Estate Planning
We help married and unmarried couples in the preparation of estate planning documents, which should include the following:
- Will
- Designation of Health Care Surrogate
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney
In Florida, if a person dies without a valid will, property will be distributed to the surviving spouse, children and biological relatives according to Florida law. These documents will insure that your assets and property are distributed to your partner or according to your special directives.
What is a Living Will?
The purpose of a Living Will is to direct:
Life saving procedures
In the event of a terminal condition
Including food and water
What is a legal will?
A person’s legal will:
- Disposes of personal property
- Appoints a personal representative
- Revokes or revises any other will
Property not held jointly or exempted from probate, will be conveyed according to a person’s legal will. If a person dies without a valid will, their property will be distributed to their living relatives according to Florida law and as designated by the probate judge.
What is a Health Care Surrogate?
A representative to make health care decisions. The Health Care Surrogate:
- Consults with health care providers.
- Provides informed consent
- Conveys your health care decisions
- Considers the maker’s best interest in treatment decisions
What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
Grants the right to act on the maker’s behalf. Powers can be very broad or specific.
A Durable Power of Attorney may include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Stocks and bonds
- Banking and other financial rights
Only effective upon disability or incapacity