Estate Planning
Wills and Trusts Planning in Jacksonville
Legacy Planning Law Group knows that the best way to help our clients is to understand their estate planning needs and help them build that plan. If you’re interested in learning more about wills and trusts and our estate planning services as part of our unique Family Estate and Legacy Program, please book your free 15-minute phone call with us today!
Wills and Trusts Planning in Jacksonville
Let Our Expert Jacksonville Trust Attorneys Help You Plan for the Future of Your Loved Ones in Florida
Wills and trusts are two of the most commonly utilized—and valuable—estate planning tools available today. A will makes it so you can specify which of your belongings should go to which beneficiaries. A trust is a tool that allows you to use and manage all your property while you're living and then leave the property to your beneficiaries upon your death. Both Florida legal documents are excellent options for protecting your assets and loved ones. Our Duval County estate planning attorneys can help you to choose which is suitable for you.
Understanding WILL BASED PLANNING IN JACKSONVILLE
Of all the Florida estate planning tools available, wills are the most commonly known legal document. While wills exist, most people either don’t have one in place or don’t know what a will can do for them.
The following are some of the critical benefits of having a will:
- Minor or Disabled Children – If you have minor or disabled children, a will can identify who you want to take care of them in the event of your death.
- Inheritance – A will is the most common document for identifying what you want to happen to your things. You can say you want your home to go to one person, your car to another and your antique coin collection to a third. This document can be as long or as short as needed to ensure your heirs get what you want them to have when you’re gone.
- Expediting Probate – While wills don’t typically allow your loved ones to skip over the probate process entirely, wills can often help the probate judge.
- Avoiding Conflict – Emotions run high when a loved one has passed away. If there is no will in place, families often end up fighting over who should get what. The last thing you want is for your death to cause conflict in the family.
If you do not have a will, the state will tell your family how to distribute your property. Don’t leave such an important matter to the state. Estate planning is not a one size fits all legal strategy, and depending on your asset protection goals in Florida, you may need more than a will for your estate plan in Florida.
UNDERSTANDING TRUST PLANNING IN JACKSONVILLE
Trusts are similar to wills, but offer additional benefits in Jacksonville, Florida. They generally make the process of transferring assets to heirs much easier for everyone involved. Assets in a trust are immediately transferred to your beneficiaries after your death. This legal action means there is no need to go through Florida probate court, which can save your loved ones money in court costs and attorney’s fees. This document also speeds the process up quite significantly.
What Types of Trusts Can I Establish in Florida?
The best type of trust depends on your asset protection goals for you and your loved ones. Trusts are also a much more private document. While wills are public record, trusts can be executed with only the knowledge of you and your Duval County attorney. Some trusts that can be established depending on your unique situation include:
- Living Trust
- Irrevocable Trust
- Revocable Trust
- Pet Trust
- Gun Trust
A significant benefit of a trust is that you can set them up to take effect should you become disabled. You can identify a successor trustee to step in and manage your affairs without needing a court-mandated guardianship to be appointed.
The Value of Living Trusts in Jacksonville, Florida
Living trusts are more difficult to challenge than wills in the state of Florida. This legal document can help to prevent disgruntled heirs from attacking your estate plan after you’re gone. Once your living trust is completed, you and your loved ones can have greater peace of mind knowing that your estate will be properly managed and distributed by someone you have personally selected and trust.
Our estate planning law group is here to help you and your loved ones understand estate planning, elder law, post-death administration, and business planning in Duval County, Florida. If you’re interested in learning more about our legal services from our experienced Jacksonville, Florida estate planning attorneys, please don’t hesitate to contact us by Booking a Call today.
Some Additional Resources
The following resources are provided by the Florida Bar as Consumer Information Pamphlets.
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