What common mistakes in estate planning in Florida should I be on the lookout for?
A: There are many common mistakes in estate planning in Florida that you should be on the lookout for. One of the biggest mistakes is procrastinating. An experienced Fort Myers, Florida attorney will verify that procrastinating is dangerous because, sadly, people die unexpectedly on a daily basis. You need to take action with your estate planning now, while you are fully capable.
Another common mistake is to create only a will. A will is by far the most important document you need, but you should also consider the following documents:
revocable living trust;
letter of instruction;
durable financial power of attorney form;
documentation of all property you own;
a list of financial accounts with online log-in information;
durable healthcare power of attorney form;
copies of life insurance policies; and
listings of retirement accounts.
Another mistake is to lose track of important documents. It is best to have your Fort Myers, Florida attorney lock away your prenuptial agreement, inventories of your owned items, and other important papers for safekeeping.
Another mistake seen in estate planning involves children. If you have young children, you should appoint a pre-need guardian. If you have disabled children, you should create a Special Needs Trust.
There are many more common mistakes in estate planning, some of which involve appointing an incompetent personal representative and leaving assets with no protection strategies. To avoid common errors, you should meet with an attorney who can help you prepare a solid estate plan to protect yourself and your heirs upon your death.
Help from a Fort Myers, Florida Attorney is a Phone Call Away
Attorney Matthew A. Linde understands firsthand the importance of careful estate planning and the complexities of financial legal matters, such as probate, tax litigation and guardianship. For help with your estate planning concerns, contact our Fort Myers office to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a professional who can answer your questions – 239-939-7100 or 888-643-6514.