Travels through Property Law By Tom Brodersen, Esq.
Estate planning can mean many different things. Each of us is in a unique situation personally, financially and professionally. We all have different sources of income as well as assets, both real and personal, whether we are working or retired. In addition, each person’s family structure and dynamics are different.
Despite all these differences, wholistically approaching estate planning will fully address every question you may have and ensure your piece of mind in the event of physical or mental incapacitation, whether temporary or permanent, and will assure your assets will ultimately be distributed in accordance with your wishes.
We all have different needs and goals. For some people, estate planning may entail writing a simple will to direct the distribution of one’s estate. For others, avoiding the time and expense of probate may be avoided with a trust. Regardless of the route you choose a wholistic estate plan may include, among other things, retirement planning, asset protection, tax avoidance and preservation of eligibility for assistance with nursing home and other medical care. You may also have specific wishes regarding end of life planning as well as practical considerations about sharing treatment information during times of medical challenge.
Once your questions are addressed, your estate planning documents spell out who is going to carry out your goals. You may designate who will care for your minor children. Once in place, you will still need to stay in touch with your estate planning advisors as life circumstances may change, such as marital status or additional heirs. Also, assets, real and personal, often change. We’ve seen many plans go astray based on spontaneous decisions to change titles, etc., that caused unnecessary complications in carrying out your intent. A wholistic approach to estate planning takes all of these things into account, and more. Such planning takes into consideration current tax law, the rules and requirements of various benefit programs, and experience with specific strategies to achieve your goals.
We have three thoughtful lawyers on our staff that do estate planning. Each one focuses on the big picture, and they take a team approach to helping you bring predictability and stability to your future.
Going through the process of determining your needs, goals, options and most appropriate methods to achieve them gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you are not missing something that will cost you or your family unnecessary time and money in the future, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are truly prepared and have a comprehensive, wholistic estate plan in place.
ANDERSON & BRODERSEN, P.A.,
350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, (727) 363-6100, PropertyLawGroup.com