Wills Archives - Carol A. Lawson

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Will Facts

August 25, 2024/3 Comments/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, carollawsonpesq, ClearwaterEstatePlanning, Elder, Estate Planning, Probate/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

A will has no legal authority until after death. So, a will does not help manage a person’s affairs when they are incapacitated, whether by illness or injury. A will does not help an estate avoid probate. A will is the legal document submitted to the probate court, so it is basically an “admission ticket” to probate. A will is a good place to nominate the guardians of your minor children if they are orphaned. All parents of minor children should document their choice of guardians. If you leave this to chance, you could be setting up a family battle royal, and your children could end up with the wrong guardians.

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Don’t Let The State Of Florida Decide

August 25, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, carollawsonpesq, Clearwater, ClearwaterEstatePlanning, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Pinellas County, Probate, Will, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

There are various strategies and tools available in estate planning, such as wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, living wills, and advance health care directives, among others. Unfortunately, many people overlook this critical step in securing their family’s financial future. By preparing a well-considered estate plan, you position yourself ahead of those who fail to plan at all. It often comes as a surprise to learn that without an estate plan, Florida law will determine how your assets are distributed after your death—and the State’s plan is often not what you would have chosen. A properly drafted estate plan ensures that your wishes take precedence over the State’s default plan.

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Involve Your Family in Estate Planning to Honor Wishes and Prevent Future Conflicts

August 25, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpesq, Clearwater, ClearwaterEstatePlanning, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Pinellas County, Probate, Trust, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

Discussing estate planning with family is crucial, particularly as parents grow older. These conversations help ensure that everyone’s wishes are respected and that potential conflicts are avoided. Initiating these discussions early on can provide peace of mind for the entire family. Involving adult children in these talks is essential for maintaining an up-to-date and comprehensive estate plan.

The Importance of Family Involvement

Including adult children in the estate planning process is vital as parents age. Health and financial circumstances can change, necessitating updates to estate plans. Adult children can help ensure that these plans accurately reflect current needs and desires. Early discussions also help sidestep the complexities of probate, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful.

Understanding Probate and Its Impact

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is managed and distributed. Without the proper estate planning documents, an estate will go into probate upon death, which can lead to several challenges:

Lengthy Delays: Probate can take months or even years, delaying asset distribution.
High Costs: Legal fees and court costs can significantly reduce the estate’s value.
Lack of Privacy: Probate proceedings are public, allowing anyone to access details about the estate.

By having the right estate planning documents in place, families can avoid the pitfalls of probate.

Preparing for the Conversation

Approaching the subject of estate planning with aging parents requires sensitivity and respect. Consider the following tips:

Choose the Right Time and Place: Select a calm, private setting at a time when everyone is relaxed and receptive.
Be Patient and Understanding: Acknowledge that this can be a difficult topic for parents to discuss.
Frame It Positively: Highlight that planning now can prevent stress and confusion later.

Strategies for Effective Communication

To ensure clear and productive discussions:

Encourage Openness: Allow parents to express their wishes freely, without feeling pressured.
Include All Relevant Family Members: Ensure that all siblings or relevant family members are involved to prevent misunderstandings later.
Listen Actively: Show respect for your parents’ wishes by listening carefully.

Key Topics to Address

When discussing estate planning with your parents, it’s important to cover the following:

Wills and Trusts: Make sure these documents reflect current wishes and circumstances. Trusts can help avoid probate and offer clear instructions for asset distribution.
Healthcare Directives: Discuss living wills and medical powers of attorney to ensure parents’ healthcare preferences are followed.
Powers of Attorney: Decide who will handle financial and legal matters if parents become incapacitated.
Executors and Healthcare Proxies: Ensure the chosen individuals are ready and willing to take on these roles.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Consulting with legal and financial professionals is essential to make sure that all aspects of the estate plan are legally binding and financially sound. It’s advisable to review the estate plan regularly, particularly after major life events or changes in the law, to keep it current and effective.

Providing Peace of Mind

Making estate planning a family affair ensures that everyone’s wishes are honored and helps prevent future conflicts. Approach these discussions with care and a shared commitment to respecting each other’s wishes. A well-prepared estate plan not only helps avoid the complications of probate but also offers peace of mind for the entire family.

Ready to begin the conversation about estate planning with your family? Contact Carol Lawson PA today at (727) 410-2705 to schedule a consultation and receive expert guidance on creating a comprehensive and respectful estate plan.

