Florida Estate Planning

It’s a good idea for everyone to do some basic estate planning—that is, planning to make sure that your wishes are followed after your death, your family is spared unnecessary expense and delay, and that someone you trust will be in charge if you ever become unable to manage things on your own.  

Key estate planning documents in Florida include:  

• a will, to leave your assets and name your executor
• a durable power of attorney for finances, to name someone to take care of your finances if it’s ever necessary
• a living will, to spell out your wishes for end-of-life medical care, and  
• a designation of health care surrogate, to name someone to make sure your health care wishes are honored.  

You may also want to consider taking some steps now to avoid probate after your death. Probate is a court proceeding that gives your executor authority to pay your debts and taxes and transfer your assets to the people who inherit them. The process can be expensive and time-consuming, and many people prefer to save their families money and hassle by avoiding it. Probate can be easily avoided with a living trust or other methods—as long as you act during your lifetime. After your death, your family won’t be able to take steps to avoid probate of your estate.

The articles below cover the basics of Florida estate planning issues.