Properly anticipating and preparing for the arrangement and management of an estate can be challenging. From a legal and strategic standpoint, there are several variables that must be considered.
Unless you have experience and practicing estate law, you may be unaware of how to best prepare, manage, and execute an estate plan. An estate planning attorney has substantial knowledge and expertise in this area, and can help you navigate yours or your loved one’s estate plan and reduce the number of potential disputes down the road.
While a will or trust can account for the majority of assets and wealth you have accrued in your lifetime, there are other considerations to take into account. This is when hiring an estate planning attorney can benefit you greatly.
Benefits of Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
While there are low-cost or online estate planning services available, there are numerous documents that may need to be created or updated to develop a comprehensive estate plan that best ensures your wishes are carried out, including:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Healthcare directives
- Powers of Attorney
Oftentimes, the low-cost, DIY estate planning services are not comprehensive and lack the added expertise and guidance from an estate planning attorney to ensure your wishes are honored accurately and efficiently; and these services may fail to fulfill the legal requirements needed in Florida to be valid and enforceable. The following are several additional benefits of hiring an estate planning attorney.
Accurate and Up-to-Date Documents
Legal jargon can easily be misinterpreted. Having a lawyer to help prepare the appropriate documents means ensuring your estate plan accurately reflects your desired wishes.
Your Florida estate planning lawyer will also be well versed and up-to-date on current legislation to help navigate current local, state and federal laws that can impact your estate plan.
As your financial situation changes, your attorney can also be able to carefully review and determine if there are any estate plan updates necessary in order to avoid probate and minimize taxes.
Professionally Drafted and Executed Estate Plan
Ensuring your estate plan is executed properly is often dependent on the appropriate verbiage and manner of execution of the various documents involved.
An estate planning attorney will review your assets, wills, retirement accounts, bank accounts, insurance policies, etc. and provide recommendations on how to develop a thorough estate plan that includes all your assets, and ensures all documents are legally binding.
Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
There are many estate planning lawyers in Florida. However, not all of them have the experience necessary to help you properly implement and execute your estate plan. Also, each firm’s communication style, level of competence, and practice areas vary.
Hiring of an experienced attorney for your needs will provide you with ample benefits and valuable peace of mind. He/she can serve as the point of contact for your family members and loved ones when you pass to help with the smooth transition of your assets.
At Apfelbaum Law, we believe that every client matters. Our attorneys have decades of experience and will answer all your questions, explain your options, and provide you with the needed tools and resources to create the best estate plan for your needs. Contact us today to get started.
