A Jacksonville Estate Planning Attorney Can Help You Plan For the Future
Estate planning establishes what will happen to your assets if you become incapacitated or pass away. It is a planning process anyone who owns assets should take part in as it is not just for the wealthy. An effective estate plan by a knowledgeable Jacksonville estate planning attorney can provide for your future and the future of those that you love most, all while protecting your family legacy.
Wills
A will is a document wherein the testator (the person writing the will) states how they wish their property to be disposed of upon death. The testator appoints a personal representative, or executor, to handle the estate distribution. A testator can also list in their will who they wish to have guardianship over their minor child(ren) upon death. There are rules on how wills must be executed to be valuable in Florida, and our Jacksonville estate planning attorney will ensure all requirements are met.
Trusts
Different types of trusts are used for various reasons, but one of the most common is a living or revocable trust. It is a popular choice because it allows the trustor (the person creating the trust) to maintain power while alive and allows the assets placed in the trust to avoid probate when the trustor passes away.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a way for a person (principal) to delegate authority to act on their behalf to someone else (agent). There are different types of POAs, and the type you use will depend on what you intend to accomplish. Some are more restrictive in the powers they grant, while others are more broad. Your Jacksonville estate planning attorney can help you decide which type of POA you need.
Health Care Surrogate
An estate plan is all about planning for life’s “what ifs,” such as what should happen if you cannot make your own health care decisions. By appointing a health care surrogate, you can remove the guesswork, as there will be a person you choose to make your health care decisions when you cannot do so.
Living Will
A living will is a document that a person writes while they are well, laying out what level of medical care they want should they ever become incapacitated. Usually, a living will states whether or not a person wants life-saving measures, such as resuscitation, performed when needed.
Speak With An Experienced Jacksonville Estate Planning Attorney
Having your affairs in order so that you are prepared for the unexpected is a gift for yourself and those you care for most. It is a way of ensuring that you are ready to handle whatever comes your way. At Dixon Law, we provide customized estate planning services in a caring atmosphere. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Jacksonville estate planning attorney.