Fort Pierce Wills, Trusts & Estates Attorney

A Fort Pierce wills, trusts & estates attorney can best explain and guide you through the available options that allow you to carry out your wishes that’s best for you.

Many people in Fort Pierce and the surrounding areas of the Treasure Coast have questions about wills, estate planning, and trusts. Some people have an idea of how they would like their assets to be dispersed after their passing, but are unsure of the best way to put their wishes in writing.

Sometimes people have questions about how to transfer assets quickly. Often times, people would like to know how to save their loved ones a tax burden or the hassle of going through the probate process.

4 Questions to Consider

A Florida estate attorney can help by explaining your options, so you can choose the best way to have your wishes carried out. There are some things you should consider when planning a visit with your estate lawyer:

#1: Who do you want to leave your assets to?

It is often helpful to make a list of all property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other assets. Then you can make a list of people you would like to receive some of those assets.

#2: Do you have minor children you’d like to name a guardian for?

This question is typically asked in case you and their other parent are both deceased before they reach adulthood. If so, who would you like that guardian to be? Have you spoken with that person about the responsibility?

#3: Who will manage any assets you leave to your minor children?

You will also need to name someone to manage any assets you want to leave to minor children. This may or may not be the same person you name as their legal guardian.

#4: Who will carry out the terms of your will?

In any event, you will need to name a personal representative to carry out the terms of your will.

Having the answers to these questions ready will save you some time when you speak to a Florida estate attorney about your will. However, he or she will make an effort to be thorough, and may ask about things you had not yet considered. Sometimes people do not think to plan for things in which they had not considered such as assets or the care of loved ones.

Once you have considered all of your assets and you have explained how you want them distributed, your Florida estate attorney can explain your options, such as putting some assets in a trust. Placing assets in a trust can allow them to be passed on without going through the probate process. In some instances, it may also help inheritors avoid some tax burdens.

Many types of assets can be placed in a trust, including bank accounts, valuables like jewelry or antiques, and even some business interests. Depending on the type of business you own or co-own, you may be able to place your shares in a trust. However, some types of businesses will require the permission of the other owners before you can place your shares in a trust. There are different requirements for different types of businesses, and your Florida estate attorney can help you figure out if this is a good option for your company shares.

Some people wish to place their home in a trust. This is sometimes possible in certain circumstances, but not always. In some cases your trust documents will need special language to make this a possibility. Your estate lawyer can answer questions about whether this is an option for you.

If you have questions or concerns about wills, estates, trusts, or other Florida legal services, please contact Apfelbaum Law for a consultation. We can be reached at 772-236-4009, or contactus@alawfl.com.