When it comes to estate planning, few people enter the process with enthusiasm. Although nobody enjoys planning for the inevitable, estate planning doesn’t have to be morbid and unpleasant. In fact, the opposite is often true. Proper estate planning brings peace of mind because it ensures your loved ones are cared for upon your passing. It also protects your ability to live with dignity if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.
Done correctly, estate planning ensures your assets are distributed to your heirs in the quickest, most efficient, and least costly manner. In some instances, you can also protect your assets from potential future creditors, assign someone to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so, and choose a guardian for your minor children.
Estate Planning Matters We Handle
At Ginsberg Shulman, our knowledgeable and experienced Fort Lauderdale estate planning team will help you navigate all aspects of the estate planning process, including highly complex matters. We will work closely with you throughout the entire process to develop an estate plan that meets your unique goals and objectives. Our probate and estate planning lawyers handle all matters related to the estate planning process, including:
- Wills
- Revocable living trusts
- Asset protection and management
- Distribution of your estate
- Probate and estate administration
- Tax considerations
- Durable powers of attorney
- Advance directives
- Guardianships
- Special needs trusts
- Medicaid planning
- Planning for minor children
- Probate avoidance
- Will contests
- Estate litigation
Whether you would like assistance in preparing your estate plan or have concerns about how a loved one’s estate is being handled, the legal team at Ginsberg Shulman can help. We will review the details of your unique situation and work with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your specific needs. Contact our Florida probate attorneys today to learn more.
How to Manage or Avoid the Probate Process
It can be overwhelming to deal with the financial and logistical concerns that accompany the passing of a loved one. While managing the grief of such a significant personal loss, it is often difficult to know how to proceed. That is why working with an experienced probate and estate lawyer is so important. Without proper planning, probate can unnecessarily subject your loved one’s estate to excessive delays and costs. But if managed strategically, the process can be cost-effective and efficient.
In some cases, probate can be avoided altogether. With comprehensive estate planning, you may be able to prevent your loved ones from losing any time or money to the probate process. A probate attorney can help you understand your options and determine the most effective estate planning strategy for your unique needs.
Potential Issues That May Result in Estate Litigation
When someone passes away with a will, their property and other assets are typically distributed to loved ones. Without comprehensive estate planning, however, any number of issues can arise, resulting in extensive delays, unnecessary costs and taxes, and even disputes among heirs. Potential issues that can impact the timely and cost-effective distribution of assets include:
- Mismanagement of assets by the executor or trustee
- Debate over the deceased’s mental state when the will was written
- Issues with creditors, lawsuits, and other claims against the estate
- Disputes among beneficiaries
- Prolonged probate administration
It is a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but this is not even remotely true. People with modest incomes and assets can benefit immensely from an estate plan. In addition to preserving and protecting your assets for loved ones, you can ensure your wishes are carried out during your lifetime.
In your estate plan, you can name a person or persons to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and cannot do so on your own. You can also designate a guardian for minor children and create trusts for adult children with special needs or those who may be prone to mismanaging their inheritance.
Consult a Fort Lauderdale Estate Administration and Probate Attorney Today
Whether you want to create or update an estate plan or have questions about managing a loved one’s estate, the skilled legal team at Ginsberg Shulman is here to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
For even more information, please see the Florida Bar Pamphlet, Probate in Florida.
