The majority of my clients come to me as pupils… not knowing what they don’t know and eager to better understand the ins and outs of planning their demise. Sounds morbid, I know, but it’s also a part of life, and honestly, part of what makes living so beautiful is knowing there will be an end to it. Where we come in is making sure that the end isn’t a tragedy, but as close to a peaceful transition as possible (well, at least regarding we can control).
Part of what sets us apart is that our firm doesn’t look at Estate Planning like a one-and-done… it’s a journey, and when clients chose me to lead them on this journey, I feel a sense of responsibility, duty, and frankly, honor. What an intimate journey this is for most people (and yes, I ask ALL the tough questions!). Knowing I get to be the one that leads you and your family to a place of preparedness and peace, is such a reward.
So, let’s get into it… What happens on this Estate Planning Journey?
- Setting Your Destination: Just as a journey begins by deciding where you want to go, estate planning starts with identifying your objectives—whether it’s protecting your family, minimizing taxes, or ensuring a smooth transfer of assets and avoiding Probate.
- Creating a Map: A successful trip requires a well-thought-out map or itinerary. Similarly, estate planning involves drafting essential documents like wills, trusts, healthcare proxy, powers of attorney and more, to serve as your roadmap for the future.
- Choosing a Guide: Just as you might hire a guide for a complex journey, working with an estate planning attorney ensures you navigate legal requirements, have your plan meet your family goals, and avoid potential pitfalls along the way.
- Reaching Checkpoints: On a long trip, you stop at checkpoints to confirm you’re on track. Part of preparing trusts is ensure your assets are either titled in the name of the Trust now, or set up to “pour into” the Trust as a result of your passing so that your Trust is on track to fulfill your wishes. It’s also a good idea to check back with your guide as the years pass and ensure the map you set out still fits your goals. If there are any changes in your life (think: new family members, relatives that pass, acquisition of assets, sale of assets, change of goals, etc), then it may be a good idea to reroute and adjust your plan for your changed circumstances.
- Arriving at the Destination: The journey’s end is ensuring your plan fulfills your wishes, protects your loved ones, and efficiently transfers your legacy—much like arriving safely and contentedly at your destination. When you pass, your heirs are welcome to reach out to us for guidance and understanding so they experience a smooth transition during a difficult time.
So many people make estate planning an afterthought or think of it in a reactive way. By the time you THINK you need it, it could be too late. Just as you plan vacations, save money for rainy days or emergencies, and plan your goals, you need to make space for estate planning. Here in Florida, assets don’t just pass to loved ones automatically, and if you don’t plan, well then plan on your heirs calling me and getting sticker shock when I tell them what the probate and guardianship fees COULD be (and there’s rarely a set amount since so much depends on things out of our control, not to mention the unpredictability of court cases and judicial temperaments).
Let us help you Get Ahead Before You’re Dead. It’s a funny tagline but it’s true!
