The estate planning process requires that people complete certain uncomfortable tasks. A testator who is drafting their documents must think about what could happen after they die. They may have to think about what happens if they have a medical emergency that leaves them unable to communicate with others or provide for their families.
They must look carefully at their financial circumstances to evaluate whether they can retire and what type of support they can count on as they age. They also have to determine who should inherit the property from their estate after their passing. Beyond that, testators also have to look carefully at their personal relationships to choose the right person to settle their affairs.
The right estate planning attorney can help you make these important decisions. Marshall Law is focused on providing our clients with peace of mind. We have helped many families in Central Florida prepare for the future. Our legal services cover the entire process, from your first initial consultation to completing the necessary legal documents.
A Holistic View of the Estate Planning Process
In Florida, estate planning typically requires that someone makes a decision about who should serve as their executor or personal representative.How can someone choose the right candidates to uphold their wishes and settle their affairs after their death?
Our team at Marshall Law, believes that every family deserves individual attention to their unique circumstances. We can provide the assistance and knowledge needed to help you make these important decisions. Our law office is a trusted part of the community, and we are here to support you.
The right candidate possesses key qualities
Numerous factors may influence the decision of who to name as a personal representative. The relationship that the person has with different candidates is an important consideration. Those on positive terms with the testator are more likely to uphold their wishes than someone estranged from the testator.
Additionally, the personality traits that someone has demonstrated as an adult can influence whether they are a good option for the personal representative of another adult’s estate. The ideal personal representative has several key qualities.
The necessary characteristics of a proficient personal representative include:
- organizational abilities
- a deep-seated sense of responsibility
- efficiency
- a calm demeanor
- rational decision-making under pressure
- a personal sense of ethics
Being able to set aside one’s own wishes in favor of what would benefit the heirs or beneficiaries of an estate is of the utmost importance. The testator needs to trust that the person they select can follow their instructions competently without letting their personal wishes influence their actions. The personal representative typically also needs to be young and healthy enough to assume that responsibility several decades in the future.
Additionally, their family circumstances and living arrangements can be a factor. The most responsible person who currently lives in Oregon may not be an ideal candidate because they cannot be physically present throughout the estate administration process. Someone with a demanding job or special needs children may not be able to fully commit their attention to estate administration.
Some people choose a single individual that they trust. Others name two or more people to share the responsibility of probate administration. Occasionally, estate planning leads to someone hiring a professional fiduciary instead of naming a person they know as their representative. Choosing the right personal representative is a key element of effective estate planning. Those who earnestly reflect on their relationships may have a better time selecting viable candidates.
Legal Services for Your Unique Needs
A comprehensive estate plan is a legal framework that allows you to manage your wealth and property throughout your life and ensures its proper distribution after your passing. We understand that your family’s future is important to you. Our legal services are designed to protect your assets and provide you with peace of mind.
The legal team at Marshall Law is dedicated to providing high-quality legal advice to every one of our clients. We offer a wide range of services to meet all your estate planning needs. Whether you are creating your first estate plan or are a business owner in need of business succession planning, we have the knowledge and experience to help.
We can help you with your finances and your estate planning needs. The process is focused on you, and our law firm is here to provide assistance every step of the way. We can also help with real property issues, guardianship, and other important matters. We believe that every family deserves a strong plan to protect their loved ones.
Documents You Need to Complete an Estate Plan
To create a comprehensive estate plan, you need to prepare the right documents. A last will and testament or trust is a foundational piece of any plan. It lets you specify who will receive your assets and property and who will serve as your personal representative or trustee. Without a last will and testament or trust, a court will decide how to distribute your assets through the probate process, which may go against your wishes.A trust is a powerful legal tool that allows for a smooth transfer of assets without going through the courts and can avoid probate.
Another important legal document is the durable power of attorney. This gives a trusted person the ability to manage your finances and other affairs if you become incapacitated. A Designation of Healthcare Surrogate, Living Will and HIPPA waiver are also documents of a complete estate plan. These documents allow a person you choose to make health care decisions for you if you cannot. This ensures your medical wishes are followed. Having these documents prepared is a smart move for your future.
Preparing for the Probate Process
Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after a person’s death. This process can be long and complicated, but there are ways to avoid it. We can help you with a plan that allows you to avoid probate altogether. This can save your family time and money. We are highly recommended by clients for our ability to complete the entire process in a timely manner. We understand that losing a loved one is difficult, and we want to provide support to you and your family members. We work with detail to ensure that all your wishes are met and that your assets are protected. We can answer your questions about the probate process and your future.
Our Law Firm’s Commitment to You
Marshall law has offices in the Villages and is a trusted part of the community. We are focused on providing our clients with the best possible service. Our team works together to ensure that every client receives the individual attention they deserve. We understand that many attorneys may not have the knowledge or ability to handle the complicated issues that can arise in estate law. That’s what makes Marshall Law different.
We are here to help you with your estate planning needs, no matter how big or small the matter. We offer our clients assistance with all of their legal concerns. We can talk about your wishes and prepare a plan that is right for you. We can help you complete all the necessary documents and ensure that your family’s future is protected.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
If you are ready to prepare for your future and protect your loved ones, it is time to talk to a lawyer. Our law office is ready to serve you. You can expect a professional and compassionate approach from our team. We can discuss your specific situation and provide the advice and support you need.
The first step is a free initial estate planning consultation. This is your opportunity to meet with an experienced attorney from our firm and discuss your legal needs. We will talk about your finances, property, and wishes. We will answer all of your questions and help you decide on the best plan for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing peace of mind for your family’s future.