize estate and inheritance taxes, which can take a significant portion of your estate. I can help you develop strategies to reduce tax liability, ensuring that more of your wealth is passed on to your beneficiaries.

Estate planning is a vital part of ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is taken care of in the future. I’ll work closely with you to create a plan that meets your goals and ensures your peace of mind.

A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in the event that you become terminally ill or incapacitated and are unable to communicate your wishes. This is an essential part of end-of-life planning and ensures that your medical care aligns with your personal values and beliefs.

• Living Will: This document specifies your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments and medical procedures in the event of a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. It can help your loved ones make informed decisions about your care without having to guess your preferences.

A living will ensures that your healthcare decisions are made according to your values, giving you peace of mind that your wishes will be followed in the most critical situations.