Orlando Estate Planning Lawyer

Though the terminology may sound foreign, everyone has to worry about an estate. Defined as all the money and property you own at the time of your death, your estate will be combined and divided between surviving family, friends, or other parties. Properly planning for what happens with your estate after you pass away or become incapacitated is the estate planning process.  Planning your estate early can save you or your loved ones significant hassle and a considerable amount of money and taxes later.

The estate planning process includes the creation of documents to empower someone you choose to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. They will also help determine how you want your assets distributed after your passing. The estate planning process is something you want to take care of prematurely to ensure your loved ones don’t experience confusion or difficulty with how to handle your assets. The estate planning attorneys at Fighter Law understand estate planning is a daunting and sensitive process, and our estate planning attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. 

How Do You Plan An Estate?    

A well-crafted estate plan will paint your loved ones a detailed picture of how exactly you wish for your assets to be distributed and used. This can cause a great deal of relief, especially for people dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. With the help of a dedicated estate planning attorney, your estate can be prepared and planned in three easy steps:

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

This step allows us to meet you and start to determine what your expectations are of your estate planning. With consideration to the sensitive nature of estate planning, estate planning lawyer make this process as easy as possible, with availability in person, virtually, or over the phone. Initial consultations will consist of basic questions and concerns.

Determine Your Options

Based on your wishes and your assets, estate planning lawyers will then figure out what options would be best for you and your family. 

Draft Your Documents

Some of the documents typically included in an estate plan are a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare surrogate designation form, and a living will. If needed, we can also help establish a living trust.

At Fighter Law, we take pride in serving you and making sure that this process is as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you ever need any additions or changes, take ease in knowing we will always be here to help.

How Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help?

Estate planning does not require an estate planning attorney, but it is still highly recommended you receive professional assistance. Often, people who proceed with the process without the help of an estate planning attorney will make vital mistakes. Imperative language can be forgotten, missed, or included incorrectly. If things are missing or the documents are invalidated, there is the risk that the court will not use them. This may then result in more difficulty and confusion for your loved ones.

At Fighter Law, when we draft your documents, you become part of the team. We fight for what is right for you and your family. Our estate planning lawyers also make sure that your wishes are treated with care so that you can leave our office with the confidence your loved ones will be taken care of not only by your will, but by a respected law firm.

How Will Planning Now Help My Loved Ones in the Future?

With a detailed and polished estate plan, you are essentially telling everyone what you want to happen to your assets after your passing. Having a clear and concise plan will ensure that your loved ones don’t have to pay extensive fees and can avoid the stress of having to deal with extended court proceedings. Not only that, but it will save them from having to make medical decisions on their own.

It is a way you can be with them every step of the way, even after you have moved on. At Fighter Law, we will make sure that all of your wishes are taken care of so your estate will be protected.

Contact a Florida Estate Planning Attorney Today at Fighter Law

Estate planning does not have to be a daunting task. Our goal is to make the process as simple and comfortable as possible. When properly done, an estate plan provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have done everything possible to protect yourself and your family.  

Let our board-certified estate planning attorneys help your family avoid the unnecessary heartache of probate and guardianship proceedings. Fighter Law is a knowledgeable and caring firm that is ready to equip you with the tools you need to make estate planning as effortless and painless as possible. For a free consultation today, please give us a call at (407) 344-4837 or use our online contact form. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my will?

We often recommend reviewing your documents every three to four years. This applies to both your will and your trust. Doing this allows for any necessary updates or changes. As an easy way to remember, we often tell clients to check in with us right around the time of the summer Olympics. If you experience any major life changes in the meantime, you should review your documents as soon as possible to ensure everything accurately depicts those changes.

How much does estate planning cost?

Our costs are competitive with the surrounding Orlando area. Of course, costs will vary depending on your specific needs, but our estate planning packages will provide the necessary documents for an appropriate price. We base our prices on the needs of each individual client and adjust accordingly. 

We pride ourselves on the ability to affordably provide knowledge and peace of mind knowing you have taken the necessary steps to make sure your loved ones and belongings are taken care of.

Does my will get recorded?

In the state of Florida, under Florida Statute 28.223, we do not record wills. Your will is not considered your final testament until you have passed away. At that point, the last executed document is admitted to the state through the probate court and is administered under Florida’s state laws. 

Even if you are bringing forth an out-of-state will, the same Florida law applies. If this is the case, the probate court will take the last recorded will to be asserted as it would in any other circumstance. For any specific questions about your will, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Do I need a trust?

It depends. Some people do need a trust whereas others do not. It is circumstantial and can be decided during your consultation process. 

After going through your wishes, assets, and goals, we can make the determination whether you need a trust or not. A trust can be a valuable tool but is not necessarily needed for every individual person.

What happens if I don’t have a will?

If a person passes in Florida without a will, they are said to have died intestate. This means that the court will decide what happens to your estate on your behalf. Without a will, the probate process can become very stressful for your loved ones.  It is important to properly document what your wishes are, otherwise, you may be allowing others to decide what and where your estate will end up. There is no one better than you to decide what happens to your hard-earned belongings. In the rare circumstance a person dies intestate and there is no one who can inherit the estate, it then “escheats.” In other words, it goes to the state of Florida. It is very important to take care of your estate planning documents to ensure that your wishes and loved ones are taken care of.

How do I change my will if I need to?

In the state of Florida, you can’t just cross out or make changes to your last will and testament. You have to abide by very specific requirements that must be met for the last will and testament or changes to the last will and testament to be valid. I

Florida is very specific about what they require for a will to be valid. If the changes are not made in the same way, they are not considered valid. It is important you consult with an attorney to assist you in the official drafting and changing of your will to ensure your wishes can be carried out and your documents are valid.