COHABITATING RELATIONSHIPS-DYING WITHOUT A WILL AND REVOCABLE TRUST LEAVES A MESS FOR THOSE WE LOVE

Millions of Americans still haven’t written a will or a trust according to a recent Charles Schwab survey. According to the survey, many of those with over 1 million in invested assets had no estate planning in place. Despite devastating consequences, couples who live together, with or without children, often call me with no planning in place. One couple called me today and they have been together for over 50 years with no planning! 

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

If you die without a will, you leave a mess for your loved ones and heirs. In the example above, the girlfriend’s adult daughter could be left fighting with the surviving boyfriend as to Mom’s wishes. This is can all be prevented with a simple estate plan in place. Hiring a Miami Beach estate planning attorney to guide you is a bigger benefit to those loved ones left behind. 

WHY DOES THE MIAMI-DADE PROBATE COURT GET INVOLVED, WITH OR WITHOUT A WILL ?

If you die without a will, Florida state law dictates who gets your assets. Relationships without marriage are not recognized by the intestacy laws of Florida. There is no common law marriage in Florida, and live-in partners have no rights without proper documents. Even with a will, a Miami Probate court must get involved and the will is merely a map of your loved ones, but all matters are left to be determined by a Judge. 

HOW CAN THIS MESS BE PREVENTED?

Probate involvement can be prevented with a properly funded revocable trust. A revocable trust can appoint the successor trustees, and explain the details of your wishes for distribution. A revocable trust can explain your wishes regarding minor children, live in partners, and care for dependent elderly parents or pets. A paid-on-death beneficiary may prevent probate for one bank or retirement account, yet, it does not work for all assets.

WHY SHOULD I USE ALLY M. GLASER, PA TO HANDLE YOUR WILLS AND TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING IN MIAMI BEACH,FL AND MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD PROBATE MATTERS?

As a Miami Beach Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts and Probate Attorney in Miami Beach, Florida with over twenty-seven 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 know how to get things done. Additionally, because I do both estate planning and probate law, I am familiar with the challenges of each and provide my clients with additional protections. Call or email me today to discuss your Miami Beach, Florida Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts and Miami-Dade County, Florida Probate matters.  I am happy to help you and your loved ones during this important process.