Are you a parent? Do you have young children and still go to baseball, ballet or piano practice with your children? Or, do you have older children who are married with children of their own? As a parent, you know while they were young you tried to provide for their needs. As adults, you know that you are always there for your children and grandchildren. With all that you have done, though, have you created an estate plan to positively impact their future if something should happen to you?
How can you be sure that you have created a good estate plan? A plan that will create the legacy you want to leave behind and provide for your children and grandchildren? We have a few ideas you can use right here in our blog.
First, begin with a good Florida estate plan. We recommend you work with an experienced Florida estate planning attorney because there is a lot to think about and decide when you are working on your estate plan. He will be able to guide you through the process to be sure that your legacy, your family and your lifetime and end of life wishes are addressed. There will be questions like, if you are in a car accident, who will pay the bills? Or authorize emergency surgery? Or manage your small business? Or take care of your minor children? Not only can your estate planning attorney help you answer these questions but he will be sure that you have the legal documents in place that you will need to authorize your intentions.
Secondly, have a plan for your minor children. If you suddenly passed away, what would happen to your minor children? Who would be in charge of their person as well as the monies you may leave to them? If you are married, are you and your spouse in agreement? It is important that you start answering these questions and have a plan in place now, before a crisis.
Thirdly, have a plan for your adult children. As seen above, your estate plan for your minor children will deal with issues such as custody and money management, should you pass away. If you have adult children, though, there are issues you and your adult children may face and they are no less complicated. For example: How do you want your legacy to continue on with your adult children after you are no longer here? Should your grandchildren be included? Do you need to build protections should your adult child suddenly become disabled or go through divorce or bankruptcy. It is important that you work with your experienced Florida estate planning attorney so that together you can work to address these key issues.
Finally, have an estate plan that will limit the potential for conflict. It is difficult for any family to face the death of a loved one. With your good and strong estate plan you can help avoid conflict within your family. There is no question that a well written and properly executed Florida estate plan can reduce a number of potential challenges and confusion that could otherwise arise.
As seen above, it is strongly encouraged that you work with an experienced Florida estate planning attorney. There is absolutely no substitute for experience and knowledge in this area of the law. You do not want to protect your children by just creating a form. As you work with an experienced Florida estate planning attorney, he will be able to guide you to reach the solutions you want for yourself and for your children.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Let us help you create a good Florida estate plan for a positive impact on your children, regardless of their age. We do telephone, computer, and face-to-face appointments. Our face-to-face appointments are held outside in the open air (frequently selected by clients for document signing) and inside our office conference room. We follow all CDC guidelines. Our office procedures adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols and are designed and enhanced by medical review and air quality engineering.