ESTATE PLANNING, MIAMI BEACH, FL, WHERE DO I START?

The first step to estate planning is calling an experienced estate planning attorney in Miami Beach, Florida and making that first appointment. This is the hardest part for most people. Once you make the appointment and put yourself first, you may begin thinking about your planning goals. 

WHAT DO I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE MEETING?

To prepare for our first meeting, determine your assets and your loved ones. Make a list of all of your assets including bank accounts, investments, retirement, real estate, businesses, and anything else you own. Detail that list as to beneficiaries, co-owners, etc. Once complete, start thinking about the bigger picture. How do you want it all to look?

DO I NEED A WILL AND A REVOCABLE TRUST?

Yes, most people need both a will and a trust. A revocable trust prevents probate court if handled properly. If you have assets and loved ones, a revocable trust is always a good idea. A revocable trust is more detailed and protective of your loved ones and your wishes. A will is only a map for the probate court in Miami-Dade County, Florida to follow upon your death. A revocable trust can handle all of the owner’s wishes by naming trustees and alternate trustees, stating ages that minors or loved ones will inherit and what your loved ones are to receive with details as to how, when, what, and where. 

WHO DO I CHOOSE TO BE MY POWER OF ATTORNEY?

Your power of attorney should be someone responsible, financially aware, and trustworthy. A power of attorney is only used during life where someone cannot make decisions for themselves. Many people mistakenly believe that a power of attorney covers you in the case of death, this is not true. This power ends at the death of the owner.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH HEALTH CARE?

The most important part of your health care documents is putting the right people in charge. All of us want to avoid a situation like the Terri Schiavo Florida court case where a husband and parents fought for fifteen years while Terri remained on life support. In 1990, 26 year- old Terri Schiavo fell into a persistent vegetative state after suffering cardiac arrest. Michael Schiavo, Terri’s husband argued that his wife would not have wanted to be on life support machines, with no hope of recovery while her parents fought to keep her alive. To prevent conflicts among loved ones and delays in the court system, we prepare two legal documents that clearly state your wishes. One document lists the person in charge and an alternate person if you cannot make decisions for yourself. The second document explains what you want and do not want regarding medical care. For example, if you were Terri, would you want to be kept alive on machines or prefer to pass peacefully?

WHY SHOULD YOU 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-six 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.