ESTATE PLANNING -MY MOTHER IS DYING, HOW DO WE PLAN?
Yes, I know, by now it should be strictly professional, but these calls get me every time. I have parents and I want them to live forever!!! When someone calls me with a parent dying it hits me hard. And then, I help them plan. After all these years, 28 years of practicing law, I know how to plan for death. At least, financially and logistically plan for death. Emotionally, I recommend the book by Jodi Picoult, THE BOOK OF TWO WAYS, about a death midwife and her experiences.
WHAT ARE FIVE THINGS I SHOULD DO IF A LOVED ONE IS DYING?
- Collect the legal documents. Hopefully, they are prepared and have a properly executed will, trust, health care documents, living will, and power of attorney.
- Confirm what assets are in the trust.
- Collect the real estate deeds, tax bills, statements of bank or investment accounts, retirement accounts, tax filings, and company interests.
- Make an asset lists and confirm that each account not in trust has a joint owner or has a paid-on death beneficiary listed.
- Contact an estate planning attorney to guide you and discuss the next steps.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PREPARE?WHEN IS BEST TO CALL ME?
The best time to call me and begin planning is when you are young and healthy. When you plan while healthy, you have time and space to think things through and choose a plan that works for you in life and in death. Waiting until death is imminent is not recommended and often leads to me handling the probate case in court.
HOW DO I HANDLE THE REAL PROPERTY? IS IT ALWAYS IN TRUST?
Real estate is often placed into a revocable trust. In this recent case, we reviewed the assets, the deeds, and the documents to see if everything was set up properly. Luckily for the only child of an unmarried parent, her mother planned ahead. If you are curious about avoiding probate court and saving time and money while preventing probate court involvement, call me to schedule a review.
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.