Can you believe that it is finally the New Year, 2023? Have you started tackling the resolutions you have for this year, including creating a comprehensive Florida estate plan? Wondering how to begin, we can provide some guidance.
In our law practice we often meet with clients and advisors in our community about what they should be looking for when it comes to their estate planning. We also meet with clients and their loved ones to discuss just what is needed to ensure that they are personally protected, as well as their businesses, their family, and the legacy they want to leave behind.
Now, you can make a difference this year using this estate planning checklist for your 2023 resolution to create an estate plan. Start using it now to make sure that your estate plan reflects your goals for both the present and the future.
- Why do I even need an estate plan? Your estate plan will help ensure that your assets are passed on to the beneficiaries you name and that your beneficiaries are protected, allow you to designate a guardian for your young children in the event of your death and protect your estate from taxes. And, equally as important, it will keep fighting among family members over your estate at a minimum.
- I am in good health, do I really need to have an estate plan for my well-being? Never take your health for granted! At any time, you could have an accident, stroke or some other incident that could make you incapacitated and unable to make any decisions in regard to your health care. Your Florida estate plan will include your health care decision-making documents. Your Florida estate planning attorney can create and properly set up these documents and assist you in choosing the person you trust to have legal authority to make decisions for you in a crisis.
- Did you know that retirement goals and planning are a critical part of estate planning? They are. Your Florida estate planning attorney can give you guidance on how to get where you want to go, not just financially, but with an eye to your future retirement. She can also advise you on the legacy that you may want to create.
- Have you given any thought to long-term care? What would happen if you needed significant long-term care? If you are planning for Medicare to pay, it is doubtful. Medicare may pay for a short time, but not for a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential for you to consider your long-term care needs and how the financial drain on your resources could impact your estate-planning. If you have not thought about your estate plan along with your long-term care plan, you should. As you accomplish your New Year’s resolution of creating an estate plan, now is the time to schedule a meeting with your Florida estate planning attorney to discuss how potential long-term care complications could hinder how you reach your goals for the future.
- Does my family and estate have to go through probate? Not really. Your estate plan could possibly be crafted in such a way as to help you avoid the Florida probate process. By working with your Florida estate planning attorney she can help you avoid probate and protect your beneficiaries.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Your Florida estate plan is of critical importance to ensure that you are protected now, as well as into the future. Contact our law practice now, or at any time throughout the year, and schedule a meeting to make sure you have the Florida estate planning you need to accomplish your goals.