Estate Planning Attorney

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. At our firm, we understand that navigating the world of wills, trusts, and estate planning can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. With decades of combined experience and board-certified attorneys, Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, you can trust that your estate planning needs are in capable hands.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan to manage and distribute your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It is more than just drafting a will. Proper estate planning allows you to protect your assets, minimize taxes, avoid probate, and ensure your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes. Whether you’re starting small or managing a large estate, planning ahead can save your family time, stress, and money.

Why Choose Us for Your Estate Planning Needs?

Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis are board-certified lawyers by The Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 7% of attorneys in Florida. With hundreds of five-star Google reviews and a reputation for excellence, our firm is well respected in the community. We are dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality legal services that meet the unique needs of every client.

When you work with us, you get:

• Expert advice from experienced attorneys.
• A tailored plan designed to achieve your goals.
• Peace of mind knowing your family’s future is secure.

The Importance of a Will in Florida

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without a valid will, the state of Florida will decide how your property is distributed according to intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes.

Key Benefits of Having a Will:

• Control Over Your Assets: Decide who inherits your property and in what proportions.
• Guardianship for Minor Children: Appoint a trusted individual to care for your children if you pass away.
• Reduce Family Disputes: A clear will reduces the likelihood of disagreements among your heirs.
• Ease the Probate Process: A well-drafted will can streamline the probate process, saving time and money.

Our attorneys will work with you to create a will that reflects your unique circumstances and ensures your loved ones are taken care of.

Trusts: A Powerful Estate Planning Tool

Trusts are another essential component of many estate plans. Unlike a will, a trust allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime, providing greater flexibility and control over your property. Trusts are particularly useful for avoiding probate, protecting privacy, and ensuring your assets are managed responsibly.

Types of Trusts in Florida

1. Revocable Living Trusts:
   • Allows you to retain control of your assets during your lifetime.
   • Can be modified or revoked at any time.
   • Helps avoid probate and ensures seamless asset transfer.
2. Irrevocable Trusts:
   • Cannot be changed or revoked once created.
   • Offers greater asset protection and potential tax benefits.
3. Special Needs Trusts:
   • Designed to provide for a disabled beneficiary without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
4. Charitable Trusts:
   • Allows you to leave a legacy by supporting a cause you care about while providing tax advantages.

Our firm will help you determine which type of trust is right for you and draft the necessary documents to achieve your goals.

Avoiding Probate in Florida

Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. While probate ensures your assets are distributed according to your will (or Florida law if you don’t have one), it can be time-consuming, costly, and public. By incorporating trusts and other estate planning tools, you can often avoid probate altogether.

Strategies to Avoid Probate:

• Establishing a revocable living trust.
• Designating beneficiaries on financial accounts.
• Setting up transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) accounts.
• Holding property jointly with the right of survivorship.

We’ll help you implement these strategies so your loved ones can avoid the stress and expense of probate.

The Role of Advance Directives in Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t just about distributing your assets. It also involves planning for unexpected events during your lifetime. Advance directives allow you to make your healthcare and financial preferences known if you become incapacitated.

Key Advance Directives:

1. Living Will:
   • Specifies your medical treatment preferences if you are unable to communicate them.
2. Healthcare Surrogate Designation:
   • Appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
3. Durable Power of Attorney:
   • Grants someone the authority to manage your financial affairs if you’re unable to do so.

Having these documents in place ensures that your wishes are respected and reduces the burden on your family during difficult times.

Protecting Your Family’s Future

We understand that every family’s situation is unique. Whether you’re starting a family, planning for retirement, or managing a complex estate, we are here to help. Our attorneys will take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and create a customized estate plan that provides peace of mind.

Common Questions About Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning:

• Do I need a will if I have a trust?
  • Yes, a will is still important. A “pour-over” will ensures that any assets not included in your trust are properly distributed.
• How often should I update my estate plan?
  • Review your plan every few years or after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets.
• Can I handle estate planning on my own?
  • While DIY options exist, they often lead to costly mistakes. Working with an experienced attorney ensures your plan is legally sound and tailored to your needs.

Why Estate Planning Matters at Any Age

Many people assume estate planning is only for the elderly or the wealthy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Young families need wills to designate guardians for their children. Middle-aged individuals benefit from trusts to manage assets and reduce taxes. Seniors rely on estate planning to protect their legacy and provide for long-term care.

No matter where you are in life, planning ahead protects your family and gives you peace of mind.

Contact Us for Trusted Estate Planning Services

At our firm, we are committed to helping individuals and families in Florida with their estate planning needs. Whether you need a simple will, a comprehensive trust, or guidance on avoiding probate, we are here to assist you. Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis bring decades of experience and a client-centered approach to every case.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning for your future. With hundreds of five-star reviews and a reputation for excellence, you can trust us to handle your estate planning with care and professionalism.

Take the first step to protect your legacy. Call us or fill out our online contact form now.