Types of Wills In Florida

May 6, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Probate, Trust, Will, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

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5 Steps To Find The Necessary Documents For Probate

May 6, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, carollawsonpesq, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Probate, Trust, Will, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

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Estate Planning For Business Owners

May 6, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Probate, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

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How Does Formal Probate Work In Florida?

March 18, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Probate, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

Formal probate is the legal process that is used in Florida to administer a deceased person’s estate when they have passed away with a valid will, or when they passed away without a will (intestate). Here are the steps involved in a formal probate in Florida:

Filing the Petition: The probate process begins when a petition is filed with the probate court. The petition is typically filed by the personal representative named in the will or appointed by the court if there is no will. The petition must include information about the deceased person, their assets, and the names and addresses of their beneficiaries.
Notice to Creditors: The personal representative must notify the deceased person’s creditors of the probate proceeding, and they must also publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Creditors have a set period of time to make a claim against the estate, usually three months.
Inventory and Appraisal: The personal representative is required to prepare an inventory of the deceased person’s assets and have them appraised. This is necessary to determine the value of the estate and to ensure that all assets are accounted for.
Payment of Debts and Taxes: The personal representative must pay any valid debts and taxes owed by the deceased person or the estate.
Distribution of Assets: After all debts and taxes have been paid, the personal representative can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or heirs at law if there is no will.
Closing the Estate: Once all of the assets have been distributed, the personal representative can close the estate. This involves filing a final accounting with the probate court and obtaining approval of the accounting from the court.

The formal probate process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it’s important to work with an experienced probate attorney to ensure that the process is carried out correctly. An attorney can help guide you through each step of the process and can help you avoid potential pitfalls that could delay the process or lead to legal disputes.

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Types of Wills in Florida

March 18, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, Elder, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Florida Foreclosure Defense, Probate, Will, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

There are several types of wills in Florida that you may want to consider as part of your estate planning process. Here are some of the most common types of wills in Florida:

Formal Will: This is the most common type of will in Florida, and it is typically prepared by an attorney. A formal will must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) and two witnesses in the presence of each other. The witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the testator. A formal will can be used to distribute your assets, name a personal representative (executor), and nominate guardians for minor children.
Holographic Will: A holographic will is a handwritten will that is signed and dated by the testator but is not witnessed. In Florida, holographic wills are generally not recognized as valid, with a few exceptions such as if the will was created outside of Florida but is valid in the state where it was created.
Nuncupative Will: A nuncupative will, also known as an oral or deathbed will, is a spoken declaration of the testator’s wishes that is made in the presence of witnesses. In Florida, nuncupative wills are generally not recognized as valid, except in certain limited circumstances such as for members of the armed forces who are on active duty.
Self-Proving Will: A self-proving will is a type of formal will that includes a notarized affidavit signed by the testator and witnesses. This affidavit serves as evidence that the will was executed properly, which can make the probate process smoother and faster.
Living Will: A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. A living will can specify the types of medical treatments you do or do not want, such as life-sustaining treatments.

It’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine which type of will is right for you and your specific circumstances. An attorney can help ensure that your will is properly executed and meets all legal requirements in Florida.

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About Your Will

March 18, 2024/in carollawsonesq, carollawsonpa, Estate Planning, flipflopattorney, flipfloptrustattorney, Probate, Will, Wills/by Carol A. Lawson, Esq.

You should keep your Will in a safe place. Make sure you tell someone that you have a Will and where to find it.

You should keep this information sheet with the Will. Attach a list of your main assets, and indicate where your other important personal documents are kept. This list should also include information about your life insurance policies, jointly owned property, and any personal retirement plans you have set up (such as IRA or KEOUGH plans).

Do not write on your Will or attempt to change your Will yourself. Consult with your attorney.

Your Personal Representative should contact legal counsel before proceeding with the administration of your estate.

As you know, we have taken steps in the preparation of this Will to simplify the administration of your estate. Of course, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your Will and your estate with you and the person you have named as Personal Representative.

We are pleased to have been able to serve you in this matter. If you have any other legal questions or needs, feel free to contact this office at any time.

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What is Needed For A Basic Estate Plan?

January 29, 2020/in Estate Planning/by Carol

Everyone needs an Estate Plan. Some people need a more complex one than others, but everyone needs one. The very Basics you need are as follows:

Will– need to designate Beneficiaries and Guardianship for Minor or Disabled Children.
Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)– Who will handle your finances, and needs if you are incapacitated and can not make those decisions.
Healthcare Surrogate- who will make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
Living Will– Do you want live support? Do you want to be kept alive in a vegetative state? Are their limits? Do you want food, hydration, pain medication?
HIPPA Release– Who has access to your medical records.