Did you know that everyone in the state of Florida has an estate plan? Part I of Chapter 732 of the Florida Statues is you estate plan if you have assets titled in your name and do not have a will. For some people this is acceptable. However, for many of us, failing to plan is inadvertently creating a mess upon your death. Contact Mattherw A. Linde, P.A. today for more information.

What is an estate plan?  Simply stated, your estate plan is the documents that you have executed that (1) manage your assets upon your disability and (2) manage and transfer your assets upon your death.  Depending on your situation, both of these goals may involve various documents, which establish entities upon your death or disability. 

We often receive phone calls asking “how much for a will or trust?”  We always answer that question with “it depends.”  It is important to understand that when you go to see an experienced estate planning attorney your are not primarily paying for the actual document just like when you go to see a physician you are not primarily paying for surgery.  Imagine calling around town asking various heart surgeons “how much do you charge for heart surgery?”  While heart surgery is an important part of a heart patient’s treatment, it is equally important that the heart patient understand their options so he or she can make a fully informed decision.      

The same analysis is true concerning estate planning.  Estate planning is a process.  An experienced estate planning attorney will take the time to ask you questions so the attorney understands you as well as your family dynamics and your asset ownership structure.  It is very important to hire an experienced estate planning attorney because so many attorneys claim that they prepare wills and trusts as part of their practice.  As part of my litigation practice we have deposed many attorneys who claim they prepare estate planning documents and do not even know what a trust or durable power of attorney is.  Matthew A. Linde is an experienced estate planning attorney with many years of experience who has administered large estates with complicated tax issues.  Contact Matthew A. Linde, P.A. for more information.   

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Library for Estate Planning:

  • What You Need to Know about Living Trusts   
    Description: There are many advantages to a living trust, including the ability to manage your assets during your lifetime and the ability to distribute your assets upon your death. This article provides insight into living trusts, also known as revocable trusts. To find out if you can benefit from a living trust, contact a Fort Meyers, Florida estate attorney at Matthew A. Linde, P.A. at (239) 939-7100.

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