Estate Planning Attorney in Florida
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to protect what matters most to them. Whether it’s ensuring your family is taken care of, securing your assets, or clarifying your wishes, having a solid estate plan brings peace of mind.
Here in Florida, it’s especially important to have a plan that considers our state’s unique laws and requirements.
At Zweben Law Group, we understand the importance of creating a plan that reflects your goals. For over 25 years we’ve been helping individuals and families protect their futures. We’re here to make the process simple, approachable, and effective for you and your loved ones.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services Designed for You
Planning for the future involves a lot of decisions, and we’re here to guide you through them. Our services cover all the bases to ensure your estate plan is as complete as it can be:
Wills
A will is the foundation of most estate plans. It outlines how you’d like your assets distributed after your passing and ensures your wishes are honored. We help you create a legally valid will that minimizes the chances of disputes and simplifies the process for your family.
Trusts
Trusts offer flexibility and can be a powerful tool for managing and protecting assets. Some popular trust options include:
· Revocable Living Trusts: Retain control of your assets while avoiding probate.
· Irrevocable Trusts: Shield assets from creditors or provide tax benefits.
· Special Needs Trusts: Ensure loved ones with disabilities are cared for without risking government benefits.
· Charitable Trusts: Support causes you care about while potentially reducing tax obligations.
We’ll work with you to determine which trust options make the most sense for your situation.
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate in Florida can be complex and time-consuming. It’s the process of validating a will and distributing assets, which can include settling debts and handling taxes.
Our team works closely with personal representatives and beneficiaries to make this process as smooth as possible, ensuring compliance with Florida law.
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. We also help parents designate pre-need guardians for minor children to provide extra security for their families.
Health Care Directives
Health care directives let you outline your medical preferences and designate someone to make decisions for you if needed. These documents often include:
· Living Wills: Specify the types of medical treatment you’d want—or not want.
· Health Care Surrogates: Appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
· HIPAA Authorizations: Grant access to your medical information for your loved ones.
Beneficiary Designations
Keeping beneficiary designations up-to-date on accounts like life insurance and retirement plans is critical. Mistakes or outdated designations can lead to unintended consequences. We assist with reviewing and updating these documents to match your estate plan.
Estate Planning in Florida: What Makes It Unique?
Florida has its own set of rules and benefits when it comes to estate planning. Here’s how we can help:
Homestead Property Protections
Florida law offers special protections for your primary residence, ensuring it’s preserved for your family. We can help you maximize these protections to keep your home safe from creditors and ensure it passes smoothly to your heirs.
Probate Avoidance Strategies
Beyond trusts, we can help you explore other ways to avoid probate, like:
· Lady Bird Deeds: Transfer property automatically to heirs without probate.
· Joint Ownership: Use right of survivorship to keep property out of probate.
· Payable-on-Death Accounts: Simplify the transfer of bank accounts and other assets.
Special Needs Trusts
If you have a loved one with disabilities, a special needs trust ensures they’re cared for while maintaining eligibility for essential government benefits. This type of planning requires careful attention to detail, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Federal Estate Taxes
While Florida doesn’t impose its own estate tax, federal estate taxes can still be a concern for larger estates. We’ll help you understand any potential liabilities and explore strategies to minimize them.
Elective Share for Spouses
Florida law gives surviving spouses the right to claim an elective share of their deceased partner’s estate, even if the will states otherwise. We can help ensure your estate plan respects these rights and avoids potential conflicts.
Guardianship
Whether you need to establish guardianship for minors or adults who can’t make decisions for themselves, we’ll guide you through the process with care and compassion.
Why Choose Zweben Law Group?
At Zweben Law Group, we bring the same dedication and care to estate planning as we do to every case. We prioritize your needs with clear explanations, efficient processes, and modern tools to simplify planning. Our positive, detail-oriented approach ensures a stress-free experience, and we always put your trust first.
Don’t wait to safeguard your future. Call Zweben Law Group at 772-758-7585 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Whether it’s a simple will or a comprehensive estate plan, we’re ready to help.
Start Your Free Consultation Today
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FAX: 772 463 0787