ESTATE PLANNING ON MIAMI BEACH-PART 2- IS IT A FAMILY AFFAIR?

Yes, estate planning is best when done for the entire family. For example, I have recently received calls to create estate planning documents which include pour over wills, revocable trusts, health care documents, and powers of attorney for two sisters, two sons and their parents, and a mother and son. The theme is family planning and it is needed to protect all family members with assets. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE FAMILY IF WE DO NOT PLAN?

Miami-Dade probate court is required if assets are left in someone’s name with no paid-on-death beneficiary. For example, in the examples above each person has assets in their own name and without proper planning, those assets will have to be collected and distributed with the help of a probate attorney and a probate Judge. 

WHY DOES MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD PROBATE COURT TAKE SO LONG?

Miami-Dade County and Broward County probate cases take a long time to complete because the courts are crowded with many people living and dying in south Florida. There are also many court rules and requirements that must be met before probate cases may be completed. A few requirements that may affect your probate are the Affidavit of Heirs requirement, the Notice to Creditors requirement, or the requirement that a Judge sign an Order of Distribution before any assets are permitted to be distributed. The probate court is designed to protect you and your loved ones; but, it can be burdensome at times. 

LET’S GET BACK TO THE FAMILY MEMBERS ABOVE, WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

As I stated above each family member should find and hire an estate planning attorney to create a trust for each of them individually and put all assets in their own name in that trust. Each person can explain within the trust how they want their assets handled upon their death. For example, they may have spouses, kids, relatives, or other loved ones that want to provide for with specific instructions which can all be included within the language of the trust. 

WHY SHOULD I USE ALLY M. GLASER, PA TO HANDLE MY WILLS AND TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING, AND PROBATE MATTERS?

As an Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts and Probate Attorney in Miami Beach, Florida with over twenty-eight years of experience and both a Psychology and Law degree, I handle these matters with knowledge and sensitivity. I am familiar and comfortable with both the Miami-Dade probate court system and Broward County probate court and I know how to get things done. I handle both estate planning and probate cases, thus, I am familiar with the challenges of each and provide my clients with additional protections. Call or email me today to discuss your matters.  I am happy to help you and your loved ones during this important process.