Florida Estate Planning Attorneys With the Knowledge You Need
For most people, estate planning is a complicated affair. The documents, the tax considerations and the difficult personal decisions that need to be made all combine to create a great deal of anxiety for many people considering estate planning.
It does not need to be this way, however. The Riverview will and trust attorneys of Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A., are here to help you. We have more than 55 combined years of experience helping clients throughout the South Shore area of Florida in their estate planning. We can help you establish a will, any necessary trust documents and any other documents required to create an integrated, effective estate plan. We know the law and the various will and trust instruments available to you, and we will do everything possible to make the process as simple and stress free as possible.
Wills and Trusts
We can help you with a variety of estate planning documents, including:
- Last Will and Testament: The Last Will is an important component of every estate plan. It is the document with which you can direct the transfer of your assets, appoint an agent to handle final affairs, and nominate guardians for children.
- Trust: There are various types of trusts: revocable trusts, used to avoid probate and transfer assets quicker and less expensive than with a Last Will; irrevocable trusts, used to protect assets and ensure the well-being of a spendthrift child; and charitable remainder trusts, beneficial in creating a stream of income from a non-income producing asset such as land, while ultimately benefiting a specific charity.
- Special needs trust: The special needs trust is an instrument for passing on wealth to a special needs child while minimizing the loss of important government benefits.
There are complex implications with every estate planning document. Careful planning is required to avoid unnecessary tax penalties and other problems. Our lawyers are here to advise you about your choices and guide you through the entire process.
Appointment of Guardians
One critical consideration when drafting estate planning documents is the issue of appointing guardians for children. Typically, guardians are appointed in the Last Will; however, guardians can also be designated by a separate document called a Nomination of Guardian for Children. It transfers responsibility and decision-making power over a child to a separate third-party legal guardian in the event the parents are unable to perform these duties. Guardians can be appointed for minor children or children with special needs. The nomination of guardians is an absolutely essential part of any estate plan for those with dependent children.
Brandon Trusts Attorneys ∙ We Look Forward to Representing You
The first step for establishing an estate plan is to schedule a consultation with a lawyer from our firm. Call 813-902-3897 or 888-432-7421 toll free, or contact Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A., online.
