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South Florida Estate Planning

Blade • August 3, 2021
Senior Couple Writing Will — Deerfield Beach, FL — Blade & Blade PA

Should an Estate Plan Be a Part of Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan? Yes, it is a sensible question for all of us, especially for people considering estate planning. Whenever we think of hurricanes, we should think of estate planning.


Why do you need a Will as part of an Estate Plan?

Preparing yourself and planning to face a hurricane is vital to your family. If you fail to prepare an estate plan, your estate falls into probate. The following unwanted or problematic scenes may appear and why you need a will as part of your estate planning:


  • It is not possible to allow your relative to take care of you if you become incapacitated
  • Family member relationships can get damaged
  • Family members of the deceased must wait for a Personal Representative appointment to make legal decisions
  • The assets’ amount might get decreased
  • The attorney fee burden may decrease the estate’s assets further.


Incapacitated

You may have to face serious issues post-hurricane. An estate plan determines who is the right person to make decisions financially and indicates your desires for medical procedures if you are injured or incapacitated. You have designated a person you trust to make decisions if you are unable to act or unfit. The appointed person or a power of attorney works on your behalf. The designated person is the responsible soul until the incapacitated person recovers. A power of attorney will pay your medical bills and manage your finances, liquidating assets if necessary.


In case of death

Imagine the status of your property amidst hurricane issues in the event you did not prepare an estate plan. The absence of a will leaves a family in great distress, and it invites legal issues. Appoint someone to be your power of attorney to deal with your property and make decisions after your sudden death.


Arrangements made for the funeral

Your legally structured estate plan may give time to your relatives to arrange for your funeral. Preparation may give your relatives a peaceful settlement after your demise or if you are incapacitated. Your affairs will be in order, and your kids, both underage and adults, will be taken care of per your wishes.


Your estate plan should contain the following documents.

  • You shall direct your durable power of attorney and medical assistants on how to plan and proceed further on medical and financial matters.
  • Your will tells others how to distribute the property upon your death
  • Your estate plan must be clear about your minor child’s care upon your death. Who shall take care of your underage children and manage your children’s inheritance after you pass away? You get to designate this critical job.


Takeaways

Before the hurricane disaster strikes, prepare an estate plan as we discussed above. You should feel at ease in the event the worst occurs. You have time to consult an estate attorney anticipating the disaster. Put an estate plan on your to-do list now.


A well-structured estate plan helps one brave hurricane season in the South Florida region. So, start the process immediately as a part of your hurricane preparedness plan. You are not able to predict the future, but you can prepare for the future.


Tips

To make sure your estate plan is effective, follow the tips given below.


  • If you have prepared the estate plan as a part of your hurricane preparedness plan, keep the documents in a safe place. The location should be water safe and fireproof for your expectations.
  • You should also have digital copies of your documents. Get your documents scanned and save them digitally. A trusted cloud source should be chosen to keep your records digitally.
  • Contact the office of Blade & Blade PA to let us collaborate with you on your Estate Planning needs.
March 24, 2025
As the New Year begins, many of us take the opportunity to set goals for personal growth, financial stability, and overall well-being. While these resolutions often include exercising more or saving money, one essential goal that often gets overlooked is estate planning. For Florida residents, the importance of establishing or updating an estate plan cannot be overstated. Here’s why making estate planning a priority this year is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. What Is Estate Planning? Estate planning involves preparing for the management and distribution of your assets in the event of your incapacitation or passing. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, trusts, and beneficiary designations. It’s not just for the wealthy—anyone with assets, children, or specific wishes regarding their healthcare or property can benefit from having a plan in place. Why Is Estate Planning Critical in Florida? Protecting Your Loved Ones Florida’s probate process can be lengthy and costly, potentially causing stress and financial strain for your family. By having a well-prepared estate plan, you can simplify or even avoid probate, ensuring your loved ones have access to the resources they need without unnecessary delays. Avoiding Intestate Succession If you pass away without a will, Florida’s intestate succession laws dictate how your assets are distributed. This can lead to outcomes that may not align with your wishes. Creating a clear estate plan allows you to determine exactly who receives what, giving you peace of mind that your legacy is protected. Addressing Unique Florida Considerations Florida’s homestead laws, which protect your primary residence from creditors, and its tax-friendly environment make estate planning especially advantageous. However, these laws also introduce complexities that require careful planning to ensure your assets are handled as intended. Preparing for Incapacity Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. Documents like a durable power of attorney and healthcare surrogate designation ensure your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated. Steps to Start Your Estate Plan Take Inventory of Your Assets: Identify your property, financial accounts, and other assets. Don’t forget to account for non-tangible items like digital accounts or intellectual property. Define Your Goals: Decide how you want your assets distributed and who should make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. Consult an Estate Planning Attorney: Laws vary by state, and working with an attorney familiar with Florida’s estate laws ensures your plan is legally sound and optimized for your situation. Blade & Blade, P.A. offers a free consultation which can be done in person at our offices, Zoom or by phone. Update Beneficiary Designations: Ensure accounts like life insurance, retirement funds, and payable-on-death accounts reflect your current wishes. Communicate with Your Loved Ones: Discuss your plans with family members to minimize confusion and potential conflicts in the future. Make It a New Year’s Resolution Starting or updating your estate plan doesn’t have to be daunting. Break it down into manageable steps and set realistic timelines to complete each phase. By prioritizing this goal early in the year, you can approach the months ahead with confidence, knowing you’ve taken a significant step toward securing your family’s future. Final Thoughts Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your plan should be tailored to your unique needs and Florida’s specific legal environment. As you set your New Year’s resolutions, consider the peace of mind and security an estate plan provides. It’s an investment in your legacy and your loved ones’ well-being—one that will pay dividends for years to come. Take the first step today and make 2025 the year you prioritize estate planning. Your future self—and your family—will thank you. Give us a call at 954-429-1200 to schedule a consultation!
Estate planning lawyer in Boca Raton, FL advising clients on wills and trusts at an office meeting.
March 9, 2025
Estate planning lawyers in Boca Raton, FL, can help with wills, trusts & asset protection. Secure your future! Call Blade & Blade P.A. at (954) 429-1200 today.
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