Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Estate planning is a process of organizing the management and disposal of your estate after your lifetime. Proper planning means defending your assets, protecting your wishes, minimizing tax obligations and ensuring a swift transition after your passing. We can help you determine what tools work best for your needs.
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we are committed to offering ethical, community-oriented legal services to residents of Winter Garden. Our Florida attorney is dedicated to working diligently for your benefit, ensuring comprehensive and honest representation. She believes in transparency and offers many services on a flat-fee basis, which helps eliminate unexpected costs. Our law firm has been recognized for excellence, with our attorney being named Lawyer of the Year by both Orlando Style Magazine and Business Rate. We are here to help you develop a personalized plan for your estate planning needs.
Components Of An Estate Plan
An estate plan is composed of several key components, each tailored to your unique goals and situation. As we work with you to develop a reliable estate plan, we can include features such as:
- Will: A legal document that specifies how you want to distribute your assets when you pass on.
- Trusts: Arrangements that allow a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of beneficiaries, usually allowing a beneficiary to collect assets with reduced tax obligations.
- Power of Attorney: A document giving someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf about your financial needs.
- Health care Directives: Instructions regarding your health care preferences if you are unable to communicate them yourself.
Our estate planning lawyers believe in providing honest and ethical representation. We do not oversell services but focus on creating a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
What Does Estate Planning Cost In Florida
The cost of estate planning in Florida can vary depending on the complexity of your estate and your individual goals. At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we want estate planning to be an affordable option anyone can pursue, which is why we offer our services with clear and transparent billing practices. We offer some services on a flat-fee basis, and other services can have different costs based on the complexity of the estate planning challenges. We will review your unique situation to confirm what you can expect to pay for our estate planning guidance.
When To Create An Estate Plan
Creating an estate plan is a crucial step in securing your future and that of your loved ones. There is no telling what may happen tomorrow, which makes today the best time to get an estate plan if you do not already have one. If you have experienced a major life event, like the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce or even a significant career change, it is also a good time to update your estate plan to ensure it still reflects your current wishes.
Common Questions About Estate Planning
Many of our clients have similar questions about estate planning. To help you have the answers you are looking for, we have answered some of our most common questions here:
Why do I need an estate planning lawyer?
An estate planning lawyer provides valuable expertise in creating a comprehensive plan that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We can help you through the legal requirements involved with estate planning, reduce the tax obligations your beneficiaries will have, and reduce the chances of anyone disputing your wishes. We can also address issues related to unique family dynamics, business needs and charity aspirations. With our help, you can have peace of mind that your last wishes will be fulfilled.
What should be included in an estate plan?
An estate plan should include several key components to cover various aspects of your financial and personal affairs. A proper estate plan will include a will that specifies how your assets will go to your loved ones, a trust to manage inheritance assets while you are alive and after your passing, and a power of attorney designation to ensure someone is looking after your finances when you cannot. Beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance policies should also be reviewed and updated as part of the planning process.
What happens if I do not have an estate plan?
If you do not have an estate plan, the distribution of your assets will be determined by state laws rather than your personal wishes. This process of intestacy can result in an outcome that you do not agree with. Without an estate plan in place, you can also lose the chance to appoint a guardian for your children or someone to look after your financial or medical wishes.
Start Planning Ahead With Confidence
At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., we are here to assist you through the estate planning process. Call us at 407-656-1576 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today. The sooner you meet with our lawyer, the sooner we can develop a custom-tailored estate plan that reflects your assets, wishes and needs.