You have worked for a lifetime to earn something to pass on to your family after you are gone. You do not want your life’s efforts wasted on paying creditors, probate attorneys, and court fees. An estate plan can help to provide you with peace of mind in knowing that the assets that you have worked so hard to earn will be going to your loved ones. Additionally, an estate plan provides some additional protection if you have a life threatening injury or if you suffer from an illness that causes you to be unable to make important decisions. The attorneys at Richert Quarles P.A. are experienced at consulting with clients about their wishes and crafting an estate plan that is right for you.
The standard estate plan from Richert Quarles P.A. consists of several documents:
A durable power of attorney is a document that allows for a trusted person to make decisions for you. This document is incredibly important if you are ever incapacitated and are unable to make important decisions, such as applying for Medicaid if you need to go to a nursing home. Due to the powers included in a durable power of attorney, it is critical that you consult with an attorney about drafting the power of attorney. If a durable power of attorney is not drafted correctly, your agent may not be able to take action when you need it most.
A living will is a document that determines your wishes in the event that you are incapacitated and have an end-stage terminal illness or in a persistent vegetative state. In either of these situations, the living will makes known your wish that the process of dying not be artificially and unnecessarily prolonged. If you are incapacitated, a living will is the only way to make your wishes known.
A designation of health care surrogate is a document that names a trusted person as a health care decision maker in the event that you are incapacitated. If you do not have a designation of health care surrogate, there may not be any designated person to make critical health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them yourself. Making this designation lets you pick the person you know will make the healthcare decision you would make for yourself.
A Designation of Pre-need Guardian lets you decide who will oversee your affairs if you become incapacitated or incompetent, and your durable power of attorney can’t address your needs.
A will is one of the most important documents in an estate plan. It is a relatively simple document that provides instructions for your loved ones on the distribution of your assets after you have passed away. If a person does not have a will, that person has no control over the distribution of their assets after they pass away. The assets will be distributed according to intestate distribution under Florida Statutes, which usually is not in agreement with the wishes of the decedent. A will is the only way you can be assured that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.
A trust is a document that provides asset protection and allows for certain assets contained within the trust to pass outside of probate in Florida. This is a document that you may or may not need, and depends heavily upon the amount and types of assets you own. Only a consultation with an attorney will provide you with the advice one whether a trust would be a worthwhile investment for you. Click here to view the types of trusts we offer.
The probate process also takes time and exposes your private property, assets, and family to the public eye. We can help you avoid this.
At the free 30 minute consultation with an attorney at Richert Quarles, P.A., you will be provided with an evaluation of what documents in an estate plan are right for your specific situation. Richert Quarles, P.A. also provides an estate plan package that includes all of the documents listed above at a single flat rate. Estate planning documents can also be provided on an individual basis and also at a flat rate. Most importantly, every estate planning document provided by Richert Quarles, P.A. comes with the advice and counsel of an experienced estate planning attorney so that you know you will be prepared in the event the documents are required.
Please give us a call at 727-235-6461 to find out how Richert Quarles P.A. can help with your legal problems. We look forward to providing you with aggressive, determined representation.
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