Melbourne Wills, Probate & Estates Lawyer

It can feel uncomfortable, awkward, or actually terrifying to think about your own demise. What you may worry more about is the implications of not having an estate plan in mind. A will, trust, and other tools can ensure you achieve your wishes regarding your final affairs when you are longer around. However, you do have options if a loved one passed without an estate plan, and your choices are critical when others are looking to you for help with probate.

Our Melbourne wills, probate & estates lawyers at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP have the legal knowledge to counsel you on estate planning options. We are equally prepared to offer advice and assistance if you are charged with handling the estate of a loved one. Please contact our Melbourne office to schedule a consultation regarding your circumstances. We can also offer some basic information about estates and planning.

The Importance of Estate Planning

The Florida Probate Code covers all aspects of estates, wills, and probate. We can explain your options regarding estate planning after reviewing your goals and circumstances, but some options include:

• Wills: Your will is your legacy and a way to pass your assets on to those you care about. This important document is also key in determining who handles the important tasks regarding your estate. Though your will, you can appoint an executor you trust and distribute your assets how you see appropriate – rather than having the law decide for you.
• Trusts: For more control over your estate, and especially for high value assets, you may want to consider various types of trusts. There are tax advantages for certain trust structures and ways to prolong value. You may also consider a special needs trust to benefit a family member who also has access to public benefits.
• Other Estate Planning Options: Powers of attorney are a practical consideration while you are still alive, but cannot make decisions for yourself. If you become incapacitated, you can appoint an agent to handle your financial affairs. When you have a condition that renders you unable to decide on treatment, you have a person to take over in making these choices.

Other Estate Issues Under Florida Law

Our team at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP understands that, despite best intentions on creating an estate plan, circumstances can intervene. When they do, and a loved one dies without a will or other directives, you will need assistance from a lawyer. We can represent you in connection with court proceedings, which may include:

• A petition to be appointed as the decedent’s personal representative;
• Gathering information on assets and preparing an inventory;
• Paying the decedent’s creditors;
• Distributing assets under Florida laws on intestacy; and,
• Other tasks related to wrapping up the estate.

Discuss Your Future with a Melbourne Wills, Probate & Estates Lawyer

For more information on estates and estate planning, please contact our Melbourne wills, probate, and estates lawyers at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP. You can reach our Melbourne, FL office by calling 321-421-5529. We are happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and legal strategies.