Jacksonville Estate Planning
Tips and advice on estate planning
For those looking to build a smart and thoughtful estate plan in Jacksonville, consulting with an attorney who offers estate planning services is a necessary step.
Attorney Todd Watson has provided the estate planning advice below for your reference—but remember that every estate is unique, and the best way to protect your family and loved ones is to create your plan with a legal professional.
Include the right documents in your estate plan
A comprehensive estate plan should include the following critical items:
- A valid will and/or trust
- A written statement concerning the status of your assets
- An advance directive/living will that states your end-of-life preferences and/or a declaration of a durable power of attorney who should make those decisions if you do not have the capacity
- Additional final instructions
Review your estate plan periodically
Life situations are continually changing, so it should come as no surprise that estate documents can fall out-of-date. A good rule of thumb is to review your estate plan every two to three years, but it should also be done any time a significant life change occurs, such as
- A birth, death, marriage, divorce, or disability of you and/or a beneficiary
- A substantial increase or decrease in your net worth
- A significant change in the type of your assets
- You purchase or sell a business
- You move to another state
- There is a change in tax law
Use the services of an estate planning attorney to ensure that your documents are effective
Although there are basic forms you can fill out to complete a legally valid will or trust, only an attorney can assess your unique situation and offer recommendations and advice to make your estate documents effective and efficient. For example, an attorney can help you determine how to avoid unnecessary taxes so that your assets go to your beneficiaries, and not to the government. In addition, your estate planning lawyer can arrange for your estate to bypass probate, thereby allowing your assets to be rapidly disbursed.
Make sure your estate planning attorney is competent and trustworthy
When selecting an attorney to plan your estate, it is important to find someone who possesses the proper qualifications. Make sure to ask a prospective attorney the following questions before hiring:
- Is your primary focus in estate planning?
- What is your experience in estate planning (how many years of practice, how many clients served, etc.)?
- What is your process for updating and maintaining my estate plan over the years?
- What professional organizations do you belong to?
Above all, you should feel comfortable working with your attorney and with him or her knowing the details of your assets/estate. Never choose an attorney you do not fully trust.
Estate planning attorney in Jacksonville
Todd Watson offers comprehensive estate planning services tailored to your personal needs. For a skilled and reliable estate planner, or to request an attorney referral for another matter, contact Todd Watson today.
