Estate Planning FAQ
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your loved ones receive your property and other assets as you intend upon your death. Estate planning advice can help you make the best choices about how your estate should be handled and ensure that the probate process goes smoothly for your survivors. Our estate planning attorneys offer their experience and in-depth knowledge of Florida will and probate law to residents of the Orlando and Winter Park areas.
Why do I need an estate plan?
With thoughtful estate planning, you can take the time to consider what assets and property you expect to leave in your estate and how you want your affairs handled after your death. Estate planning addresses many key issues such as the following:
- Designates a guardian for your minor children
- Appoints a competent person to settle the estate
- Reduces taxes on your estate
- Prepares wills and trusts
- Minimizes the cost of transferring property to heirs
- States your end of life medical and burial preferences
Read more about our estate planning services
Why do I need a lawyer for estate planning?
If a will does not satisfy certain legal requirements, or if it is confusing or incomplete, it can be challenged. An estate planning attorney can make sure your will meets legal guidelines such as the following:
- Testators must be of legal age and sound mind
- Testators must sign and date the will
- The signature must be placed at the end of the will
- The signing must be witnessed and signed by two people who do not stand to benefit from the will
- Heirs and their inheritances must be clearly stated in the will
Since you will no longer be here to clarify your intentions, it is important that your will is prepared correctly so that probate goes smoothly for your survivors.
Read more about the probate process
Contact us to avoid estate planning pitfalls
If the legality of your will is contested, it will be tossed out of probate and state officials will create a will for you in a process known as intestate succession. In this case, your property may be distributed to people or in a manner you did not want. Now is the time to put a legal will in place so your wishes are respected. We also offer our services for the creation of living wills.
To consult an attorney for Orlando estate planning advice, please contact the Law Offices of Baldwin & Morrison, P.A. today.
Baldwin & Morrison brings years of experience and an in-depth legal knowledge to all of their cases. They provide legal services in the areas of probate, wills, trusts, and real estate law to residents of Orlando, Winter Park, Casselberry, Sanford, Lake Mary and surrounding cities.
