Important Questions To Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney
Everyone should have an estate plan that outlines how they would like their estate to be managed and distributed after their death. An estate also serves other purposes, such as naming a guardian for minor children and appointing a health care surrogate in case you are ever unable to make medical decisions for yourself. When meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it is important to ask certain questions so you can learn about the different strategies and choose the law firm that is right for you.
What Documents Should You Draft?
Estate plans consist of much more than just wills and trusts. Depending on your situation, you may need other legal documents, as well. You may want to appoint beneficiaries on your bank accounts, create a living will or preneed guardian designation, or draft a healthcare directive. Your estate planning lawyer can outline the different tools available and the benefits they have for you and your loved ones.
How Long Does Estate Planning Take?
The length of time estate planning takes depends on many factors. These include the complexity of your estate, the documents you have available and the length of time it may take to obtain them, and responding to questions. Your lawyer may need to investigate issues pertaining to your property, family, or creditors to ensure they are providing the best advice. Estate planning can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months but your lawyer can advise on the amount of time it may take during an initial consultation.
Do You Handle Estate Administration?
Estate planning is the process of drafting wills, establishing and funding trusts, and executing a number of other documents. Estate administration is the process that puts those documents into effect and distributes your assets upon your death. It is important to work with a lawyer who can execute your documents and help you through estate administration. This provides consistency for your family members and ensures the attorney understands your priorities, making the process much smoother.
Do You Handle Probate Litigation?
Just as you want to work with a lawyer who has experience with estate administration, you also want to ensure they take probate litigation cases. Probate litigation can occur for many reasons, including if someone challenges a will or trust. It is important to work with an attorney who is experienced with probate litigation. They will know what causes disputes to arise, and how to avoid them.
Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Answer Your Questions
Estate planning is important for you and your family, but it is of critical importance that you work with the right Daytona Beach estate planning lawyer. At Bundza & Rodriguez, we can answer all of your questions and ensure your wishes are honored by drafting the documents you need. We can also help you and your family overcome any challenges that may arise now, or in the future. Call us today at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0736/0736.html
